Job Description

Job Opportunity: Community Organizer
Location: Philadelphia
Schedule: Full-time
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Ideal start date is early May 2024.

About Clean Air Council
The Council is a member-supported environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to a healthy environment for over 50 years. The Council uses public education, community organizing, and legal action to advocate for environmental justice and the right of all residents to clean air, pure water, and a healthy environment. The Council believes that all residents should have the opportunity for meaningful input on the decisions that impact their health, environment, and quality of life.
The Council is an equal opportunity employer and has a strongly held belief in the importance of having a diverse workforce. Clean Air Council strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBTQI individuals, and those with disabilities to apply.

Position Description
The community organizer will be responsible for implementing Clean Air Council’s environmental justice outreach and advocacy work in Philadelphia. The organizer will work in three program areas: air quality monitoring, watershed protection, and climate resilience. The organizer will work to engage Philadelphia residents and local groups in understanding local environmental and health impacts from industrial facilities and climate change. In addition, the organizer will support residents in raising their concerns to decision makers and advocating for protections and positive community change. Project and program responsibilities may change over time.

Responsibilities (Year 1):
General Environmental Justice Organizing (25%)
● Educate the public, including residents and local groups, about pollution impacts to public
health and the environment from industrial facilities
● Support residents in recognizing and reporting potential pollution incidents to agencies
● Organize and support residents in testifying at public meetings and submitting public comments about polluting industrial facilities and local air quality plans and policies

EPA Air Quality Monitoring Program (50%)
● Work with the air monitoring team to implement a community outreach and engagement plan to involve residents and community stakeholders in hosting air monitors, including activities such as organizing events, tabling at community events, and knocking doors
● Assist residents in installing monitors and follow-up with them to ensure monitors are functioning properly
● Support the distribution and presentation of air quality monitoring data and reports
(developed by our experts) to community members and local stakeholders

Watershed Protections Program (25%)
● Support outreach to residents, groups, and other stakeholders around permit applications and renewals for industrial facilities that would pollute our waterways to ensure they are aware of project changes or proposals; provide talking points of key issues; encourage residents to submit public comments and/ or attend public hearings on permits
● Collaborate with Council staff (including attorneys) and consultants to understand key concerns about proposed permits or policies. Use this information, to prepare educational resources (e.g., webinars, fact sheets) about existing or proposed projects, their impacts on the watershed, and how to engage in decisions on the project
● Work with partners and consultants to develop and implement advocacy campaigns to champion stronger state water quality standards that better protect streams, rivers, and the health of residents in environmental justice neighborhoods from harmful water pollution
● Attend and testify at relevant public comment hearings

Qualifications:
● At least 2 years of previous experience in community outreach and education programs, community organizing, advocacy campaigns, teaching, or work that required similar skills
● Knowledge of community assets and concerns in south/southwest Philadelphia
● Excellent written and oral communications skills
● Experience collaborating with external partners on a project preferred
● Previous experience working on an advocacy campaign is a plus
● Public speaking experience is a plus

Other Considerations
● The Council will prioritize candidates that live in Philadelphia, especially south/southwest Philadelphia, where many industrial facilities are located
● Some local and regional travel may be required. The Council will cover the cost of public transportation, mileage, or rental cars.
● Some occasional evening and weekends may be required

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $45,000 to $55,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:
Council staff benefits include the following:
● Health insurance, vision insurance, and dental insurance
● Optional flexible spending account
● 21 vacation days per year, plus 2 personal days
● 9 paid holidays
● 401k with a 4% match
● Long-term disability insurance
● Life insurance
● Septa Key Advantage
● RideEco pre-tax transit
● Flexible working hours and flex time
● Remote and hybrid work options (in addition to in-person meetings and events)
● PTO when the office is closed between December 25th and January 1st

How to Apply

How to Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Matt Walker, Advocacy Director, at [email protected]. Please cc Corinne Bishop ([email protected]) and use the subject "Philadelphia Community Organizer Application_[LAST NAME]."

Job Categories: Air Quality. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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