Southwest Ohio Regional Director

The Ohio Environmental Council seeks a Southwest Ohio Regional Director to join our Field Advocacy Team. This role will focus on maintaining and growing environmentally centered programs and policies to ensure the region continues to advance towards a sustainable and equitable future. The role will also support policy advocacy efforts conducted by the OEC’s affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. 

The Southwest Ohio Regional Director will build meaningful relationships, foster connections, and advance policies and projects throughout priority areas of the Southwest Ohio region, with a specific focus on Hamilton County and the Greater Cincinnati Region. The person in this role will organize members, partners, and community groups to get involved and make protection of Ohio’s land, air, and water a priority of local and state leaders. 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. The ideal candidate will be a servant leader who can act as an OEC ambassador to our expanding network, as well as build long-lasting relationships with our members in the region.  

The Southwest Ohio Regional Director will serve as a member of the statewide Field Advocacy Team, working in close partnership with the Central Ohio Regional Director, Cleveland Metro Advocacy Director, and Southeast Ohio Regional Director. This team reports to the Managing Director of Field Advocacy.  

Job Responsibilities 

As the Southwest Regional Director, your responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and executing a regional vision for impact that advances policies that protect the air, water, land, and democracy in Southwest Ohio, aligned with the OEC strategic plan and progress at the state and federal levels.

• Advocate for carbon reduction strategies and collaborate with local governments, community partners, and regional coalitions to achieve climate action, track progress toward emissions-reduction milestones, and promote public understanding of climate solutions, with a particular emphasis on implementing and advancing the Green Cincinnati Plan. 

• Building and maintaining authentic relationships with key partners, local opinion leaders, elected officials, and business leaders who can play important, strategic roles in the OEC affiliated organizations.

• Organizing and attending community events and meetings that build the OEC’s presence in Southwest Ohio, and maximize opportunities for community members to engage civically with our issues.

• Coordinating engagement between OEC’s policy experts 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. 

• 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.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Key qualifications: 

• You have at least three to five years of directly related work experience, including work or volunteer experience in grassroots organizing, advocacy, activist, or government setting. 

• 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 work collaboratively or independently and “fill in the blanks” when needed. 

• You approach your work with a flexible, positive attitude, and the spirit of “yes”. 

• You have the ability to adapt quickly to change. 

• You have the ability to craft a vision for the future and develop a guide that enables you to get there. 

• You have strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and develop effective strategies. 

• You share our commitment to ensuring an inclusive organization that is representative of all Ohioans. 

Preferred qualifications: 

• You have experience within the regional environmental and political landscape that enables you to build relationships and advance our agenda. 

• You have demonstrated a commitment to continued professional growth and development. 

• You have experience managing multiple projects at once while delivering quality results. 

• You have experience serving as a “bridge builder” with organizations from different viewpoints. 

• You have experience with fundraising and/or grant writing. 

• You have the ability to plan, track, and manage a budget successfully. 

• You can travel within the state and be available for occasional overnight or out-of-state travel for meetings and conferences. 

Compensation and benefits 

The salary range for this position is $57,000 - $63,000 and is within the bargaining unit represented by 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 Southwest Ohio and have the ability to work evenings, weekends, occasionally travel overnight or out-of-state for conferences and meetings with partners, donors, etc. 

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  

Submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references for this opening. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.