ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Launched in March of 2021, the Just Solutions Collective is a BIPOC-led organization that works to broaden and deepen the understanding of equitable and effective climate policies and programs while strengthening the power and capacity of community partners to replicate, scale and build support for justice-centered solutions to the climate crisis. We do this through policy research and analysis, technical assistance, peer learning, strategic cross-sector partnerships, and targeted field building, with an emphasis on accelerating the sharing of policy analysis, solutions and models. Just Solutions is a values-driven organization that invests deeply in the professional development of BIPOC leaders within the organization and through our intentional partnerships with front-line communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Director of Field Building & Strategic Partnerships plays a lead role in the development and advancement of Just Solutions’ efforts to align, leverage, and scale the capacity of environmental justice-climate justice (EJ-CJ) policy groups and coalitions working to develop and implement equitable climate policy solutions. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, we are ramping up our federal and state field building strategy to support (EJ-CJ) organizations and coalitions as they work to develop, build support for, pass, and implement public policies.

To advance this ambitious goal, the Director identifies and cultivates trust-based partnerships with EJ-CJ leaders, organizations, and coalitions across the country to identify and address field-wide policy capacity needs. As an experienced political strategist and policy advocate/campaigner, the Director builds strategic alliances with diverse allies in support of community-driven climate solutions. The Director is a thought leader within the EJ-CJ movement and represents Just Solutions at conferences, events, and meetings to expand our relationships, knowledge, and impact. As Just Solutions enters a period of significant growth, this is an opportunity for a seasoned leader to shape organization-wide vision, strategy and development. The Director builds and manages a highly skilled team of project managers, serves as a member of the executive leadership team, and reports directly to the Founding Executive Director.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The National Director holds key responsibilities that will evolve over time as the team and organization grows and functions are distributed. During the first year, we anticipate a focus on the following:

Field Building & Strategic Partnerships

• Track the broader EJ-CJ landscape and attend and/or convene meetings with key allies to identify the research and policy capacity strengths, gaps, and priorities of key partners and the field as a whole.
• Work closely with Just Solutions staff, consultants, and advisory board to offer customized, accessible and relevant research, policy, and educational programming to meet the needs of state EJ-CJ groups and coalitions, as well as key partners, and the field as a whole.
• Open doors and create strategic networks to connect partners to other experts, colleagues, and resources.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness and impact of field building investments and strategies and take proactive and timely steps to problem solve in partnership with allies.
• Show up for community partners and groups by understanding their interests and needs, listening, and learning as well as, representing Just Solutions at conferences, events, and meetings.

Policy and Political Strategy and Impact

• Identify and elevate community-driven EJ-CJ policy solutions and justice-centered models so the most effective approaches are more widely understood and incorporated into state and federal policies and programs.
• Regularly assess the political landscape and partner with EJ-CJ state policy groups and coalitions to align, leverage, and scale climate justice policies, programs, and approaches.
• Build and maintain close working relationships across diverse stakeholders, including - EJ-CJ organizations and communities, mainstream environmental organizations, funders, indigenous communities and First Nations, labor, business, academia, think tanks and key policy stakeholders and engage them as partners.
• Develop and manage regional, topical, or policy development phase co-working and -learning spaces to foster relationship building, peer learning, replication, innovation, and problem solving.
• Participate in state coalition tables when invited and support the efforts of local groups by leveraging Just Solutions' national network and profile when strategic.

Organizational Growth & Capacity

• Work closely with the Executive Director to define and achieve long-term vision, program strategies, and organizational development priorities.
• Play a leadership role in shaping and implementing organization-wide planning and evaluation efforts, including the annual workplan process and the development and implementation of a long-term field building plan for Just Solutions to add greater value, capacity, and resources.
• Determine and develop project teams with our research, policy, and legal staff to meet the identified needs of CJ-EJ state policy organizations.
• Elevate the work of Just Solutions and its partners’ writing, public speaking, media strategy, blog posts, and trainings.
• Manage project managers and other staff, as needed.

CANDIDATE PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS

Just Solutions has prioritized the core experiences and leadership skills described below. We also recognized that studies have shown that women and BIPOC leaders are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply.

Core Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of increasing responsibility in running campaigns, wider scale community organizing efforts or legislative advocacy, with a proven track record of accomplishments, including building relationships, coalitions or partnerships
• Proven experience developing and implementing programmatic strategies to deepen understanding of complex topics.
• Deep familiarity with most aspects of federal and state policy development and issues relevant to or related to environmental or climate justice.
• Demonstrated experience in assessing and building policy capacity (staff capacity, resources, technical skills) of EJ-CJ organizations and coalitions at the state and national level.
• Intersectional approach and experience working across race, income-level, gender identity, and geographies to build effective coalitions and networks in support of climate justice policy and social change.
• Experience leveraging research and policy analysis to inform public policy debates and achieve policy change, in particular with racial and economic justice as a core element of the work.

Leadership Skills/Qualities:

• Demonstrated (either through volunteer, personal, or work experience) passion for Just Solutions’ purpose and commitment to racial, social, and environmental justice.
• Bold and inspiring vision for positive change within the organization and for the climate justice movement.
• Highly strategic thinker who is solutions-oriented and able to push past roadblocks.
• Ability to manage and lead large and complex work with multiple staff and stakeholders, building constructive and forward moving programs.
• Continuous learning and growth mindset.
• Ability to motivate and guide individuals and teams to deliver high quality work on time and within budget.
• Ability to track, manage, and prioritize effectively and in a timely manner while working on multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative environment with a broad range of diverse individuals and organizations.

NOTE: This job description is inclusive of, but not limited to, the job duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements contained herein. Additional duties and responsibilities may be required as deemed necessary by our Executive Director and/or Advisory Board members.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Just Solutions Collective is a fiscally sponsored program of Community Initiatives, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Community Initiatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.

Just Solutions Collective centers the work and lived-experience of diverse communities and reflects that commitment in our workplace. Our team works directly with diverse professionals, community leaders, and non-profit organizations all focused on solving the climate and racial justice crises. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and others from underrepresented groups, especially people with direct experience working within our partner communities, are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position that includes excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k (with company match), sick leave, vacation, and paid holidays. Salary is $140,000-$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The position is remote.

TO APPLY

Please submit a current resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the position and capacity to do the job. Your cover letter should include answers to the following questions:

1. Please describe a pressing climate change challenge facing BIPOC and low income communities and ways in which a field building and policy change approach can help address it.
2. If hired, how might you leverage your experience, relationships, campaign/policy expertise to address this challenge?

Applications should be sent via email to careers@justsolutionscollective.org. Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2022. The position will remain open until filled. Applicants who do not follow these instructions will not be considered.