Community Organizer

Charles River Watershed Association

CRWA uses science, advocacy, and the law to protect, preserve, and enhance the Charles River and its watershed.

Job Description

Full job posting: https://www.crwa.org/community-organizer

CRWA seeks an experienced and dedicated Community Organizer to further the organization’s climate resilience initiatives across the Charles River watershed.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grassroots organizing and familiarity with environmental and climate resilience issues.  The Community Organizer will support and advocate for effective municipal-based climate resilience laws and policies across the Charles River watershed, with a focus on a subset of priority communities, by engaging in advocacy, coalition-building, project management, and outreach to watershed residents and elected officials around issues related to environmental protection, river restoration, and climate resilience. 

The Organizer will report to the Deputy Director of Advocacy and work closely with the Associate Attorney and CRWA’s program staff. This is a full-time exempt position based in CRWA’s Boston office.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Advocate for and work closely with watershed communities to update and implement climate-smart local by-laws and regulations 

  • Use a grassroots approach to build momentum around the climate resilience movement, including organizing community members to effectively engage municipal elected officials, canvassing for outreach and base building, and developing and implementing campaign strategies to advance advocacy goals

  • Collaborate with towns and partners to identify opportunities to build and improve climate resilience and help advance those opportunities (e.g., adoption of stormwater utilities and other climate resilience measures)
    Build partnerships and collaborations with organizations and partners in environmental and climate justice efforts

  • Organize community leaders for municipal briefings/advocacy days

  • Coordinate and manage workshops, presentations, and events that support climate resilience measures

  • Provide guidance and support to community advocates and elected officials on climate resilience policies

  • Represent CRWA in conversations, meetings, and public hearings with community leaders and local elected officials

  • Build and maintain relationships with municipal officials, boards, and other bodies, as well as relevant stakeholders

  • Support the Deputy Director of Advocacy with state-level legislative advocacy as needed 

  • Track progress toward advocacy and project goals

  • Grant writing and reporting

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Commitment to CRWA’s mission

  • Ability to work with a diverse group of people from all backgrounds

  • Educational background and/or work experience in relevant fields (e.g., community organizing, municipal operations, government relations, climate resilience, or a related discipline)

  • Proven experience (2+ years) in grassroots organizing, preferably at a community-based level

  • Demonstrated strong communications skills, including the ability to communicate about CRWA’s mission and work to the public

  • Highly organized and detail-oriented

  • Proficiency in using productivity software or databases (e.g., Asana) is a plus

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google GSuite

  • Demonstrated high level of courtesy and professionalism

  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed

  • Experience with municipal regulations and/or government activities is a plus 

  • This position requires some travel throughout the Charles River watershed; therefore, a valid driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle is necessary to perform the critical functions of this role. 

  • Bilingual is a plus

APPLY TODAY! 

At CRWA, we recognize that excellent candidates may not have every qualification listed but may still be a great fit for the job. If this is you, we encourage you to apply! 

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by email no later than January 19, 2024 to hiring@crwa.org and include “Community Organizer” in the subject line. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates will be interviewed and selected based on criteria such as prior experience and skills relevant to this position. 

This is a full-time exempt position based in Boston with competitive salary and benefits, including generous paid time off, employer contributions to health insurance premiums and retirement plan, and a public transit stipend. Travel expenses will be reimbursed when allowable under CRWA’s travel policy. CRWA’s office operates on a hybrid remote/in-person schedule. The starting salary range for this position is between $55,000 and $60,000, commensurate with experience.

ABOUT CRWA
CRWA uses science, advocacy, and the law to protect, preserve, and enhance the Charles River and its watershed. CRWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, or other bases protected by law. CRWA strives to attract and retain staff from a wide range of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives and to foster a culture of belonging in which all feel valued and respected. Individuals with backgrounds underrepresented in the environmental advocacy field are particularly encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation(s) to make the interview process more accessible, please let us know.