Friends of Clark County is seeking a part-time Community Organizer who will conduct community outreach for the purpose of building broader and more diverse community engagement in local implementation of growth management and related issues. Two priority topics include preservation of local farmland and the Ruckelshaus Center’s statewide project to articulate a vision for a desired future for Washington State and examine the growth planning framework that includes the Growth Management Act, the Shoreline Management Act, the State Environmental Policy Act and other related laws. Please see the following link for more information: https://ruckelshauscenter.wsu.edu/projects/current-projects/.

The position will also assist in organizational development related to membership and strategies that support a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.

Reports to: Friends of Clark County Board of Directors

Salary: $20.00 to $25.00 per hour depending on experience.
Job related mileage and preapproved expense reimbursements are available.

Hours: 20-30 hours per week, may vary from week to week.

BACKGROUND

Friends of Clark County (FOCC) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization established in 1996. FOCC’s mission is to promote responsible growth in Clark County that protects local farms, healthy forests, clean water, abundant fish and wildlife; and creates safe, vibrant and equitable communities.

We have operated for many years as a predominantly an all volunteer organization with a primary focus on local implementation and compliance with the State Growth Management Act.

Friends is seeking a part-time employee who will increase the community’s understanding of growth management and related environmental issues and expand the community’s participation in local policy deliberations. You will work closely with the Board of Directors to develop an outreach and communications strategy including identification of key audiences and under represented communities. Outreach tools include social media, one-on-one meetings, data base management and community forums. The Friends are particularly interested in preservation of local agriculture, compliance with the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) and assuring equitable solutions and diverse involvement.

An important goal for this work will be development of tools and strategies that can be sustained by our organization over the long haul.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Primary objectives of this position:

• Expand participation in and awareness of Washington State’s Growth Management Act and related environmental policy via community meetings, public forums and possible workshops.
• Develop and implement diverse community outreach and engagement including potential collaborations with WSUV and Clark College to better engage a younger demographic.
• Help to convene diverse community leaders to find common ground collective impact strategies.
• Develop and advocate for best public engagement practices among public entities.
• Expand volunteer and membership capacity of FOCC.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ideally, you are a highly motivated and mission driven individual with prior experience in public engagement and community organizing related to policy issues. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with diverse people and organizations to get things done. The right candidate will be a consummate collaborator and a good listener. Experience and understanding of the Growth Management Act, farmland preservation strategies, local comprehensive planning and Clark County government political processes will weigh in your favor.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Respect for economic and cultural diversity and experience working with diverse groups of people.
• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal; including experience translating complex/technical information for lay audiences.
• Experience developing and executing an outreach strategy that will draw new and under represented individuals and organizations to participate in public policy decision making.
• Ability to effectively utilize and build our data base – Little Green Light.
• Social media organizing experience.
• Experience with development of culturally appropriate outreach materials.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with an ability to mobilize people toward positive ends.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management and a willingness to develop additional skills as needed.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Friends of Clark County’s Board of Directors collectively have a wide breadth of experience and expertise in organizing and environmental policy to support and collaboratively guide the project. Telecommuting and individual transportation are required for this position.

TO APPLY

The position will be open until Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 or until an adequate number of applications have been received. Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references via email to info@friendsfoclarkcounty.org with subject line – JOB APPLICATION.

FOCC is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ candidates are encouraged to apply.