Scope of work

The Sierra Club, Washington State Chapter is searching for a contract lobbyist to engage in the 2024 Washington State legislative session, with a chance of renewing yearly. The Washington State Sierra Club is working to achieve a future built on a regenerative, rather than extractive, economy. A future where all of humanity can thrive and enjoy a strong connection with nature. Despite our broad mission and vision, we focus on a small number of priority bills.

General Responsibilities:

1. Represent the Sierra Club’s views and positions to legislators, legislative staff, executive branch, coalition partners, and other interest groups as needed. Proactively advance the Club’s interests through meetings with legislators and staff, attending hearings and providing testimony, building strategic partnerships, and other lobbying services as needed.
2. Work with volunteer leaders and staff to:
1. identify potential priority issues/bills
2. develop strategy for passing (or killing) bill(s) including: work directly with legislative leaders and Governor's office, develop key media coverage in important regions of the state, gain support from traditional and non-traditional allies, and similar actions.
3. Provide written weekly reports and ongoing strategic recommendations based on what is happening with a priority bill.
4. There is a recognition that issues evolve during the course of session and that new, unexpected legislation may emerge. The lobbyist will monitor and, as reasonable, respond to other, key issues affecting the Sierra Club’s interests that arise during the legislative session. The Legislative Committee will provide guidance on the impacts and priority of any such legislation as the issues arise.
3. Represent the Sierra Club WA Chapter in the Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) calls and meetings prior to and during legislative session. Work on mutually beneficial strategies with other EPC group lobbyists during the session. Build campaigns on behalf of Sierra Club with EPC partners during the interim between sessions through forming coalitions and outreach to Legislators.
4. Report weekly to Chapter Director and Legislative Chair. Prepare a written report each week on Chapter priority issues. Work with Sierra Club volunteer leaders and staff to support the preparation of testimony, press releases, action alerts, and other communications related to Legislative matters on behalf of the Club.
5. Develop and advance long-term constructive relationships with environmental, labor, social justice, and public health interest groups, legislators, departmental staff, and other potential allies.
6. Post session, attend agency advisory committees and meet with key staff, legislators, and stakeholders in preparation for the 2025 legislative session. Communicate regularly with the Chapter Director and Chapter Legislative Committee on these matters. In addition, the Lobbyist will work with state agencies on regulatory matters during the interim on Sierra Club priority issues.

Desired Qualifications

• Issue expertise in Growth Management, Land Use, Conservation, and clean energy.
• Extensive experience lobbying in Olympia on environmental or social justice issues.
• Strong relationships and knowledge of the inner workings of the state legislature.
• Proven track record in building trusting relationships with legislators and community members.
• Experience working with volunteer led organizations. Ability to coordinate with grassroots organizers, communications professionals and issue experts in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong and positive reputation in Olympia.

Compensation

Compensation: Independent Contract for $3k/month during the Washington Legislative Session and $1.5K/month the rest of the year.

Management: Reports to Chapter Director or delegated authority.

To apply:

Email Sept.Gernez@Sierraclub.org with interest or questions.