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Job Title: Chapter Director
Department: Tennessee
Location: Remote within Tennessee, preferably in the central Tennessee area. This position requires the ability to travel.
Reports To: Chapter Chair
Supervises: Chapter Conservation Director

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of togetherness. 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 inequity, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our democracy. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, age, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it.

Sierra Club is composed of staff and members across the country and a network of local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with two labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Chapter Director carries out the policies, priorities, and objectives of the Executive Committee for the assigned areas of chapter programs and operations. These assigned areas include more than one of the following: conservation and legislative programs, fundraising, volunteer development and member services, budgeting and financial management, and media relations. Manages other staff (currently one). Represents Sierra Club to government officials, the media, business and community leaders, donors, allies, other organizations, and the public.

Frequent evening and weekend work required along with a valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of insurance.

Job Activities:

  • Strategic Planning and Program Development: Lead in formulating and implementing the Chapter’s strategic, programmatic, and financial goals in collaboration with the Executive Committee, Chapter leaders, and the Deputy Regional Field Director.
  • Conservation Efforts and Compliance Management: Assist in planning and executing core conservation programs, while overseeing Chapter compliance with Sierra Club policies and legal requirements, ensuring adherence to all relevant laws.
  • Financial Oversight and Fundraising Leadership: Develop and manage the annual budget, oversee fundraising activities including donor engagement, grant writing, and fundraising events, ensuring financial targets are met.
  • Media, Public Relations, and Digital Strategy: Coordinate comprehensive media and public relations strategies, and implement effective digital campaigns across various platforms to enhance the Chapter's outreach and advocacy efforts.
  • Volunteer Leadership and Staff Management: Support volunteer leadership development and manage state-based staff, focusing on performance evaluation, recruitment, and adherence to employment policies.
  • Outreach, Advocacy, and Coalition Building: Engage in outreach and coalition-building, represent the Chapter in key meetings and events, and support lobbying initiatives to advance conservation goals.
  • Educational Material Development and Meeting Participation: Coordinate the creation and revision of educational and advocacy materials, and regularly participate in Chapter and Executive Committee meetings, ensuring availability for key organizational activities.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:

  • Strategic Planning and Consensus Building: A record of successful strategic planning and consensus building, emphasizing the development of leadership and team collaboration towards shared objectives.
  • Fundraising Expertise: Active experience in fundraising, with a proven track record in establishing relationships with individuals, foundations, and organizations, and in generating new revenue streams.
  • Advocacy and Grassroots Organizing: Significant experience in grassroots organizing, including training and motivating volunteers, and building effective coalitions.
  • Budget Management and Financial Acumen: Strong skills in financial management, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
  • Effective Communication and Outreach: Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication, with the ability to effectively utilize public relations, social media, and other digital platforms.
  • Staff Management and Conflict Resolution: Experience in managing staff and resolving interpersonal and organizational conflicts, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • 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.
  • Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required, including means of transportation.
  • Reliable Internet connectivity for meetings and webinars.

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

  • Non-Profit Management and Board Experience: Experience in nonprofit management or board roles, contributing to organizational governance and strategy.
  • Media Strategy and Public Speaking: Excellent communication skills, including media strategy and public speaking, enhancing the organization's public profile.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in computer skills, particularly in Salesforce and VAN, to support organizational operations and outreach.
  • Legislative Process Familiarity: Familiarity with state legislative processes, aiding in policy influence and advocacy efforts.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $97,200 to $101,000.

The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan.

This is a category 2 exempt, non-represented position.

Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
To Apply
The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

We are accepting applications until February 19, 2024.