Application Guide
How to Apply for VISIÓN Coalition Manager
at Central California Environmental Justice Network
🏢 About Central California Environmental Justice Network
CCEJN leads the VISIÓN coalition, a statewide alliance fighting to end neighborhood drilling in California. They center frontline communities in the San Joaquin Valley, a region heavily impacted by oil extraction. Working here means joining a grassroots-driven team that combines policy advocacy with direct community organizing.
About This Role
As VISIÓN Coalition Manager, you will coordinate a diverse coalition of environmental justice organizations, drive policy campaigns to phase out neighborhood drilling, and manage fundraising to sustain the coalition. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape California's oil and gas regulations, protecting the health of communities living near extraction sites.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start your morning reviewing legislative updates on oil drilling bills, then facilitate a coalition call to align on advocacy messaging. Afternoon could involve drafting a grant proposal, meeting with a partner organization about a joint campaign, and preparing talking points for a hearing. The day ends with tracking budget expenses and updating the coalition's work plan.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Central California Environmental Justice Network Is Looking For
- Passionate about environmental justice with 3-5 years of experience in coalition management, policy advocacy, or organizing, ideally in EJ or climate justice. A degree in a relevant field is preferred but equivalent experience is accepted.
- Skilled in facilitating multi-stakeholder meetings, building consensus, and managing diverse partners (e.g., frontline groups, NGOs, policymakers). Must be comfortable with conflict resolution and strategic planning.
- Strong policy analysis and writing abilities, with experience in legislative/regulatory advocacy (e.g., bill tracking, comment letters, lobbying). Familiarity with California's oil and gas regulations is a plus.
- Proven success in grant writing and fundraising for nonprofit coalitions. Bilingual Spanish/English is highly preferred to engage with frontline communities in the Central Valley.
📝 Tips for Applying to Central California Environmental Justice Network
Highlight specific coalition management experience: describe how you've facilitated meetings, managed decision-making processes, and maintained alignment among diverse partners.
Showcase your policy advocacy wins: provide concrete examples of how you influenced legislation or regulations, especially related to environmental justice or public health.
If you have fundraising experience, include a brief note on grants you've secured and your role in the process. Even if not required, it's a strong plus.
Emphasize any experience working with frontline communities, especially in the San Joaquin Valley or with Spanish-speaking populations. Mention language skills explicitly.
Tailor your cover letter to VISIÓN's mission: explain why ending neighborhood drilling matters to you and how your skills can advance the coalition's goals.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to environmental justice and experience working with impacted communities, especially in California's Central Valley.", "Specific examples of coalition management, including how you've handled conflicting priorities and built consensus.", 'Demonstrated success in policy advocacy, particularly in state-level campaigns or regulatory processes.', "Your fundraising track record (if applicable) and ability to support the coalition's financial sustainability."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read CCEJN's website and recent reports on oil drilling impacts in the San Joaquin Valley.
- → Review VISIÓN coalition's past campaigns and press releases to understand their advocacy strategies.
- → Learn about California's SB 1137 (setback law) and other relevant regulations, including current legal challenges.
- → Familiarize yourself with key partners in the coalition (e.g., Earthjustice, Communities for a Better Environment) to understand the landscape.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter without referencing VISIÓN or CCEJN's specific mission. Tailor it to neighborhood drilling and frontline communities.
- Avoid downplaying administrative or fundraising duties. This role requires balancing advocacy with operational tasks, so show you can handle both.
- Don't ignore the language preference. If you have Spanish skills, highlight them prominently; if not, acknowledge your willingness to learn.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Central California Environmental Justice Network!