Advocacy Officer

Working for a Clean, Healthy Ocean that is Accessible to All

ADVOCACY OFFICER - Clean Ocean Access in Middletown, RI seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join the team to enhance and grow the organization’s advocacy and communications space.

WHO WE ARE:
Clean Ocean Access is an environmental non-profit organization located on Aquidneck Island in Middletown,
RI. Our mission is to inspire and educate the community to take action through environmentally responsible behaviors. Each day we work tirelessly for a clean, healthy ocean that is accessible to all. The work we do educates and empowers people of all ages, builds community, and inspires action through innovative education programs, annual events, and community-based advocacy projects. Since 2006 we have engaged thousands of volunteers, students, community members, businesses, and partner organizations in environmental action. Learn more at www.cleanoceanaccess.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Advocacy Officer, reporting to the Executive Director, will lead advocacy efforts supporting the organization’s programmatic work: composting, marine debris, public shoreline access, and water quality. This individual will also lead grant writing efforts and support other communications as needed. Effective candidates will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a diverse network, are detail-oriented, and enjoy working with a team. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

● Lead, develop, and implement advocacy activities including advocacy campaigns, advocacy strategy and tactics, and collaborating with the programmatic team;
● Organize advocacy related actions and events, and mobilize community members to take action on advocacy issues via petitions, action alerts, and other creative means;
● Help maintain relationships with municipal officials, state elected officials, and other community partners to advance the organization’s mission;
● Represent Clean Ocean Access at City/Town council meetings, the RI State House, appropriate community meetings, forums, collaborations and coalitions that further the organization’s mission;
● Monitor the political landscape for strategic opportunities to advance Clean Ocean Access’s advocacy priorities and goals;
● Conduct research and analysis to support the advocacy work and craft compelling written content including fact sheets, policy briefs, position statements, reports, and memos for internal and/or external use;

● Oversee the development of Clean Ocean Access’s formal response on local and regional environmental policies, plans, and projects and provide written or oral testimony before boards, commissions, committees, and elected bodies, as needed;

● Track the implementation of key local and regional environmental policies / plans that intersect with
Clean Ocean Access’s work to develop strategies for advocacy intervention if necessary;

● Perform research to stay relevant on programmatic related topics. Information could be used to enhance programmatic messaging, communications and marketing campaigns, advance fundraising campaigns and apply for grants;

● Create pitch materials, letters of inquiry, grant proposals and reports that adhere to funder requirements as needed and reflect the organization's fundraising and programmatic priorities;

● Assist the Executive Director with communications with grant funders, including briefings and timely updates and follow up on pending proposals.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU, IF:

● You have strong written / verbal presentation and communication skills;
● You are able to communicate professionally and diplomatically;
● You have a large network and/or feel comfortable growing one with COA;
● You enjoy and strive to have a leadership role;
● You have excellent customer service skills;
● You like using data-driven metrics to achieve goals and impact the community;
● You possess superior organizational skills and have a knack for logistics;
● You enjoy research and analytics;
● You manage your time effectively and are comfortable working on multiple projects simultaneously;
● You are a self-starter and take initiative;
● You enjoy working in the office and in the field;
● You are passionate about protecting our ocean and the planet;
● You have a passion for communication, building relationships, and working as part of a team to achieve big impact;
● You have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a minimum of five years of experience working in public policy, political science, communications and/or grant writing.

DETAILS AT A GLANCE:

● START DATE: September 2023
● EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Intermediate
● SALARY: Commensurate with experience

BENEFITS:
Health and Dental; Retirement; Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO); Flexible working hours; Travel.

HOW TO APPLY:
Submit your resume and a detailed cover letter explaining why this opportunity is exciting to you to info@cleanoceanaccess.org. Please reference “Advocacy Officer” in the subject line. Applicants will be considered until the job is filled. No phone calls please. Clean Ocean Access is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Middletown, RI 02842

Salary : $22