Grassroots Organizing Coordinator

Our grassroots advocates are eager to make a difference for the Mississippi River. FMR’s Grassroots Organizing Coordinator helps them engage in local, state and federal environmental policy decisions through events, education, action alerts and other activities.

About FMR

The Mississippi River is one of the world’s great rivers, a natural resource of global significance. Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading nonprofit that protects, restores and enhances the Mississippi River and its watershed primarily in the Twin Cities region. The organization has become a national model for conservation and watershed protection. Our goals are to: improve water quality; conserve important lands; engage people in learning about and taking action to protect and enhance the river; inspire widespread commitment to this natural wonder flowing through our community; and protect our river's unique scenic, natural, cultural and recreational qualities.
 
The organization has an annual budget of $4.3 million and employs a dedicated, professional staff of 27 who work to improve the health of the river through policy advocacy, education and engagement, land conservation and restoration and other disciplines. Over 30+ years, FMR has established deep relationships and credibility with thousands of local residents, landowners, neighborhood organizations, volunteers, government agencies and elected officials.
 
With a well-known and respected brand, a seasoned and effective staff, a strong Board of Directors, and an ever-growing base of support, FMR is poised for continued growth and success. The workplace culture at FMR is collaborative and fun, and staff share a common love of the river and dedication to the mission of the organization.

Our office is located in St. Paul’s West Side community, in a historic building across the street from Harriet Island and the river. We enjoy a pet-friendly workplace, and a hybrid working arrangement (Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the office; Monday, Thursday and Friday anywhere you choose). 
 
FMR believes that the Mississippi River connects us all, and that social and environmental issues are woven together. As we work toward restoring habitat and the river's waters, we will also work toward a riverway that is safe, healing and accessible for everyone. We strive to be culturally competent, welcoming and inclusive of all people and are committed to using our resources and influence to redress structural inequality where it intersects with the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. We encourage interested applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Learn more about equity at FMR.

Grassroots Organizing Coordinator position description

The Grassroots Organizing Coordinator engages community members, including FMR’s network of over 3,000 River Guardians, in grassroots advocacy efforts to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed for everyone. FMR advocates at the federal, state and local levels on a range of environmental policy issues including water quality, agriculture, protection of parks and open space, riverfront development, Twin Cities locks and dams, mining and more. The organizer will be a visible member of FMR’s advocacy team and a key public presence as we build grassroots power and equip community members as effective advocates for the river and environment.

The Grassroots Organizing Coordinator position is right for a strategic, creative, engaging and organized candidate who can effectively build relationships with a diverse range of community members while managing multiple projects and priorities. A commitment to and understanding of equity and environmental justice is crucial.

This position reports to FMR’s Land Use & Planning Program Director and collaborates closely with staff from across the organization, including from our Water and Land Use & Planning programs and Communications department. 

Responsibilities

• Recruit, inspire, equip and support community members to act on environmental issues related to the Mississippi River.
• Plan and lead actions and activities such as community meetings, in-person and virtual events, and action alert emails to cultivate grassroots leadership, increase community awareness of FMR and expand participation in FMR’s advocacy efforts.
• Plan and lead regular events to engage, inform and build meaningful relationships with our River Guardians community advocates.
• Represent FMR at community events and public meetings.
• Create a variety of communications products (web content, event registrations, emails, articles, handouts, social media content, etc.) with the support of the Communications department.
• Use technology tools, including EveryAction, to engage advocates and track participation in action alerts and other activities. (Training will be provided.)
• Develop and sustain relationships with partner organizations and coalitions. 
• Assist with policy research and strategy development on a variety of issues.
• Participate in internal meetings, events and working groups. 

Qualifications

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Friends of the Mississippi River.
• 2-5 years of experience in community organizing and engagement, grassroots advocacy, public policy, environmental policy or related work.
• Shares FMR’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and has experience advancing similar efforts, such as working in cross-cultural settings or connecting community and policy goals to environmental justice issues.
• Experience in grassroots organizing, including meaningful relationship-building, organizing principles and strategies, and digital engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse partners and community stakeholders.
• Excellent and persuasive written and verbal communication abilities and comfort speaking and presenting to groups.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to plan work, meet deadlines and balance multiple projects and priorities across different internal program areas.
• Ability to learn and use technology programs and platforms including EveryAction, Eventbrite, Microsoft Office, Zoom and Google products.
• The ability to work in a range of indoor and outdoor community settings is required, including parks (paved/developed areas), community festivals and events, government centers, etc. 
• The ability to work a flexible schedule is required, including occasional long hours, some evenings (average 2-3 per month on varying weekdays) and occasional weekends. (Evening and weekend events are scheduled with advance notice.)
• Reliable transportation is required to locations throughout the Twin Cities, including areas not served by transit (mileage and parking costs for work-related travel will be reimbursed).

Salary and benefits

This is a full-time position. The salary range is $51,000-$55,000 commensurate with experience (benchmarked against the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Salary & Benefits Survey). Benefits include health; dental and short-term disability insurance; a retirement plan with employer match; and generous paid vacation, sick, personal, holiday and sabbatical leave.