THE OPPORTUNITY:
The California Policy Senior Coordinator plays a key role in advancing the protection and sustainable enjoyment of California’s coastal and ocean ecosystems. This position is primarily responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to significant matters before the California Coastal Commission. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Coordinator will engage California Regional Managers, Chapter Managers, and Surfrider chapter and club volunteers to ensure timely and effective participation in Coastal Commission proceedings. As needed, the Coordinator will also support engagement with other state regulatory agencies and the California State Legislature on relevant policy issues.
The California Policy Senior Coordinator will report to the Associate Director of California Policy and operate in close coordination with Surfrider Foundation’s California Regional Managers, Club Network staff, and the organization’s statewide chapter and club network to support strategic policy initiatives and advocacy efforts.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitor monthly California Coastal Commission agendas to identify items relevant to Surfrider Foundation’s mission; prepare and deliver written and/or oral comments as needed.
- Conduct monthly coordination meetings with regional Coastal Commission staff and Surfrider chapter representatives to track upcoming issues and opportunities for engagement.
- Collaborate with Surfrider’s Regional and Chapter Managers, and Club Network staff to mobilize chapters and clubs in advocacy efforts, including attending Coastal Commission and other state agency meetings, submitting public comments, and testifying.
- Attend all California Coastal Commission meetings (virtually or in person), and publish summaries and outcomes via ActCoastal.org and related newsletters.
- Lead the production of the annual ActCoastal Report Card in collaboration with ActCoastal coalition partners.
- Organize and facilitate regular ActCoastal Coalition calls and support ongoing collaboration with coalition and NGO partners.
- Contribute to coastal and ocean policy initiatives through research, outreach, and coordination with partner organizations and stakeholders.
- Develop and distribute communications and advocacy materials for California chapters, including blog posts, newsletters, fact sheets, and campaign toolkits.
- Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including coastal and ocean recreation users, environmental justice groups, conservation organizations, and other policy partners.
- Support Regional Managers in aligning policy work with Surfrider’s programmatic efforts, including Ocean Friendly Restaurants, Blue Water Task Force, Ocean Friendly Gardens, Climate Action, and Beach Cleanups.
- Assist with annual strategic planning and development of work plans in partnership with the Associate Director of California Policy and Regional Managers to ensure alignment with Surfrider’s broader strategic goals.
- Support fundraising efforts by maintaining relationships with donors, identifying grant opportunities, contributing to proposals, and completing grant reporting requirements.
- Provide additional campaign and policy support to California staff and volunteers as needed.
LOCATION AND HYBRID WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS:
- California residency required.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout California and work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
- Comfortable working remotely and independently from a home office.
- If located within a reasonably commutable distance to Surfrider Foundation Headquarters in San Clemente, CA, there is an office available for use.