Legislative Director

Job Title: Legislative Director

Department: Georgia Chapter

Location: Hybrid; must be able to travel to Atlanta daily

Reports To: Chapter Director

Supervises: Legislative Interns and Contract Lobbyists

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. 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 injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Legislative Director builds the Chapter’s power and influence through delivery of legislative advocacy efforts. Maintains governmental and political contacts, evaluates legislation, makes strategic recommendations related to legislation, and lobbies at the state and local level. This is a hybrid position that requires frequent in-person meetings as well as in-state travel.

1. Legislative Strategy. Plans, coordinates, and implements the Chapter’s legislative strategies as approved by the Chapter Legislative Committee. Writes and implements work plans for legislative campaigns and coordinates with staff and volunteers to develop campaign goals and tactics that will deliver policy wins in alignment with the Chapter’s priorities. Collects and maintains legislative data, evaluates legislative strategies, reports campaign outcomes to the Chapter Director, and makes recommendations on adjusting organizing strategy as needed.

2. Legislative Lobbying. Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials and legislative staff. Coordinates with groups and partners in order to rally support/opposition for bills, initiatives, laws, or resolutions. Monitors, studies, and researches proposed legislation to determine possible effects on the environment and makes appropriate recommendations to the Legislative Committee. Confers with legislators and officials to emphasize merits or weaknesses of specific bills to influence passage, defeat, or amendment of measure, or introduction of legislation that defend and advance environmental protection. In consultation with the Legislative Chair and contract lobbyist, prepares for legislative hearings and meetings. Ensures compliance with state and federal law and files lobbyist reports.

3. Policy Messaging & Communications. Works with Sierra Club staff and coalition partners to develop a consistent, clear state policy and legislative message that is being communicated to the public, relevant communities, and stakeholders. Tracks legislative proceedings to ensure proper messaging and leads rapid response strategy. Write legislative briefs and works with communications staff to develop one-pagers, talking points, and policy toolkits.

4. Grassroots Mobilization. Manages and implements legislative mobilization efforts including but not limited to: indirect lobbying, direct-to-target messaging, coalition events, SMS, and phonebanking. Designs and facilitates legislative training for volunteers and manages in-district lobbying volunteer programs. Plans and coordinates meetings between members and elected officials to discuss legislative issues and proposals and allow for officials to hear and consider member concerns. Convenes coalition spaces, meetings, and events in coordination with partners to plan mobilization opportunities, activations, and events

5. Representation. Represents Sierra Club to elected officials, the public, in coalition meetings, legislative meetings, and events. Serves as Sierra Club spokesperson to media outlets and promotes volunteer and partner organization media exposure as needed.

6. Collaboration with Committees. Writes legislative scorecard with Legislative Committee, works with Political Committee on endorsements, and serves as staff lead for Coordinated Campaign work. Is staff support on committees (Legislative, Clean Energy, Transportation, Wildlands, and Political)

7. Manage Legislative Staff. Hires, manages and supports legislative staff, including: contract lobbyists and legislative interns. Manages hiring processes and executes contracts in alignment with the chapter's budget and priorities. Establishes performance objectives and expectations, and evaluates accomplishments and effectiveness. Tracks grant deliverables, progress and performance and, when necessary, helps course correct and respond to challenges.

8. Advance Georgia Chapter’s Cultural Transformation Goals. Supports implementation of the Chapter's efforts to cultivate an environment that benefits from a broad coalition of identities reflecting the richness of cultures across Georgia. Seeks and creates opportunities to affirm the belonging of partners and members through political and legislative work.

9. Miscellaneous. Travel is required for staff meetings, volunteer group meetings, statewide legislative functions, and other meetings and events deemed relevant to the duties of the job. Meetings and other work outside of regular business hours, including weekends and evenings is required. Heavier workloads may occur as a result of deadlines and during peak activity periods.

• Subject matter expertise. Substantial subject matter expertise in environmental policy, political science, or both. Prior experience and effectiveness in lobbying. Clear understanding and knowledge of the legislative and political process.

• Team Leadership. Prior experience and/or demonstrated ability in developing, training, and coaching teams of staff and volunteers in achieving shared goals. Experience in organizational conflict resolution and committed communication skills. Ability to address and resolve conflicts within the organization effectively, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

• Relevant experience. Must have experience working as a lobbyist. Must have experience with Georgia state-wide and/or local politics.

• Strong analytical skills. Ability and willingness to conduct strategic outreach. Successful candidates will show a strong desire to engage in collaboration, conduct outreach, and build networks throughout the organization and the state.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing.

• 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.

• A deep knowledge and understanding of Georgia’s unique legislative and political landscape.

• Experience and a deep understanding of the rules, laws, and guidelines as they relate to political and lobbying work in Georgia, both advocacy and electoral.

• Can recognize where work needs to be done and fill the gaps. Self-motivated; can work independently as well as part of a team.

• Working knowledge of operations, budget management, and grant funding.

• Fast learner who can quickly absorb, distill, and communicate to diverse audiences new and often complex information