Job Offer: Virginia Coal Campaign Organizer for the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition

Wise Energy for Virginia is a growing coalition of national, regional and local organizations committed to securing a clean energy future for Virginia. Since 2007 Appalachian Voices, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the Sierra Club’s Virginia Chapter, the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards joined together to fight against newly proposed coal-fired power plants in Virginia and raise awareness of the benefits of clean, renewable and efficient energy choices.

Job Description:

Reports to Campaign Organizing Manager(s)

Builds grassroots power by educating, recruiting and mobilizing citizens of the Hampton Roads and Northern Neck regions of Virginia to oppose the construction of the state’s largest coal-fired power plant in Surry County. Builds public engagement among members of the Northern Neck Electric Cooperative, and targeted downwind communities, specifically.

In Northern Neck, engagement will focus on customer electricity rates as well as transparency and accountability within the cooperative. Public engagement in Hampton Roads will focus on those that would receive the brunt of the economic and health effects of the proposed coal plant.

With direction from Campaign Managers, works independently to execute a campaign plan and carries out the tactics necessary to meet campaign objectives. Tracks timelines and reports on progress to Campaign Managers. Manages a varied and high volume workload.

Requires initiative and excellent time-management to work in the field, meet deadlines and accomplish goals.

The hire will be either: 1) a single full-time position with travel between Northern Neck and Hampton Roads; or, 2) two part-time positions fulfilling at least 25 hours/week; one in Hampton Roads and one in Northern Neck.

Applicants must indicate which position(s) they are applying for.

Terms: This is a contract position that will be full or part-time for three months, and will include a travel stipend.

Responsibilities:

• Collect petition signatures at relevant events and farmers markets; possibly canvass door to door
• Call petition signers and others about volunteering and attending events
• Recruit and work with volunteers to expand petition collection and turn out community members to events
• Get letters to the editor published in community newspapers
• Track and report activist engagement

Experience Necessary: At least 1 year of community organizing, campaign or related professional experience. Demonstrated ability to get members of the public excited about a campaign.

Location: Location convenient to both Hampton Roads and Northern Neck, such as Richmond or Williamsburg is ideal. For part time applicants the ability to live in Hampton Roads or Northern Neck during the time of employment is a plus. A history of living in either of these areas for both the full-time and part-time options is also a plus. Other locations within Virginia considered.

Salary: $2,000 a month for a single hired organizer (full-time), or $1,000 a month for part time positions in both Hampton Roads and Northern Neck plus travel expenses.

Deadline to Submit Application: Friday, July 8th.

Please send letter of inquiry, resume, and three references to:

Mike McCoy
Virginia Campaign Coordinator
Appalachian Voices
408 E. Market St. Suite 201C
Charlottesville, Va 22902
mike@appvoices.org

About Mike McCoy

Mike served as the Virginia Campaign Coordinator from 2007 to 2012, working on such issues as stopping the Wise County and Surrey County, Va., proposed coal plants and promoting energy efficiency in the Commonwealth.