Senior Vice President, California

California has long been at the global forefront of efforts to protect the environment and public health, and build a clean, renewable energy economy. Today that leadership posture is more important than ever. Powered by a deep environmental commitment, the people of California consistently elect pro-environment leaders in the legislature and to the governor’s office. When combined with the importance of California to the national and global economies, the state is positioned in the vanguard of environmental progress and also as a primary bulwark against potential regulatory retrenchment at the federal level.

The Environmental Working Group, a leading 501(c)(3) environmental health research and advocacy organization, is seeking a Senior Vice President for its California operations. The successful applicant will lead ambitious research, advocacy and development efforts to advance EWG’s mission and maintain the organization’s position as a leading California environmental nonprofit. EWG’s California program is a top priority for the organization.

EWG’s empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthy environment. EWG research and communications inform the public on a range of environmental issues. One key focus is the toxic, poorly regulated chemicals consumers are exposed to in everyday life – in water, food, personal care products and cleaners. We engage our audiences on the need to protect our air, water, land and climate, as well as on the transition to a clean energy economy through reform of environmental law and regulation and policies governing California’s electric utilities.

EWG is seeking a Senior Vice President for California who is an experienced public interest leader devoted to transformative change that ensures safe drinking water, clean personal care products and healthy food and affordable, renewable clean energy are accessible for everyone, everywhere. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies in California to influence key decision-makers, advance legislative priorities, build coalitions and fundraise to support our mission.

The California program collaborates closely with, and will be supported by, all EWG program areas – development, science, communications, government affairs and information technology.

Key issue areas

• Toxic chemicals and health. Backed by our scientific research, EWG has advanced a wide range of initiatives in California to ban or otherwise regulate chemicals of concern in personal care and cleaning products, food (including additives) and water. EWG has a special interest in reducing exposures and risks from pesticides used in California agriculture
• Water pollution and tap water contamination. EWG has a long history of work in this area, and our California program will pursue opportunities to advance water quality in the state
• Renewable, distributed energy and storage. EWG has actively engaged in California energy policy in recent years, with research, advocacy and communications focused on the need to reform utility policy to advance distributed energy systems, in particular residential, business, farm and community solar and storage. EWG has also actively opposed state policy to extend operation of the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant
• Periodically the California program will also engage issues EWG pursues federally

Duties and responsibilities

• Supervise staff. EWG plans to build out our California operation to a staff of 4-8 individuals over an 18-24-month period. In collaboration with national managers, the SVP for California will develop a programmatic and staffing plan for the program, including hiring
• Government relations strategy and advocacy. Progressive environmental policy is at the core of EWG’s California program. Develop and execute comprehensive government relations strategies to advance EWG’s policy priorities in California. Monitor legislative activity at the state level and identify opportunities to advocate for policies that align with EWG’s mission. Engage with legislators, staff and relevant stakeholders to build support for priority bills and initiatives
• Regulatory engagement: Monitor regulatory proceedings and engage with state agencies to shape regulations that protect public health and the environment. Provide technical expertise and advocacy to ensure that regulations are science-based and enforceable
• Partnership and coalition building. Cultivate and maintain relationships with partner organizations, industry stakeholders and community groups to build coalitions in support of EWG’s policy agenda. Engagement and partnership with environmental justice organizations is of special priority
• Media and public relations. Work closely with EWG’s communications team to develop messaging and media strategies that raise awareness of key issues and advance our policy objectives. Serve as a spokesperson for EWG in interactions with the media, policymakers and the public
• Development. The Senior VP for California will have a lead role in identifying, cultivating and securing financial support for the state program from individual, foundation and business donors

Education And Experience Required

• At least 10-15 years of experience in government relations, legislative advocacy or policy analysis
• Knowledge of environmental health issues and energy policy
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing government relations strategies to achieve policy goals
• Strong knowledge of California politics, legislative processes and regulatory agencies
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across sectors, including legislators, government officials, advocacy organizations and industry representatives
• Strategic thinker who exhibits an entrepreneurial spirit for learning new things and facing challenges and opportunities with creativity
• Commitment to EWG’s mission and values, including a passion for public health protection and advocacy

Location: Sacramento, Calif.

Compensation: Annual salary range of $200,000-$230,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. EWG offers fully paid, excellent health care, paid parental leave and a tax-deferred 403(b) plan, including matched contributions. It’s a casual, growing office with dozens of engaging co-workers.

EWG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion:

EWG celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to foster a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals. EWG does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, matriculation or political affiliation, or any other protected class recognized in any of the jurisdictions where EWG has offices or employees working. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, and compensation and promotion.

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