Chapter Director

PSR, the largest physician-led organization in the U.S. working against climate change, nuclear weapons, and environmental degradation, seeks a strong leader to spearhead a climate and health program in Maryland and to increase capacity, build volunteer leadership and generate revenue in our Chesapeake chapter.  This is transformative work addressing climate and energy issues, among the most important health and environmental issues we face today.  

PSR:

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) works to protect human life from the gravest threats to health and survival, including asserting a strong medical voice to slow and stop global warming.  A national membership organization comprised of physicians, other health professionals, medical students and concerned citizens in a network of chapters nationwide, PSR mobilizes its members to press for a safer, healthier and more peaceful world.

The Chesapeake PSR chapter engages the health community on climate change, militarism, nuclear arms and nuclear energy. The chapter is based in Baltimore and serves Baltimore and the state of Maryland.

The Chapter director will recruit, train and engage health professionals to reverse climate change and promote healthy renewable energy and will help build a strong sustainable chapter. He or she will work with the chapter to reach out to medical and health professionals and support and facilitate their training and engagement.  In addition, the director will, with guidance from the national PSR staff, assist the Chesapeake chapter in strengthening its fundraising, outreach and administrative capacity. 

The position is located in Baltimore.  Initially the director will spend one to two days a week in the national PSR office in Washington, DC.

Functions:

• Reach out to doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.  Engage them to work for policy changes in Maryland on issues related to clean energy and climate change.
• Advance a legislative agenda for climate, clean energy and public health in Maryland, working through our established coalition partnerships.
• Work with chapter leaders, partner organizations and coalition allies to bring the health voice to public events and significant audiences.
• Organize training opportunities where PSR chapter members will build health professionals’ advocacy skills.
• Support chapter members in such tasks as testifying at hearings and briefings, presenting in public events, and generating earned media (letters to the editor, op-eds, etc.).
• Communicate regularly with chapter membership, including sending regular e-action alerts and promoting the activities and accomplishments of the chapter through the chapter web page and social media. 
• Manage the administrative operations of the chapter, including budgeting, fundraising, tax and other filings, and working with and supporting the chapter board.
• Assume a leadership role in raising funds to support the operating and programmatic goals of Chesapeake PSR.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Strong leadership skills, including an engaging and energetic personality and the ability to inspire and motivate volunteers.  Entrepreneurial attitude.
• Three to five years of experience working in nonprofit advocacy and organizing, including outreach, volunteer training, member communications and fundraising.
• Ability to work with health professionals and to nurture them in activism.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrable interest in the public health impacts of global warming and the public health benefits of sustainable energy policies.  Knowledge of PSR’s other issues – opposing nuclear power, working for a nuclear weapons-free world) – is a strong plus.
• Competence using MS Office Excel, Word and PowerPoint. 
• Experience in nonprofit administration.

Terms

This is a part-time position (30 hours/week) with some evening and weekend hours required.  We ask for a minimum two-year commitment.  Salary is commensurate with experience. PSR offers excellent benefits including health care insurance, an intellectually stimulating environment and passionate, dedicated colleagues.