Advocacy Coordinator - contract position

Fibershed is a non-profit organization that develops equity-focused regional and land regenerating natural fiber and dye systems. Our work expands opportunities to implement climate beneficial agriculture, rebuild regional manufacturing, and connect end-users to the source of our fiber through direct educational offerings. We are transforming the economic and ecologic systems that clothe us to generate equitable and climate change ameliorating textile cultures. Learn more at www.fibershed.org. 

Fibershed’s Education and Advocacy Program works to shift market demand and public/regulatory support towards ecologically sensitive, regionally grown and locally made products. At state, federal and international levels there is a growing focus on new legislation and regulation for the fashion and textile industry to address multiple crises of waste, pollution, labor abuses, and the injustices of these impacts across communities. Natural fiber textiles can play a role in addressing many of these challenges simultaneously when sourced and cycled within equitable, healthy regional production systems. Building public and institutional awareness of the value and opportunities provided by healthy regional textiles, we are cultivating momentum for change. Fibershed provides direct input on policy discussions leading to legislative and regulatory support for soil-to-soil material systems.

Title Advocacy Coordinator

Status Part-time (30 hours/month) contractor position through December 2024

*with potential for extension if funding becomes available

Supervisor Director of Programs

Location Hybrid (Point Reyes Station, CA headquarters) or remote, must be living in California

Job Function: 

The Fibershed Advocacy Coordinator oversees advocacy activities and communications relating to public policy and programs that support healthy soil-to-soil textile systems. The Advocacy Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Programs and works collaboratively with our producer, communication, and general operation staff. This position works remotely.

The Fibershed Advocacy Coordinator must be well versed in the landscape of California state government agencies and legislative processes. They should understand the general features of natural fiber textile production and processing systems and the role of restorative agriculture practice on our region’s working lands. They will lead and execute Fibershed’s public sector education, advocacy and policy efforts that build connections and mutual support among healthy regionally-based natural fiber textile systems, ecological health, regional economic development, equity and justice, restoration of our agricultural soils, and climate change amelioration. 

Principal Tasks:

Project Management: 90%

• Manage and develop Fibershed’s public policy advocacy agenda and associated public communications messaging
• Work collaboratively with allied organizations and partners to advocate for meeting state climate, biodiversity and economic development goals through uplifting carbon farming and healthy regional natural fiber textile supply chains.
• Assess the landscape of state and regional programs that could support textile manufacturing infrastructure as a connection between regional economic development and carbon farming
• Develop educational and advocacy collateral to support institutional and public understanding of current scientific research on microplastics and fiber fragmentation issues; ecological and human health implications of synthetic and natural fiber exposure and accumulation; along with the potential for natural fiber production to address specific and measurable climate goals 
• Develop strategies and programmatic content to uplift a regionally based, natural fiber textile soil-to-soil framework for truly circular economies in textiles
• Engage with public input processes for key state agencies and programs, providing direct commentary as well as public education and outreach
• Participate in the Fibershed Affiliate Advocacy Working Group to help coordinate and align California advocacy activities with other regional advocacy by Fibershed Affiliates, working toward a set of shared policy and advocacy priorities
• Collaborate on messaging and strategy development with Fibershed’s core staff and communications team 

Administration and Reporting: 10%

• Maintain accurate records of project activities including detailed tracking of advocacy activities to meet legal reporting requirements.
• Prepare quarterly and annual project activity reports, including quantitative and qualitative project outcomes.
• Attend one monthly all staff meeting (1-2 hours per month)
• Bi-monthly reporting to the Director of Programs (2 hours per month)

Other Essential Functions: Regular and punctual attendance and dependability in meeting commitments and deadlines are essential functions of this position. Must be available and willing to work beyond a regular business day when needed and, on occasion, a flexible schedule, especially before events. May be required to drive to meetings or events, and possibly overnight time away.

Skills and Qualifications: 

• BA or equivalent
• Four years+ of work in advocacy and/or public policy
• Familiarity with core issues and processes of fiber and textile systems
• Experience engaging with California state government agencies and legislative processes
• Excellent research, writing and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Dropbox, and Google Suite
• Highly self-motivated
• Ability to work both independently and be a team player
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a changing environment
• A commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience 

Physical and Mental Requirements: Work effectively when working alone and when part of a virtual team. Advocacy Coordinator will need to be able to drive for occasional in-person meetings with partners and policymakers using their own vehicle. 

Fibershed is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Contracted rate USD: 

This contract offers part time employment of 30 hours/month at $100/hour 

This is an initial contract through December 2024 with the possibility of extension.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to https://wkf.ms/48VR99m.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.