How to apply for Senior Managing Director of Organizing

About The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership

The Chisholm Legacy Project is a unique resource hub that connects Black frontline communities to tools and support for advancing climate justice through the Just Transition Framework. It centers Black women's leadership and aims to transform society from extractivism to a regenerative, cooperative, and democratic living economy. Working here means being part of a movement-rooted institution that prioritizes equity, justice, and sacred relationships with Mother Earth.

About the role

As Senior Managing Director of Organizing, you will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic oversight to align programs, organizing, and strategy. You will supervise senior programmatic leaders, foster a culture grounded in Black Liberation and Just Transition, and ensure that TCLP's mission is operationalized across all initiatives. This role is pivotal in bridging frontline leadership with resources to drive systemic change.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with senior programmatic leaders to align strategies, engaging with frontline partners to ensure their needs are centered, and collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team on organizational priorities. You might also spend time mentoring staff, reviewing programmatic outcomes, and representing TCLP in external coalitions or funder conversations, all while keeping Black Liberation and Just Transition at the core of every decision.

Who The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership is looking for

• Deep commitment to Black Liberation, Climate Justice, and Just Transition, with a willingness to engage in continuous learning and unlearning.
• Proven experience in senior leadership roles overseeing organizing or programmatic teams, preferably in climate justice or social justice contexts.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align multiple programs and teams toward a shared vision.
• Experience working with Black frontline communities and understanding of the unique challenges they face.
• Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills, with a track record of fostering inclusive, mission-driven cultures.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience with the Just Transition Framework and how you've applied it in previous roles.
• Demonstrate your commitment to Black Liberation and climate justice through concrete examples of past work or activism.
• Emphasize any experience supervising senior leaders or managing cross-programmatic alignment.
• Show familiarity with the Chisholm Legacy Project's mission and how your values align with theirs.
• Use language that reflects an understanding of frontline communities and the importance of centering their leadership.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your personal and professional commitment to Black Liberation and Just Transition, with specific examples.', 'Your strategic leadership experience in aligning programs and organizing efforts toward systemic change.', 'How you have supported and uplifted Black frontline leadership in previous roles.', "Your vision for how you would contribute to TCLP's mission as a member of the Executive Leadership Team."]

Research before applying

• Study the Just Transition Framework and its principles to understand how TCLP applies it.
• Research the Chisholm Legacy Project's history, key initiatives, and impact in Black frontline communities.
• Learn about Black women leaders in the climate justice movement and their contributions.
• Understand the current challenges and opportunities in climate justice organizing, especially for Black communities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How do you operationalize the Just Transition Framework in organizing and programmatic work?
• Describe a time you aligned multiple teams or programs toward a shared strategic goal.
• How have you supported Black frontline communities in your previous work?
• What does Black Liberation mean to you, and how have you embodied it in leadership?
• How would you foster a culture of learning and accountability within TCLP?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using generic language about sustainability or environmentalism without connecting to racial and economic justice.
• Failing to demonstrate a genuine understanding of Black Liberation and Just Transition beyond buzzwords.
• Overemphasizing corporate or nonprofit management experience without showing commitment to grassroots organizing and frontline leadership.