The Surfrider Foundation is the world’s largest grassroots coastal conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. We have achieved many important victories by persuading state, federal, and local decision makers to protect vital coastal and ocean resources. These accomplishments demonstrate the important role of recreational users in advancing coastal and ocean stewardship. Since 1984, Surfrider's appeal is not only our strong reputation and track record of success, but also the lifestyle and values we embody.
By joining the Surfrider Foundation, you will be welcomed into an open and inclusive network of incredibly supportive and collaborative people who work hard and play hard. You will have the opportunity to work with dedicated people who are also passionate coastal users with their feet in the sand and toes in the water. You help bring together diverse voices and perspectives to provide our community with the leadership and tools necessary to make a difference at their beach and in coastal communities across the United States. At Surfrider, we build leaders, and we are problem solvers; our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. Coastal recreation is fun and working at Surfrider is too.
OPPORTUNITY:
The Surfrider Foundation seeks to hire an individual to advance conservation of California’s coastal and marine ecosystems by strategically engaging ocean and coastal recreational users in policy initiatives, ocean planning, and community-based management forums. This position will be responsible for implementation of strategic plan objectives of Surfrider’s initiatives by enacting California statewide policies and engaging the California chapter network at the local and state level. This position will oversee the California policy team and will report to the West Coast Regional Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Devise, implement and lead advocacy and organizing strategies to advance Surfrider Foundation’s mission in California.
- Supervise and manage two direct reports: the California Sr. Policy Coordinator and San Diego County Policy Manager
- Work in partnership with California Regional Managers to engage Surfrider’s California chapters in ocean and coastal campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Work in partnership with Initiative staff to advance statewide policy in California.
- Work in collaboration with marine advisory bodies, NGO partners, state agencies, and others in supporting coastal and ocean planning and policy initiatives.
- Advance state policy campaigns by building and leading coalitions, testifying in hearings, engaging our grassroots network, supporting ocean legislative champions, and co-organizing California Ocean Day.
- Help raise awareness of ocean and coastal conservation issues and campaigns in California through media outreach.
- Engage in outreach and consensus building with ocean stakeholders including: non-consumptive users, commercial and recreational fishermen, Tribal Nations, conservationists, environmental justice organizations, and more.
- Work closely with the California Regional Managers to develop volunteer opportunities, increase organizational membership, and support grassroots participation in ocean policy initiatives and conservation campaigns.
- Support the California-based Regional Managers in developing and implementing chapter programs including Ocean Friendly Restaurants, Blue Water Task Force, Ocean Friendly Gardens, Climate Action Program, and Beach Cleanups.
- Lead and initiate annual strategic planning and work plan development that aligns with Surfrider Foundation’s organizational strategic plan.
- Maintain positive relationships with the philanthropic community and donors, and work with Surfrider Foundation Development staff to identify grant opportunities, craft funding proposals, and complete grant reports.
- Represent Surfrider Foundation and ocean recreational constituency on regional advisory boards and state coalitions.
- Support California Regional Managers and Sr. Director of Network Strategy in the development and content planning of regional conferences.