Community Organizer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• 3+ years experience in direct action grassroots organizing, community outreach and coalition building amongst diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant state (CA) and national coastal & ocean policies and management.
• Demonstrated facilitation, writing, oral communication, community organizing, and volunteer training skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing with elected officials, agency staff, industry representatives and ocean stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with volunteer chapter leaders and coalition partners.
• Experience in speaking publicly in front of a large number of people in a variety of situations.
• Willingness to work flexible hours (including some weekends and evenings).
• Ability to work effectively from a remote home office.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
• Must reside in California.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively between San Diego and San Francisco (travel budget is provided).
• Must have a vehicle, carry a current driver’s license, and maintain a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual/Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support and build a diverse, inclusive, and effective campaign through community organizing, coalition building, grassroots advocacy, and communications.
• Execute Surfrider’s Drilling is Killing (opposition to offshore oil drilling in California) campaign strategies in conjunction with Surfrider staff, chapters, and coalition partners.
• Participate in coalition meetings to foster collaboration and contribute to shared campaign strategies and tactics.
• Expand business coalition growth and engagement through support of the Sign the Surfboard tour and Business Alliance for Protecting the Pacific Coast.
• Inform and engage communities and user groups affected by BOEMs 5 year drilling plan including outdoor recreationalists (both local and visitors from inland communities), commercial and recreational fishing, and others.
• Conduct outreach to California tribes to help inform them of the issue and support their engagement in the process.
• Lead and support event organizing including community events, paddleouts, press conferences, and coalition meetings.
• Generate written communications for Surfrider channels including blog posts, social media posts, and online activations.
• Regularly report on progress of the campaign and be proactive in overcoming obstacles to ensure goals and objectives are met.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Surfrider Foundation covers 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for employee-only coverage. Dependents may be added at an additional cost.
• 401(k) Plan: We offer a 401(k) plan with an employer match of $0.50 for every $1.00 contributed by the employee, up to 4% of earnings (equivalent to a 2% employer match).
• Vacation Accrual: Employees receive a generous annual vacation allotment. Unused days roll over to the following year, subject to the organization’s maximum accrual policy.
• Sick Time: 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Holidays: 20 paid holidays in 2026.
• Happy Healthy Summer Fridays: Enjoy several half-day Fridays during the summer to get outside and start your weekend early.
• Parental Leave: Surfrider provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of a child or placement of a child through adoption or foster care.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)