Legislative Director Job Atlanta area,Georgia USA,Government

Job Title: Legislative Director

Department: Georgia Chapter

Location: Hybrid; must be able to travel to Atlanta daily

Reports To: Chapter Director

Supervises: Legislative Interns and Contract Lobbyists

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future.

By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers.

We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Legislative Director builds the Chapter’s power and influence through delivery of legislative advocacy efforts. Maintains governmental and political contacts, evaluates legislation, makes strategic recommendations related to legislation, and lobbies at the state and local level. This is a hybrid position that requires frequent in-person meetings as well as in-state travel.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

Legislative Strategy. Plans, coordinates, and implements the Chapter’s legislative strategies as approved by the Chapter Legislative Committee. Writes and implements work plans for legislative campaigns and coordinates with staff and volunteers to develop campaign goals and tactics that will deliver policy wins in alignment with the Chapter’s priorities. Collects and maintains legislative data, evaluates legislative strategies, reports campaign outcomes to the Chapter Director, and makes recommendations on adjusting organizing strategy as needed.

Legislative Lobbying. Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials and legislative staff. Coordinates with groups and partners in order to rally support/opposition for bills, initiatives, laws, or resolutions. Monitors, studies, and researches proposed legislation to determine possible effects on the environment and makes appropriate recommendations to the Legislative Committee. Confers with legislators and officials to emphasize merits or weaknesses of specific bills to influence passage, defeat, or amendment of measure, or introduction of legislation that defend and advance environmental protection.

In consultation with the Legislative Chair and contract lobbyist, prepares for legislative hearings and meetings. Ensures compliance with state and federal law and files lobbyist reports.

Policy Messaging & Communications. Works with Sierra Club staff and coalition partners to develop a consistent, clear state policy and legislative message that is being communicated to the public, relevant communities, and stakeholders. Tracks legislative proceedings to ensure proper messaging and leads rapid response strategy. Write legislative briefs and works with communications staff to develop one-pagers, talking points, and policy toolkits.

Grassroots Mobilization. Manages and implements legislative mobilization efforts including but not limited to: indirect lobbying, direct-to-target messaging, coalition events, SMS, and phone banking. Designs and facilitates legislative training for…