Clean Water Action is a national, grassroots environmental organization that works to protect the environment and safeguard public health, promote passage of strong environmental laws, and help communities address local environmental problems affecting them. Clean Water Fund is a national research and education organization which promotes justice and the public interest on issues related to water, waste, clean energy and toxic chemicals. Top issue priorities include preventing harm to our health from toxic chemicals, promoting climate justice, advocating for zero waste and zero emission policies, and protecting drinking water. Ensuring that those most affected by environmental degradation have a voice at the table, so that people can achieve community-driven solutions to environmental injustices, create healthy neighborhoods and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Clean Water Action is seeking a passionate Environmental Justice Organizer to lead campaigns and community initiatives across New Jersey. You’ll coordinate projects like Tea for Toxic Beauty, expand our Safe Water Safe Lives efforts, and work directly with communities to identify environmental threats, develop solutions, and amplify local voices. This role involves community outreach, coalition-building, education, media support, and leadership development, with opportunities to shape statewide environmental justice (EJ) strategies. The ideal candidate has experience in community organizing, strong communication skills, cultural competence, and a commitment to racial and environmental equity.
Responsibilities
•Coordinate Clean Water’s Tea for Toxic Beauty campaign designed to reduce exposure and health impacts ofconsumer products targeting communities of color.
•Explore opportunities to expand our Safe Water Safe Lives campaign focused on environmental conditions inNJ prisons.
•Collaborate with other EJ leads on enforcing the state’s EJ law and regulations.
•Work with community partners to identify environmental threats that affect them, potential solutions andstrategies to address their priorities.
•Build a network and data base of EJ leaders and organizations throughout the state. Maintain ongoingrelationships that enlarge Clean Water Action’s family of EJ voices and leaders both internal and external.
•Develop toolbox of EJ policies, practices and leadership training that can serve as models elsewhere.
•Conduct community outreach and education programs specific to EJ issues, remedies or policies sought.
•Help coordinate media (traditional and social platforms) and event outreach activities related to campaigns.
•Help with fundraising and other activities as requested by their supervisor.
•Minimum of two (2) years of successful community organizing experience (paid or volunteer), preferably onenvironmental and/or social justice campaigns and within low-income communities or communities of color.
•Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
•Cultural competence, passion, and commitment to racial justice and equity.
•Strong oral and written communication skills, including experience preparing and delivering presentations.
•Well organized with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and problem-solve in a fast-paced, dynamicenvironment.
•Strong research and critical thinking skills.
•Proficiency with computers and social media tools, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite,databases, Canva, Teams, and youth- or community-oriented social media approaches.
•Availability for evenings and weekends as needed to fulfill the requirements of the position.
•Knowledge of field and phone canvassing techniques is helpful.
•Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
•Ability to travel to meetings and events.
•Access to a stable, high-speed internet connection sufficient for remote work, including tasks such as typing,online research, and participating in virtual meetings.
SCHEDULE: This position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, to be worked during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM). Specific weekly schedules will be coordinated with the supervisor. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required to support events.
This is a hybrid position. Candidates must be located within reasonable driving distance of the Elizabeth, NJ office. The role requires attendance at bi-monthly in-office staff meetings, as well as at least two additional in-office days per month coordinated around meetings with team members.
Internal Candidates: Internal candidates should first contact their supervisor.
Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund value a diverse workplace. People of color and those from economically disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Clean Water Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.