Deputy Chapter Director

Sierra Club•Sacramento, CA

3d•$105,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Deputy Chapter Director of Sierra Club California is a senior leader responsible for advancing the organizationâs statewide strategic objectives through policy advocacy, campaign management, and organizational leadership. This position oversees priority California legislative and regulatory campaigns including water, renewable energy, transportation, industrial decarbonization, forestry, and conservation while ensuring alignment with Sierra Clubâs national priorities and 2030 goals. The Deputy ChapterDirector provides strategic planning, staff leadership, cross-organizational collaboration, and operational oversight. This role balances big-picture strategy with the ability to support teams executing day-to-day campaigns in Sacramentoâs fast-paced political landscape.

Requirements

Operationalizing Equity: Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how group dynamics impact supervisory relationships, organizational culture, partnerships, campaigns, and coalition work. Models effective equity analysis and practice, with decision-making consistent, intentional, and committed to creating equitable outcomes.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Proven ability to engage, inspire, and maintain strong transformational partnerships. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate Sierra Club Californiaâs mission and strategic future.
Compassionate Team Leader: Track record of recruiting, coaching, collaborating with, and inspiring staff and volunteers, including those outside a direct management chain. Experienced in fostering team cultivation and mentorship, and can give and receive feedback effectively.
Project Management and Collaboration: Extensive experience with complex project management, from conception through implementation. Highly collaborative and motivated by teamwork, with the ability to work independently.
Policy & Advocacy Acumen: Knowledge and experience navigating and influencing California legislative and regulatory processes, or demonstrated ability to develop strategies that create policy and systemic change in a fast-moving political environment.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Proven success in managing complex work planning and situations, modeling excellent interpersonal communication, and proactively addressing and resolving conflicts.
Commitment to Evolution: Committed to continuously deepening and evolving understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. Sees mistakes as opportunities for growth and problems as catalysts for solutions.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory Experience: Direct management of multiple employees, with a track record of fostering high-performing, leaderful teams.
Grassroots Advocacy Background: Experience in a grassroots advocacy organization or similar mission-driven nonprofit.
California Policy Knowledge: Familiarity with Californiaâs political and environmental landscape, including environmental justice and equity practices.
Budget Oversight: Experience with nonprofit budgeting and financial oversight, ideally including c3 and c4 funds and budgets of $1M+.
Strategic Data Use: Ability to analyze data and integrate digital tools to inform campaign strategy, track progress, and drive accountability.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, coach, and develop staff (e.g., Policy Strategists, Organizing Managers, Senior Coordinators), ensuring accountability and professional growth. Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive culture that centers equity and justice in all leadership and decision-making.
Strategy & Program Management: Collaborate with the Sierra Club California Director to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans for their specific area of oversight. Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of specific campaigns, policy advocacy strategies, or programs, ensuring they align with broader California legislative, regulatory, and organizing goals. Lead, with support of policy strategists and the Director, the development and implementation of strategies for Sierra Club Californiaâs operations and advocacy, including policy positions before the California Legislature and state agencies, and alignment among Sierra Club entities and volunteers in California. Provide leadership to staff, lead volunteers, and issue committees to develop, track, and achieve campaign priorities in areas such as water, renewable energy, transportation, industrial decarbonization, forestry, and conservation.
Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Communication: Support the Sierra Club California Director in fostering strong internal communication and alignment across California chapters, field staff, and volunteers. Facilitate collaboration between Sierra Club California staff, national campaign staff, and volunteers (e.g., Field Department, Campaign Strategy, Advancement, and chapters) to ensure California campaigns are fully integrated into Sierra Clubâs national strategy.
Operational Oversight & Compliance: Ensure that all programs and activities within their area of responsibility adhere to organizational standards for policy, financial, operational, and legal compliance, including accurate and timely reporting of staff time and expenses. Contribute to resource allocation and capacity building within their domain, including oversight of budgets, grants, and staff capacity.
External Relations & Advocacy Support: As delegated by the Director, develop working relationships and serve as a Sierra Club spokesperson and advocate to external organizations, government officials, and the media within their area of expertise. Support and/or lead the policy team in advocating for Sierra Clubâs legislative and regulatory positions in California, ensuring alignment with equity and environmental justice priorities. Support and manage communications efforts within their purview to achieve visibility and narrative building in the media and with the public, including Spanish-language press where relevant.