Youth Engagement Director

Who We Are

The Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a highly effective coalition of national climate, conservation, and progressive groups, state and local partners, and key allies working to protect clean air and promote action to limit climate change. The Campaign serves as an important center of gravity and convening body for dozens of organizations working together to win the passage of ambitious federal climate policy that is centered on investment, standards, jobs, health, and justice.

About the Position

The Climate Action Campaign is seeking a Youth Engagement Director to lead and drive a growing portfolio of work focused on:

Building powerful and durable grassroots climate activism among young people, Elevating powerful youth voices online and in the news in order to ramp up the urgency for continued federal action on climate, Spearheading non-partisan civic engagement work on college campuses, including HBCUs.

Young people stand to inherit the brunt of the climate crisis. Poll after poll confirms they understand this better than any other generation and that they want to see bold action on climate. From college and high school students to young working folks, CAC aims to tap into this powerful support and help it blossom into actual political power that can move the climate agenda.

In 2024, CAC plans to increase youth climate activism across the country, with a special emphasis on our priority states of AZ, GA, MI, NV, PA and WI. This position reports to the Senior Director for Field and Campaign Strategy and works collaboratively with CAC staff and partner organizations.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead CAC’s youth engagement, including managing our campus organizing projects, pioneering a summer climate academy, and recruiting, identifying and convening youth organizations. Build relationships with a wide range of young leaders and create opportunities for collaboration through social and earned media. Conceive and execute CAC’s first Climate Youth Academy this Summer to prepare 50 students to be cutting-edge climate leaders and activists skilled in organizing, social media and voter registration. Craft and execute plans for youth engagement around key moments including Earth Day, the State of the Union, National Voter Registration Day and many more. Drive CAC’s non-partisan civic engagement work focused on youth voter registration and voter turnout. Collaborate with CAC’s Mobilization Director to engage and mobilize young people on CAC’s activist list. Convene partner organizations working at the intersection of youth and federal climate policy to align on strategy, coordinate efforts, share ideas and best practices. In conjunction with partners and vendors, design and execute trainings and virtual events focused on cultivating youth climate leaders. Spearhead CAC’s campus organizing program, including managing and holding accountable vendors to create the biggest scale and most strategic activities. Cultivate a cohort of 20 passionate, compelling youth leaders with strong social media followings and collaborate with them to drive a powerful narrative through earned and social media that young people are calling for urgent action on climate. Collaborate closely with CAC’s digital team to find creative ways to tap into the youth zeitgeist online and drive a climate message focused on inspiring and mobilizing young people.

Who You Are

We are looking for a seasoned organizer, advocate, coalition builder, and manager to join our team to build out and oversee this critical stream of work. The ideal candidate will have:

7-10 years of experience in organizing, political campaigns or non-profit advocacy. At least 2-3 years leading youth engagement work in an advocacy or political campaign setting. Experience managing grassroots field programs. Strong background working in high-functioning coalitions. Rapid response temperament. Top notch communication skills — one on one and in groups both verbally and in writing. Familiarity with the environmental movement is preferred

If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability so that you may participate in the selection process, please email [email protected].

The Fine Print

This is a full-time, Exempt position. CAC is based in Washington, DC and our strong preference is candidates based in DC. Candidates in other locations willing to do the necessary travel will be considered. CAC is a hybrid office with the expectation of working an average of 2 days in the office each week, especially for key meetings, trainings, and staff retreats.

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000 commensurate based on experience. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for staff and dependents Unlimited paid time off and paid holidays 401k plan with employer matching Monthly Technology Stipend Commuter and dependent care benefits Professional development stipend and more

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to economic and social justice, and do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ people, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more here