Communications Coordinator

Job Title: Chapter Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Department: District of Columbia Chapter

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid - 3 days in office)

Reports To: Chapter Director

Supervises: n/a

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The DC Chapter of the Sierra Club seeks a strategic, collaborative, and equity-focused team member to shape and implement the Chapter’s outreach and advocacy efforts to build a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable DC for all. The Chapter Outreach & Communications Associate will implement and support the day-to-day operations of the Chapter office, communications, and outreach programs. Duties include supporting administrative functions, routing inbound requests, supporting Chapter fundraising, leading Chapter email and digital outreach, and supporting volunteer leaders to ensure Chapter activities are well organized and implemented. The Chapter Outreach & Communications Associate will work closely with Chapter staff and leaders on campaigns, and help build grassroots power by working to increase the number of people involved and engaged.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

• Digital Communications and Content Management. Lead and manage the Chapter’s digital communications and content strategy across social media, email, and the website. Draft, edit, and post engaging content, including graphics, to maintain a dynamic online presence. Develop and maintain a content library, ensuring alignment with Chapter goals and initiatives. Collaborate with staff and volunteer leaders to deliver consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Volunteer Coordination and Engagement. Oversee volunteer engagement, serving as the primary point of contact for new members and volunteers. Lead regular orientations, facilitate volunteer involvement in Chapter initiatives, and coordinate volunteer participation in hearings, webinars, and events. Work closely with Chapter leadership to onboard volunteers and connect them with appropriate committees and activities, ensuring a seamless integration into the Chapter's efforts.
• Event Planning and Logistics Management. Coordinate the planning and logistics for Chapter events, including monthly grassroots engagement sessions and outreach activities. Provide support for event setup, scheduling, and volunteer involvement. Ensure smooth execution of Chapter meetings, fundraisers, and other significant events, often during evenings or weekends, as required.
• Fundraising and Development Support. Assist with Chapter fundraising initiatives by coordinating the production of fundraising letters, acknowledgments, and donor communications. Prepare and manage materials for individual and monthly giving programs. Support the development of grant applications and reporting requirements, working closely with the Chapter Director and staff to meet fundraising goals.
• Administrative and Operational Support. Manage day-to-day office operations, including maintaining files, processing contributions, and responding to routine inquiries. Develop and implement office procedures to ensure an efficient and functional workspace. Assist Chapter staff and leaders with meeting coordination, agenda preparation, and general administrative support, contributing to the smooth running of Chapter operations.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience, and competencies:

• Excellent Written and Oral Communication Skills. You have demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, allowing you to effectively engage with diverse audiences. In this role, you will draft compelling email newsletters, social media content, and outreach materials, while also delivering clear instructions during volunteer orientations and public events.
• Experience Working with Volunteers and Community Partners. You have a demonstrated ability to effectively engage and collaborate with volunteers and community partners. In this role, you will lead orientations, onboard new volunteers, and work closely with local organizations to foster partnerships that align with the Chapter’s advocacy and outreach goals.
• Proficiency with Social Media Platforms. You have strong experience with social media platforms such as Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram, allowing you to manage an active and engaging online presence. In this position, you will use your skills to draft, post, and schedule social media content, while analyzing engagement data to refine the Chapter’s digital outreach strategies.
• Event Planning and Coordination. You have sharp attention to detail and proven experience managing logistics and deadlines for events. As Chapter Outreach Coordinator, you will organize grassroots engagement events, ensuring everything from scheduling to volunteer coordination runs smoothly, while also managing follow-ups and post-event reporting.
• Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

• Organizing and/or campaigns or advocacy.
• Writing advocacy communications like emails, advocacy actions, articles, blog posts, and presentations.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, VAN, WordPress, ActionNetwork, and design tools like Adobe or Canva.
• Experience with supporting fundraising programs.
• Social media strategy development and implementation.