Location: Remote, based in the Central Region

Status: Full-time, exempt

About CJNRC

The Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) is a labor-led organization at the forefront of the fight to combat the climate crisis and reverse racial and economic inequality.  

CJNRC is the hub of a growing network of independent labor-led, state-based climate jobs coalitions.  CJNRC provides coalitions and union partners with the information, support, and expertise to lead on climate action. The coalitions we support are organizing to build a clean energy economy at the scale and pace that climate science demands, create and expand access to good union jobs in under-resourced communities, and advance equity. 

CJNRC and our network of coalitions are at the leading edge of both workers’ rights and climate action, two defining issues of our time. The coalitions have helped pass the nation’s most ambitious climate policies, won the strongest labor and equity standards for clean energy workers in the country, and built winning campaigns for worker-centered and equity-focused climate investments and good union jobs that will transform the future of the US economy.

Position Description

The Central States Regional Director is responsible for developing and implementing CJNRC’s mission and strategic objectives within a multi-state region. The person in this position is responsible for identifying, building, and maintaining political relationships across the region with state coalition union leaders, coalition Executive Directors, and key local partners in order to support the success and sustainability of Climate Jobs coalitions and effectuate CJNRC’s non-profit purposes. The Central States Regional Director is a senior leadership position reporting to and working under the direction of the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

Coalition Maintenance and Relationship Management:

• Serve as the principal for ongoing work with designated state coalition and labor leadership. 
• Provide reliable support and strategic counsel to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
• Identify, build, cultivate, and maintain strong, independent, collaborative, and trust-based relationships with state coalition and union leadership, key coalition members, and staff.
• Ensure that coalition-developed strategic plans are well-conceived, effectively implemented, and achieve desired outcomes by working in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including leading the work of CJNRC staff working with those coalitions to achieve the objectives.
• Design, facilitate, and organize high-impact strategic meetings, convenings, and regular check-ins designed to advance CJNRC’s work with state coalitions, strengthen alignment, and maintain momentum on implementation of CJNRC’s programs.

Coalition Building, Support, and Strategic Expansion:

• Partner with state coalition leadership to develop and implement strategies for building sustainable, effective union-led state organizations.
• Work closely across CJNRC teams and with partners to continuously assess and analyze the policy and political landscape within the region to identify strategic opportunities, potential partners, and emerging challenges.
• Manage CJNRC budgets in their region, evaluate and determine commitment of resources to drive CJNRC’s program. 
• Actively assist state leadership in expanding the reach and impact of their coalitions.

Policy, Political Analysis, and Strategy Development:

• Lead the development and execution of state and regional strategies, ensuring alignment with the broader organizational goals, state coalitions, and CJNRC’s mission.
• Collaborate with partners, including the Cornell University Climate Jobs Institute, to research and develop forward thinking campaigns and policy plans.

Programmatic Leadership and Implementation:

• Responsible for moving key strategies forward with state coalition leadership and affiliates in each state.
• Ensure effective day-to-day follow-up and communication across state coalition leaders, affiliate partners, internal CJNRC staff and leaders across all departments. 
• Coordinate the work of CJNRC staff to ensure state coalitions receive the necessary support and resources. 
• Hire and supervise additional regional staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within labor, advocacy, political organizing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strategic relationships with diverse stakeholders including labor unions, research groups, funders. 
• Experience in developing and implementing successful strategic plans and campaigns.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Deep understanding of policy and political landscapes, preferably within the specified region.
• Familiarity with one or more states in this region, including existing relationships with key labor movement leaders. 
• Ability to travel frequently within the region and the United States.

Working Conditions: 

This is a full-time, 35-hours per week, remote position, based in the United States. Long hours will be required on occasion.  The position will require frequent travel throughout the United States. Job descriptions do not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of every activity or responsibility that is required. CJNRC follows public health guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This Position Reports To:

Executive Director

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for the position is $140,000 to $150,000 depending upon the candidate’s experience. CJNRC offers an excellent benefits package that includes employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for full-time staff and their qualified dependents, a 401(k) plan with an employer contribution, a voluntary dependent care assistance program, and generous time off.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until filled.

How to Apply: 
To apply, click on "Apply Now" button. The posting and acceptance of applications may close at any time.