G3. Big Green

Every spring under the rainy skies of the Willamette Valley, thousands of activists and attorneys arrive at the University of Oregon in Eugene for a flurry of education and inspiration in our collective fight to protect the Wild. Here at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC), our collective passion for safeguarding the Wild takes center stage. This year, we’re proud to say that WildEarth Guardians’ wins, along with the exceptional staff driving them, made a significant impact and deeply resonated throughout the community. 

“Here’s to calling it like it is and keeping big, old trees standing,” said Jennifer Schwartz in her acceptance speech.

Senior Staff Attorney for Guardians’ wildlife program, Jennifer Schwartz, received well-deserved recognition for her “willingness to sue the bastards” from Oregon Wild, one of Guardians strong partners in the Northwest. You’d be hard pressed to find a better lawyer for the environment than Jennifer. Jennifer’s legal feats have protected some of the West’s wildest places and most vulnerable species – think wolves, grasslands, and old growth forests. The Wild is fortunate to have Jennifer’s passionate litigation on its side!

Read more about Jennifer

Lizzy Pennock, Carnivore Coexistence Attorney, presenting at PIELC

Our job is to use every legal tool available to hold our government accountable to protecting the West’s wildlife and wild places. By shedding light on Guardians’ recent legal victory in Montana that halted wolf trapping in grizzly bear habitat, Lizzy Pennock, Carnivore Coexistence Attorney, is showing the next generation of wildlife guardians how to win for the Wild. At PIELC, Lizzy presented to a packed room about our ongoing Endangered Species Act case filed against the state of Montana, which aims to curtail the indiscriminate traps jeopardizing the federally-threatened grizzly bear population. With leaders like Lizzy forging the path, Guardians will continue to be an unapologetic defender of grizzlies – and all wildlife in the West.

Cecilia Garcia (Sierra Club, Progressive Workers’ Union), Rae Min Lee (RVC Seattle), Mireille Bejjani (Slingshot), Danny Noonan (Breach Collective), and Erica Prather (left to right)

Erica Prather, Greater Gila Arizona Advocate, presented a myth busting, truth telling panel that, despite a Sunday morning slot, was standing room only and was heralded as one of the most interesting and meaningful PIELC panels… ever. The name of the panel alone should give you a sense of why: “Unions are the Mycelial Network of the Environment Movement.”  Erica brought together folks who organized workplaces across the country, from small nonprofits to large green NGOs, to discuss the wave of organized labor sweeping the environmental movement. The panel dove into the exciting potentials of a unionized environmental movement, including our ability to foster deeper connections with frontline communities, leverage class consciousness, and make the conservation movement increasingly relevant through partnerships with the working class.

At a session organized by our partners at Earthjustice and Oregon Wild, some of the West’s leading conservation organizations gathered to share and learn the latest trends in communications practices, from TikTok to traditional newspaper reporting. Guardians’ Communication Director Jon Schwedler took to the floor to share insights from a recent poll we commissioned on how voters in Colorado and Montana feel about the use of every legal tool to protect imperiled wildlife, old growth forests, and the Endangered Species Act. These insights inspired an extremely productive discussion that will help Guardians and other organizations make persuasive arguments for the conservation of wildlife and wild places, which is particularly critical in this election year.

If you missed us at PIELC this year, come find us next year for more inspiring conservation wins and thought-provoking conversations!

The post WildEarth Guardians shines at annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference appeared first on WildEarth Guardians.

ABOUT THE FORESTS & FINANCE COALITION

Forests & Finance is an initiative by a coalition of campaign and research organisations including Rainforest Action Network, TuK Indonesia, Profundo, Amazon Watch, Repórter Brasil, BankTrack, Sahabat Alam Malaysia and Friends of the Earth US. Collectively we seek to prevent financial institutions from facilitating environmental and social abuses common in forest risk commodities. We seek to achieve this through improved financial sector transparency, policies, systems and regulations.

This position will be hired by RAN, one of the founding members of the Forests & Finance Coalition.

ABOUT RAN

For more than 30 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned to preserve forests, protect the climate and uphold human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through research, education, partnerships, non-violent direct action, grassroots organizing,  strategic campaigns and communications. We are committed to working with Indigenous communities and frontline communities directly impacted by profit-driven systems of injustice. In partnership with allies from around the world, RAN challenges corporations to stop destructive operations, respect human rights, and adopt comprehensive policies that reduce their contributions to climate change.​ RAN is committed to doing what is necessary, not only what is considered politically feasible.

RACIAL JUSTICE, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

RAN strives to integrate values of equity and fairness into our work, which includes bringing an intentional racial justice and cultural equity analysis to our programmatic work and organizational structure. We strive to create an internal culture built on mutual trust, collaboration, and respect where all staff feel supported, valued, and heard.

RAN values diversity in race, class, gender, culture, and religion, and implements programs internally to ensure that staff, board, and activists understand and adopt anti-oppression principles. For more information about RAN’s history, culture, and philosophy, please visit RAN’s website.

THE POSITION

The Forests & Finance Coalition (FFC) is looking for a motivated, passionate and hard-working individual to provide administrative, technical and coordination support to the FFC, as Coalition Coordinator. The ability to interact with people from different cultures, and flexibility for calls outside normal working hours—while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient—is essential. A high level of professionalism and confidentiality is crucial. This position will work side-by-side with the Forest & Finance Coalition Manager to ensure strong program and coalition management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the FFC Coordinator, the steering committee and the wider coalition in coordinating and managing the activities of the coalition, including:
  • Coordination of coalition calls and meetings
  • Information sharing, including production of a newsletter
  • Update and maintain the FFC program calendar and track deadlines
  • Monitoring and evaluation activities
  • Assist on special projects, per the request of the Coalition Manager
• Data analysis and presentations
  • Prepare graphs and tables to support journalists and partners
  • Prepare presentations for workshops and trainings
  • Support in the drafting of blogs and reports
• Manage the Forestsandfinance.org website, including:
  • Regular publication of blogs, press releases and reports
  • Import datasets and support with data validation and testing
  • Review and maintain site in coordination with the IT department and external contractors
• Manage the F&F Coalition’s social media channels
  • work with the coalition to coordinate the sign off process for regular posts
  • Coordinate with RAN digital team to increase engagement and outreach
• Coordinate translation needs for the coalition
• Participate in RAN’s racial justice work and help shape and implement racial justice priorities within the forest program;
• Participate in RAN staff, campaign and program meetings and retreats; and
• Share office responsibilities to maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years of previous experience in administrative or program support and project management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Due to the nature of the work, fluency in Indonesian, Portuguese, or both is required.
• Strong Excel skills or ability and willingness to learn quickly
• Solid computer skills (Word, PowerPoint and strong internet research skills);
• A proven track record of working effectively in teams;
• Strong organizational, time management and project management skills;
• Ability to manage across a large international team working in multiple time zones and multiple languages, and work with staff at all levels as well as allies and funders;
• Proactive, ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced campaigning environment;
• Experience with or interest in learning about Racial Justice and non-violent direct action;
• Ability to travel occasionally (up to 10%) and willingness to work flexible hours for meetings with our global team based in Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Brazil, North America and Europe.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Additional language skills from regions in which we work are a plus, including but not limited to French, Spanish, and Japanese;
• Working knowledge or strong interest in the issues the Forest & Finance Coalition works on including but not limited to: sustainable finance, deforestation, Indigenous rights, climate change;
• Experience in website management
• Experience in managing social media channels (twitter, Instagram, youtube, linkedin)
• Experience with project management tools like Asana, and customer relationship management programs.
• Prior organizing and campaigning experience

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with an anticipated US starting salary range of $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience. This range may vary for applicants in other locations; individual specifics and details to be discussed during the interview process.

All staff at RAN are eligible for four weeks of paid vacation time (increases to five weeks after two years) as well as paid sick leave, paid holidays and paid winter break, and a 3% matching contribution for their retirement plan. Additionally, after every five years of service, staff are eligible for a 12-week fully-paid sabbatical.

Healthcare benefits vary by location. For staff in the US, they include 100% RAN-paid health, dental and vision insurance for the staff person and their partner/family. For staff in locations outside the US, RAN offers reimbursement for healthcare costs. Applicants outside the US may request to speak with RAN HR to better understand the benefits available to them.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

RAN is a union workplace; our staff are represented by RAN Alliance for Workers’ Rights (RAWR) via CWA 9415. For US candidates, this position is included in the unit. For other locations, unit status is to be determined.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESS

RAN is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing all people with equal access to employment and volunteer opportunities. If you need assistance with accommodations during our interview or employment processes, please contact HR@ran.org. We encourage applicants of color, diverse identities, and from historically excluded identities to apply for this position.

TO APPLY

Please use the link below to submit a resume and cover letter. For optimal consideration, please apply by April 8.

https://rainforest-action-network.breezy.hr/p/1017a5c14266-forests-finance-platform-coordinator

The post Forests & Finance Platform Coordinator appeared first on Rainforest Action Network.

ABOUT RAN 

For more than 30 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned to preserve forests, protect the climate and uphold human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through research, education, partnerships, peaceful direct action, grassroots organizing, strategic campaigns and communications. We are committed to working with Indigenous and frontline communities directly impacted by profit-driven systems of injustice. In partnership with allies from around the world, RAN challenges corporations to stop destructive operations, respect human rights, and adopt policies that reduce their contributions to climate change.

RACIAL JUSTICE, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

RAN strives to integrate values of equity and fairness into our work, which includes bringing an intentional racial justice and cultural equity analysis to our programmatic work and organizational structure. We strive to create an internal culture built on mutual trust, collaboration, and respect where all staff feel supported, valued, and heard.

RAN values diversity in race, class, gender, culture, and religion, and implements programs internally to ensure that staff, board, and activists understand and adopt anti-oppression principles. For more information about RAN’s history, culture, and philosophy, please visit RAN’s website.

THE POSITION

RAN’s Climate and Energy Program focuses on curbing fossil fuel expansion while building towards a just energy transition by shifting financial flows and getting the world’s largest banks and insurance companies to develop and implement comprehensive climate and human right policies. RAN is looking for a Senior Campaigner to support the Climate and Energy Program’s finance campaigning efforts, with a focus on leading the banks campaign. In this position you will develop and implement comprehensive corporate campaigns to push banks to stop supporting fossil fuel companies and respect human rights. That includes designing and coordinating campaign strategies, collaborating with a range of partners, conducting policy analysis, and engaging directly with corporate decision makers. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, curious, and organized thinker who enjoys interacting with a range of people whether inside RAN, in corporate meeting rooms or at street protests, with a deep commitment to climate justice.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and execute campaign strategies to push major US banks to respect human rights, phase out financing for fossil fuels, and shift financing to a just energy transition.
• Co-design, and oversee implementation of outside pressure campaign tactics including digital, communications and organizing strategies, including direct actions;
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships nationally and internationally, including with grassroots and frontline partners, following RAN’s Partnership Guidelines;
• Lead and participate in issue based coalitions
• Conduct analysis of banks’ fossil fuel and human rights policies;
• Engage directly with decision makers at target companies;
• Stay abreast of international frameworks and tracking systems as they relate to progress in the finance and energy sectors;
• Direct and support research to be used for crafting campaign strategy or for specific campaign goals and activities;
• Represent RAN as a spokesperson with media and at public events;
• Supervise any contractors hired to complete campaign tasks;
• Support the Climate & Energy Team in work planning and strategic planning processes;
• Contribute to building an inclusive and collaborative team culture, and assist team with logistical and administrative tasks as needed;
• In conjunction with the Digital, Communications, and Development teams, write and review compelling communications materials for reporters, RAN supporters, funders, and partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5 years experience in climate or social justice-related campaigning, or equivalent transferable experience is required;
• Strong interest and awareness in issues related to climate change; working knowledge or strong interest and willingness to learn about the issues the Climate & Energy Program works on, including insurance and bank contributions to climate change;
• A proven track record of working effectively and the ability to build and maintain relationships in teams, partnerships, coalitions, and other shared spaces (both internally and in external groups);
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Strong analytical, decision-making, strategic facilitation and prioritization skills;
• Excellent project management and organizational skills;
• Ability to handle simultaneous deadlines and work independently;
• Commitment to climate justice, human and Indigenous rights, racial justice and equity, and an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations;
• Experience with or interest and eagerness to learn about non-violent direct action;
• Willingness to travel for up to 20% of the time.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with an anticipated starting salary range of $88,000-95,000 commensurate with experience. Due to the nature of this position’s engagement with financial institutions in the Northeastern US, there is a preference for candidates who are based in the US. RAN has staff in time zones across the world, and staff are expected to work flexibly in order to connect with colleagues.

Benefits include 100% RAN-paid health, dental and vision insurance for the staff person and their partner/family, four weeks PTO (increases to five weeks after two years) as well as a paid flexible sick time, winter break, and a retirement plan with a 3% employer match. Additionally, after every five years of service, staff are eligible for a 12-week fully-paid sabbatical.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

RAN is a union workplace; our staff are represented by RAN Alliance for Workers’ Rights (RAWR) via CWA 9415. This position is included in the unit.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESS

RAN is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing all people with equal access to employment and volunteer opportunities. If you need assistance with accommodations during our interview or employment processes, please contact HR@ran.org. We encourage applicants of color and from other historically excluded identities to apply for this position.

TO APPLY

Please use the link below to submit a resume and cover letter. Applications received before April 8, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration.

APPLICATION LINK: https://rainforest-action-network.breezy.hr/p/2f9e1bafb4a5-senior-campaigner-energy-finance

The post Senior Campaigner – Energy Finance appeared first on Rainforest Action Network.