Summary: The Land and Liberty Coalition is seeking a highly motivated and passionate individual to join our team as the Illinois Director of Programs & Operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to a qualified individual who can split their time between managing statewide programming and traveling the state to engage with grassroots stakeholders.

This individual will be responsible for field activities such as building and maintaining relationships in rural communities and with local stakeholders, county boards, and relevant community organizations. They will be responsible for educating these groups about clean energy and supporting local development, as well as advancing market-based clean energy solutions across Illinois. In addition to these field activities the Director of Program & Operations will be responsible for managing the state’s program and handling administrative functions for day-to-day operations. They will also track relevant state laws and regulations, synthesizing this information into a narrative for relevant partners and stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of rural Illinois communities and their needs. They should have strong communication and relationship- building skills and be comfortable working independently and in a team as necessitated by the task. A candidate with an understanding of the energy sector and local siting issues would be beneficial, as well as experience managing programs and administrative functions.

Duties and Responsibilities: The following are essential functions of the position. Other duties may be assigned.

Communications:

• Must be willing to speak at public events that may include outspoken opposition
• Must be capable of crafting concise narrative-driven reports
• Must be competent in written communications
• Must have excellent phone and zoom etiquette.

• Oversee research and project development, providing support and networking assistance as needed
• Biennial Candidate Education
• Conduct survey of candidates during election cycles, working with Executive Director
• to draft survey and letters and evaluate responses
• Coordinate educational meetings with candidates and make staff travel
• arrangements across the state
• Schedule monthly Leadership Council call, draft agenda and provide additional
• information to Council as needed
• Provide administrative support for educational events and tours
• Attend in-state energy conferences to increase knowledge base, network and increase L&LC’s and CEN’s brand awareness

Administration: 

• Pay all invoices, reimbursements, rent, taxes, etc.
• Handle banking and communications with CPA
• Keep Quickbooks and check ledger current & balanced with bank account
• Track budget spending and create budget overview for biannual board meetings

Other:

• Attend biannual CEN conferences, collaborating with all CEN state organizations.
• Participate in monthly CEN Midwest Regional call
• Attend annual L&LC retreat, collaborating with other state L&LC programs

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to prepare and deliver effective speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to diverse audiences including elected officials and public groups.

Computer Skills:

Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience with Adobe Suite, which includes InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, Canva, and/or other similar design applications a plus.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university in communications, political science, digital media, or another relevant field is preferred; three to five years of communications, marketing, administrative and/or program management experience a plus.

Specialized Training:

• Experience working for issue advocacy nonprofits, public affairs firms, political campaigns, or government is preferred
• Experience working within the energy sector will also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:

• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Top notch writing/editing skills, experience distilling complicated issues in memos,
• reports, press releases, and digital communication platforms.
• Basic graphic design skills for social media, web, Microsoft PowerPoint, and print
• materials is preferred.
• Role requires travel, including overnight travel,
• Some overnight stays
• Comfort engaging with the public is critical.
• Outstanding time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage and
• meet deadlines and balance multiple programming priorities at once.
• Role requires willingness to work some evenings and/or weekends for events an
• stakeholder meetings.
• Role requires considerable in-state one day travel and occasional overnight travel
• within state borders
• Multi day travel outside of state boundary to be expected 2-4 times per year.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 5-to-20-pound boxes for events, as needed.