CENTRAL OHIO REGIONAL DIRECTOR

The Ohio Environmental Council seeks a Central Ohio Regional Director to enhance environmental programs and policies in the region. This role involves relationship building, policy advocacy, community engagement, and collaboration with local partners to promote clean energy, public lands, and safe water. Key qualifications include experience in grassroots organizing, effective communication skills, and budget management. The position is based in Columbus, OH, indicating it is not a remote job.
JOB DESCRIPTION: CENTRAL OHIO REGIONAL DIRECTOR

The Ohio Environmental Council and its affiliated organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, seeks a Central Ohio Regional Director to join our Field Advocacy team. This role will focus on increasing the effectiveness of environmentally centered programs and policies to ensure the region continues to advance towards a sustainable future.

The Central Ohio Regional Director will work to build meaningful relationships, foster connections, and advance policies and projects within one of the most influential and rapidly growing regions in the state of Ohio. This role will play a critical role in securing victories for clean energy, public lands, and safe and affordable water by working closely with OEC staff and local community partners. As part of the larger statewide Field Advocacy Team, this role will also be working at the intersection of local advocacy and local policy through deep place-based relational organizing, policy development, public outreach and education, and local leader engagement.

Job Responsibilities

As the Central Ohio Regional Director, your responsibilities will include:

Developing and executing a regional plan that advances policies that protect the air, water, land and democracy in Central Ohio and connects to progress at the state and federal levels
Building and maintaining key relationships with local elected officials and, high level community stakeholders
Analyzing data and trends to inform decision-making
Organizing and attending community events and meetings in the community that build the OEC’s presence in Central Ohio, and maximize opportunities for community members to engage civically with our issues
Coordinating efforts between a strong and sustainable internal team and external coalition partners, advocating on energy, land, democracy, and water issues
Taking a leadership role in local coalitions when needed
Building and maintaining relationships with OEC Board Members
Working with staff to develop authentic relationships with key partners, local opinion leaders, elected officials, and business leaders who can play important, strategic roles in the OEC family of organizations
Monitoring and managing a regional budget to identify areas for cost optimization and improved efficiency
Understanding and working within the political landscape to build relationships and advance our agenda across a diverse set of individuals and organizations

Qualifications

Key qualifications:

You have at least three to five years of directly related work experience, including work or volunteer experience in a grassroots organizing, advocacy, activist, or government setting
You have the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
You have a commitment to the region, working for a just and better world, and raising the profile of environmental issues impacting the area
You have the ability to inspire action and to break down complex issues into compelling calls to action
You have excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with stakeholders
You have experience managing a budget
You have effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple projects independently
You have the ability to craft a vision for the future and develop a guide that enables you to get there
You share our commitment to ensuring an inclusive organization that is representative of all Ohioans
You have strong analytical skills with an ability to interpret data and develop effective strategies

Preferred qualifications:

Experience in field organizing or advocacy
Experience working at the intersection of equity and the environment
An understanding and experience within the regional political landscape that enables you to build relationships and advance our agenda
You can be creative about building bridges with organizations from different viewpoints

Compensation and benefits

This position is full-time, exempt, pays between $57,000 – $63,000, and is within the bargaining unit represented by the OEC Workers United. Excellent benefits include employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance; flexible and dependent care spending account; generous paid time off; paid parental leave; and employer-matched retirement fund.

Additional details

Candidates must live in Columbus/Central Ohio. Candidates must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends, and be willing to occasionally travel throughout the region regularly.

About the OEC

The Ohio Environmental Council and its affiliated organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, envisions a clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment.

The mission of the OEC is to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement. For nearly 10 years, the OEC Action Fund has built the political power of Ohio’s environmental movement. Visit the OEC Action Fund’s website to learn more about our work.

The OEC seeks to hire staff and contractors that reflect the communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. The OEC is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the position, your resume, writing sample, and references to OEC@theoec.org with “Central Ohio Regional Director” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.