Job description
Maryland State Advocate
Environment Maryland is a citizen-based environmental advocacy organization and a project of Environment America. We believe there’s something special about Maryland — something worth protecting and preserving for future generations. Whether it’s the jagged coastline of the Eastern Shore, the rolling hills of western Maryland, or our local parks, the state’s natural wonders enrich our lives in countless ways.
And yet it’s no secret that the earth is in trouble. For too long, our society has degraded the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink, diminished the wildlife and wild places we love, and destabilized the climate we need to survive. Despite the challenges, Environment Maryland and our national network keep finding multiple ways to make a positive difference for the planet. We’ve won campaigns in Maryland to ban fracking, reduce the use of single-use plastics, and expand clean energy. But there is still more to be done. We are currently recruiting a State Advocate to run our state based programs.
Environment Maryland is a policy and action group with thousands of supporters across the state. Our mission is to protect clean air, clean water and open space. As a state advocate, you will work to keep our waterways and the Chesapeake Bay clean and safe for wildlife and humans alike, advance clean energy solutions, and protect more parks and open spaces. Our current priorities in Maryland include protecting clean air, water, and open spaces; passing policies to reduce plastic waste; and, reducing global warming pollution in homes and buildings.
Environment America
Environment America is a national network of 30 state environmental groups with one mission — to change our country and our world to be a greener, healthier place. We have more than 2 million members and supporters spread across all 50 states. We promote national, state and local policies that put the earth first. For example, we’ve won policies that have resulted in more solar and wind power in 25 states, passage of the 2020 Great America Outdoors Act, America’s most sweeping conservation law in decades, and better protections for our rivers, streams, lakes and drinking water.
In every campaign we run, we put the earth first. Nothing else matters if we don’t have a healthy planet. Restoring and protecting the environment is our only mission. We also know that lasting progress for the planet comes one challenging step at a time. We have a bold vision of a greener world. But we know that making a difference often requires compromise. We also know that, to make progress sustainable, we need to reach out to everybody, not just the people who already agree with us. We recruit supporters from every state we can — whether it’s considered “red,” “blue” or “purple.” We work with any elected official — Democrat or Republican — who wants to protect our environment. And we do whatever we think will turn public opinion and political momentum toward a greener, healthier world.
State Advocate Representative Responsibilities
Program: Run our in-state program, participating in and overseeing policy development, research and messaging.
Advocacy & Coalition Building: Bring problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers — including state legislators, people on the governor’s staff, state regulators and local officials. Develop appropriate messages and materials for making the case to decision-makers. Build relationships with key players in the state, the region and at the federal level. Identify, reach out and work with partners who can help us win our campaigns.
Campaign strategy: Develop plans to win on our environmental campaigns. Assess opportunities for building political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage, endorsements and message development.
Communications: Serve as the public spokesperson for our environmental campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings and other outreach with a goal of building name recognition for the organization, educating the public about our issues, and building and demonstrating support for our positions.
Fundraising and grassroots support: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff and meet with our donors, all to bring more resources to campaigns we’re waging to protect our environment. Work with our citizen outreach staff to build and foster our membership base, grassroots and online base of support.
Staff recruitment and development: Recruit new staff and volunteers to increase our impact and build our power.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate would have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, show excellent judgment and discretion, and have the ability to oversee significant projects. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to environmental and public interest issues, to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership. We’re looking for goal-driven and results-oriented individuals who have excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work.
Experience in state level political advocacy, grassroots organizing, fundraising is a bonus.
Compensation & Benefits
The starting annual compensation range for this position is $32,000-$42,000 and depends on relevant experience and education. The Public Interest Network offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, needs-based student loan assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, commuter benefit program, paid time off, parental leave and long-term disability insurance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boostered. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.
Location
Baltimore, MD
How to Apply
Please apply online at: https://environmentamerica.org/jobs/environment-maryland-state-advocate/. Please state the position you are applying to in your cover letter.
Environment Maryland is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Click here for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Environment Maryland is an equal opportunity employer.
Location
Details
Employer
Environment America
Job category
Advocacy
Employment type
Full Time
Experience
0+ years
Compensation
$32,000 – $42,000
Start date
Apply by March 1, 2023