Virginia Field Coordinator

About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, climate, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia while advancing a transition to a just and equitable clean energy economy. We have over 40 staff members across the region, with offices located in Boone, North Carolina; Charlottesville and Norton, Virginia; Charleston, West Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee.  Please visit www.appvoices.org for details.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Appalachian Voices is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. AV is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees. We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational and volunteer experiences, and encourage candidates with transferable skills to apply. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis  protected by law. AV’s hiring and employment decisions are based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications.

Need assistance? If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or need assistance applying for this position, please contact [email protected].

Position Details

Appalachian Voices seeks a dynamic, passionate, and strategic Field Coordinator to build statewide grassroots power and engagement in Virginia. The Field Coordinator will work to empower and activate communities in opposing the development of new fossil fuel infrastructure. Whenever possible, they will help interested communities pursue cleaner, more affordable, and more just energy solutions. The Field Coordinator will work to increase public awareness of energy issues impacting the lives of Virginians and expand grassroots support for solutions that promote healthy communities in the Commonwealth. 

Location

The Field Coordinator must live in Virginia (or be willing to relocate to Virginia). Appalachian Voices maintains a hybrid work environment; however, residence in central Virginia is ideal, as frequent travel across Virginia may be required at times. Travel within the Appalachian region for annual team and staff retreats is also required, in addition to occasional travel related to other organizational events or conferences.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

• Work within Appalachian Voices’ Virginia team to oppose the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure and to support a clean energy transition using a variety of advocacy strategies and tactics


• Build relationships with community members and key partners through formal and informal coalitions


• Develop and implement a range of grassroots advocacy activities that meet the diverse needs and interests of residents across Virginia


• Plan and execute events designed to educate communities on energy issues and policies impacting Virginia


• Promote civic engagement on legislation, regulations, and permit applications in order to advance the goals of the Virginia program


• Organize, participate in, and facilitate meetings and calls


• Work with the communications team to utilize traditional media, social media, and other electronic communications to broadcast a unified message about program priorities


• Collaborate with other Appalachian Voices Field Coordinators to support complementary programs in North Carolina and Tennessee


• Track progress and engage in planning, reporting, and evaluation of the program


• Recruit and manage a team of interns and volunteers

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with community engagement and grassroots organizing, preferably including leadership development, volunteer coordination, member/supporter mobilization, and strategic campaign/project implementation


• Demonstrated commitment to justice and ability to work with diverse groups on clean energy and social, economic, and environmental justice issues


• Aptitude for public speaking


• Excellent writing, communication, and listening skills


• Event planning skills, including outreach and follow-up, volunteer recruitment, media outreach, event promotion, and logistics coordination


• Ability to effectively facilitate group meetings and calls


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to set priorities, multi-task, and meet deadlines for both short- and long-term goals in a fast-paced environment


• Competency in a variety of computer applications, including the Google Suite, MS Office Suite, and social media


• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision


• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed


• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel, including some overnight travel


• Prior experience with legislative or political campaigns (preferred)


• Knowledge of energy issues, climate science, environmental science, or public health issues and policies (preferred)


• Prior experience working in coalitions (preferred)


• Aptitude for executing impactful digital and social media strategies around core issues (preferred)
  

Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit; specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.  

Appalachian Voices offers competitive compensation and benefits that include employer-paid health care, vision, and dental policies with options to include family members at a reduced cost; short- and long-term disability plans; an optional flexible spending account; generous paid vacation and parental leave; flexible working hours; and an employer-matched retirement plan.

Salary is commensurate with experience; however, the expected salary range is between $50,000 and $57,500. Appalachian Voices is committed to equity in pay practices.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. For early consideration, candidates should apply by July 16th. Using the application link below, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter that addresses (1) why you are interested in the role, (2) what skills and experiences you would bring to this role, and (3) your connection to or interest in the Appalachian region.