Advocacy and Outreach Senior Coordinator

California Native Plant Society•Sacramento, CA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Advocacy and Outreach Senior Coordinator plays a critical role in advancing CNPS’s Saving What Matters Most and Landscapes for Change campaigns by building grassroots advocacy capacity, supporting chapter conservation leaders, coordinating volunteer engagement, and advancing strategic conservation initiatives across California. The Senior Coordinator provides leadership for the CNPS Advocacy Corps, a statewide initiative jointly managed by the Conservation and Public Affairs Departments. The position reports to the Conservation Director on advocacy training, volunteer support, and chapter engagement, and to the Senior Public Affairs Director on policy analysis, advocacy strategy, and communications. Working closely with staff, volunteers, chapters, and coalition partners, the Senior Coordinator helps translate CNPS conservation and organization priorities into coordinated advocacy efforts that protect California’s native plants, habitats, and biodiversity. By strengthening connections among CNPS’s chapter network, conservation partners, and CNPS strategic campaigns, the Senior Coordinator helps build the public support, volunteer leadership, and civic engagement necessary to achieve lasting conservation outcomes, including California’s 30x30 goals.

Requirements

At least 4 years of relevant professional experience in conservation advocacy, volunteer engagement, public policy, community organizing, or a related field.
Knowledge of California biodiversity conservation, land use planning, and environmental review processes.
Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, conservation planning, public lands, or related policy areas.
Familiarity with the California legislative process.
Experience recruiting, training, coordinating, and supporting volunteers or community members.
Ability to build trust and relationships across diverse communities and backgrounds.
Skilled at facilitating engagement and empowering others to take action.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to facilitate meetings, deliver training, and represent CNPS in public settings.
Ability to develop advocacy resources, educational materials, and presentations.
Familiarity with the principles of email automation, journeys or ladders of engagement, and conversion.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
Experience working with the Microsoft Suite of products.
Passion for protecting California’s native plants and biodiversity.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility.
Enthusiasm for CNPS’s mission and Saving What Matters Most and Landscapes for Change campaigns.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in California.
Experience with digital advocacy platforms, petition systems, or grassroots organizing tools.
Experience working with coalitions or multi-organization campaigns.
Familiarity with GIS tools or conservation mapping resources.
Experience with membership-based or volunteer-driven organizations.
Experience facilitating training, workshops, or community meetings.
Knowledge of California native plants, biodiversity conservation, or public lands issues.
A valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Review proposed legislation, regulations, and policy changes relevant to CNPS conservation goals.
Analyze changes in policies and legislation consistent with CNPS's priorities and draft content for communication to CNPS volunteers and supporters.
Assist with the review of environmental documents prepared under CEQA and NEPA and provide technical comments and strategic advocacy recommendations.
Utilize prioritization frameworks to identify high-priority projects requiring CNPS engagement.
Recruit, train, and support a diverse and inclusive CNPS Advocacy Corps through in-person programs, virtual engagement, and online resources.
Partner with CNPS Integrated Campaign Specialist on digital recruitment and activation.
Partner with staff in Conservation, Public Affairs, and Education to develop a CNPS Advocacy Corps curriculum (delivered via programming and digital platforms).
Cultivate volunteer leaders and strengthen a statewide network of advocates ready to advance CNPS conservation priorities.
Communicate advocacy opportunities and coordinate volunteer actions related to legislation, public policy, and public engagement initiatives.
Support the development of policy briefs, toolkits, and other resources to support advocates.
Advance priorities associated with CNPS's Saving What Matters Most and Landscapes for Change campaigns and related conservation initiatives.
Support advocacy initiatives that protect native plant biodiversity and advance California's Pathways to 30x30 goals.
Facilitate partnerships and collaboration with conservation organizations, community groups, Tribal partners, and other allies, and represent CNPS in environmental coalitions.
Work with CNPS chapters, volunteers, and community members to build public support for priority conservation outcomes.
Serve as CNPS lead or project coordinator for assigned landscape-scale conservation campaigns, including national monument initiatives and habitat protection efforts.
Provide strategic advice, technical information, and advocacy support to CNPS chapters throughout California.
Coordinate with chapter conservation volunteers on local and regional conservation priorities and challenges.
Participate in monthly Public Affairs collaboration calls with chapters, creating pathways for volunteers interested in advocacy.
Convene regular meetings, trainings, and peer-learning opportunities for chapter conservation leaders.
Facilitate information sharing and collaboration among Chapters and volunteers.
Maintain databases, records, and tracking systems related to advocacy activities, environmental review projects, and campaign efforts.
Work with CNPS Integrated Campaign Specialist to monitor and report on volunteer engagement, advocacy actions, and campaign outcomes.
Prepare presentations, reports, and program updates for staff, chapters, and partners.
Support overall conservation program operations and contribute to continuous improvement of advocacy systems and resources.

Benefits

100% coverage of employee premiums for health (Kaiser or Anthem), life, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with up to 6% matching contributions, available immediately upon employment.
Options for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Dependent Care Account (DCA), and Transportation Savings Account (TSA).
13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 10 vacation days.
12 weeks of supplemental, paid parental leave, after one year of employment.
CNPS-issued laptop, a $750 home office stipend, and a $60/month telework stipend.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Annual budget of $500 and 32 hours for professional development opportunities.
Attendance at semiannual staff team-building events.
Complimentary CNPS Society membership.