California Policy Senior Coordinator

California Policy Senior Coordinator

Hybrid Remote (San Clemente California)

ABOUT US:

The Surfrider Foundation is the worlds largest grassroots coastal conservation organization. We are dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the worlds ocean waves and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. We have achieved many critical victories by persuading state federal and local decision makers to protect vital coastal and ocean resources. These accomplishments demonstrate the important role of recreational users in advancing coastal and ocean stewardship. Since 1984 Surfriders appeal is not only our strong reputation and track record of success but also the lifestyle and values we embody.

By joining the Surfrider Foundation you will be welcomed into an open and inclusive network of supportive and collaborative people who work hard and play hard. You will have the opportunity to work with dedicated people who are also passionate coastal users with their feet in the sand and toes in the water. You help bring together diverse voices and perspectives to provide our community with the leadership and tools necessary to make a difference at their beach and in coastal communities across the United States. At Surfrider we build leaders and we are problem solvers; our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. Coastal recreation is fun and working at Surfrider is too.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The California Policy Senior Coordinator plays a key role in advancing the protection and sustainable enjoyment of Californias coastal and ocean ecosystems. This position is primarily responsible for monitoring analyzing and responding to significant matters before the California Coastal Commission. In fulfilling these responsibilities the Coordinator will engage California Regional Managers Chapter Managers and Surfrider chapter and club volunteers to ensure timely and effective participation in Coastal Commission proceedings. As needed the Coordinator will also support engagement with other state regulatory agencies and the California State Legislature on relevant policy issues.

The California Policy Senior Coordinator will report to the Associate Director of California Policy and operate in close coordination with Surfrider Foundations California Regional Managers Club Network staff and the organizations statewide chapter and club network to support strategic policy initiatives and advocacy efforts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor monthly California Coastal Commission agendas to identify items relevant to Surfrider Foundations mission; prepare and deliver written and/or oral comments as needed.

• Conduct monthly coordination meetings with regional Coastal Commission staff and Surfrider chapter representatives to track upcoming issues and opportunities for engagement.

• Collaborate with Surfriders Regional and Chapter Managers and Club Network staff to mobilize chapters and clubs in advocacy efforts including attending Coastal Commission and other state agency meetings submitting public comments and testifying.

• Attend all California Coastal Commission meetings (virtually or in person) and publish summaries and outcomes via and related newsletters.

• Lead the production of the annual ActCoastal Report Card in collaboration with ActCoastal coalition partners.

• Organize and facilitate regular ActCoastal Coalition calls and support ongoing collaboration with coalition and NGO partners.

• Contribute to coastal and ocean policy initiatives through research outreach and coordination with partner organizations and stakeholders.

• Develop and distribute communications and advocacy materials for California chapters including blog posts newsletters fact sheets and campaign toolkits.

• Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including coastal and ocean recreation users environmental justice groups conservation organizations and other policy partners.

• Support Regional Managers in aligning policy work with Surfriders programmatic efforts including Ocean Friendly Restaurants Blue Water Task Force Ocean Friendly Gardens Climate Action and Beach Cleanups.

• Assist with annual strategic planning and development of work plans in partnership with the Associate Director of California Policy and Regional Managers to ensure alignment with Surfriders broader strategic goals.

• Support fundraising efforts by maintaining relationships with donors identifying grant opportunities contributing to proposals and completing grant reporting requirements.

• Provide additional campaign and policy support to California staff and volunteers as needed.
  
  

LOCATION AND HYBRID WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS:

• California residency required.

• Ability and willingness to travel throughout California and work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.

• Comfortable working remotely and independently from a home office.

• If located within a reasonably commutable distance to Surfrider Foundation Headquarters in San Clemente CA there is an office available for use.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree in ocean policy environmental studies land use planning or a related field or three years equivalent professional experience.

• Familiarity with coastal land use planning shoreline permitting and/or sea level rise adaptation.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced advocacy environment.

• Professional experience engaging with agency staff elected officials and stakeholders in a policy or planning context.

• Experience in campaign strategy grassroots organizing policy analysis and coalition coordination.
  
  

SALARY:

Salary Range Transparency:

Category Level: Coordinator

Salary Range: Minimum $64500 - Maximum $80000

How Does the Surfrider Foundation Establish Salary Ranges

The Surfrider Foundation researches evaluates and compares like-sized non-profit organizations to establish ranges for each position level to ensure that employees are justly compensated. The established range takes multiple factors into account; experience educational background scope and complexity of work special skills added value to the organization geographic cost-of-living inflation/current market demand equity and more. The Surfrider Foundation prides itself on a high rate of retention with 32% of staff having been employed with the organization for 10 years. Please keep in mind that the maximum end of our ranges also account for longevity and tenure within the role.

BENEFITS:

Health: Medical dental and vision benefit premiums are paid 100% by Surfrider Foundation for employee-only coverage. Dependents may be added on at an additional cost.

Retirement: 401(k) plan offering a match of .50 of every dollar contributed by the employee up to a maximum of 4% of earnings (in other terms a 2% employer match).

Vacation Accrual: Enjoy a generous allotment of vacation days per year. Rollover unused days to the following year subject to company maximum accrual policy.

Sick time Accrual: 12 sick days/year

Holidays: 20 paid holidays total in 2025

Happy Healthy Summer Fridays: We provide several half Fridays to get outside and enjoy an early start to your weekend!

Parental Leave: Surfrider provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of an employees child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care.

Other Benefits: Long-Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance Employee Assistance program (EAP) Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

TO APPLY:

Please send cover letter salary requirements and resume via the application portal instructions

Deadline for receiving resumes: 7/13/25

Email: for questions only no applications accepted here

Phone inquiries and walk-ins will not be accepted - thank you for understanding.

JEDI COMMITMENT:

The Surfrider Foundation is committed to fostering a just equitable diverse and inclusive organization for all people who protect and enjoy the worlds ocean waves and beaches. Our success and impact depend on learning from our community standing in solidarity with our allies and working towards a more just future both for our organization and the environmental movement as a whole.

The Surfrider Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Together we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive equitable and welcoming. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race color ancestry religion sex national origin sexual orientation age citizenship marital status disability gender identity Veteran status or any other protected class.

To learn more about our Justice equity diversity and inclusion commitments please visit: Experience:

Senior IC