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The deadline has been extended until Monday, June 30th!
Looking to get more involved with SustainUS? Take on a leadership position in the organization! ALL SustainUS positions are open to any member, regardless of your experience! If you are committed to SustainUS, and want to help, there is a place for you! All positions are a year in length and officially begin after the SustainUS annual retreat, which will be held at the end of the summer.
However, we do ask that you honestly assess what kind of commitment you can make. If you know it's going to be a really busy year for you, consider taking a role with less responsibility. On the other hand, if you're looking for a great leadership role where you can really test your abilities, learn a lot, and have a chance to shine (and make a big difference!), than run for a Steering Committee job! And don't be intimidated by any of the positions - there will be continued mentorship with the previous leaders, particularly during the first few months. If you are unsure about where you might best fit within the organization, please contact us! We would be happy to talk with you.
All positions are self-nominated and Steering Committee positions are only open to voting members (people under the age of 26). A Steering Committee member may turn 26 during his/her tenure and must be at least 13 years of age. In addition, these roles generally require about 5 - 7 hours per week of work, unless otherwise noted. Aside from several in-person retreats and conferences per year, all ongoing work is done via conference call and email. All positions listed below are unpaid.
To nominate yourself, please send a short bio (under 200 words) to Erin Kenzie that explains your interest in the position and why you are a good candidate. Please also include your full name, date of birth, phone number, and previous experience with SustainUS (if any). Deadline for nominations will be Monday, June 30th at 6 pm EDT. Voting will be open shortly thereafter, and results will be finalized by mid-July. If you have any questions, please contact Erin at the email address above.
Steering Committee Positions:
Other Leadership Positions:
Feel free to the current leaders with any questions about the positions.
STEERING WHEEL/CHAIRPERSON:
The "wheel" is the coordinator of SustainUS as a whole. The job was originally created as an organizational "bottom liner." That doesn't mean you have extra decision-making authority, but it does mean, ultimately, that when the organization as a whole makes a decision any decision to do something, the buck stops with you. As such, your job is essentially to make sure everyone else is doing their jobs. That entails keeping tabs on SustainUS activities, focusing the organization on its goals, helping individual Steering Committee members set and achieve their own goals, and making sure our legal and financial stuff is in order. This involves accepting direction from the broader SustainUS membership and, at the same time, using your unique vantage point on the organization to help the membership and Steering Committee make key decisions. In a concrete sense, you will organize and set the agenda for bi-weekly Steering Committee conference calls and the Board of Directors conference calls, facilitate calls, and handle lots of email. The wheel follows up with every member of the Steering Committee, providing assistance and adjusting leadership roles and responsibilities as needed. The Wheel also acts as the public face of SustainUS where the prestige of a leader or director is necessary, representing the organization to governments, NGOs, funders and members. As a member of the Board of Directors, the Wheel accepts legal and fiduciary responsibility for the organization's actions.
Fun because: It is a huge challenge, and after running an NGO for a year, you'll be undaunted by other professional challenges! You get to meet great people inside and outside of the organization.
Great for: Someone who has been involved in SustainUS leadership and is prepared to give at least 7-10 hours per week, and more during busy times. The Wheel must be committed, strategic, and accessible.
Current Chairperson: Erin Kenzie
SECRETARY:
The Secretary takes part in all Steering Committee conference calls, takes minutes, and distributes notes to members. He or she also archives notes and other documents and acts as the organization's historian by keeping track of major accomplishments and events in a simple word document. Forwards relevant public documents to the webmaster for posting on-line. Other administrative tasks such as maintenance of contact lists may also fall to the Secretary. The Secretary, along with the Chairperson and Treasurer serves on the Board of Directors as well as the Steering Committee, and thus serves as a liaison between these two directive bodies. The Secretary schedules and takes minutes for all Board of Directors calls, and communicates with Board members to ensure their participation.
Fun because: The position is very flexible; the Secretary can be involved in a number of issues or tasks at any given time.
Great for: Someone new to SustainUS with an interest in learning more about leadership, and a desire to get more involved, or a more experienced person who wants to get involved in a little of everything.
Current Secretary: Yochi Zakai
TREASURER:
Constructing yearly budgets and allocating money for recurring expenses. Managing cash flow projections. Providing reimbursements to members and payments to vendors. Managing relationships with bank and other investments. Filing yearly tax return on time. Ensuring donors receive prompt thank you and tax verification of their donations. Designing and executing fundraising campaigns in the absence of a fundraising coordinator. Serving on the Board of Directors. Providing financial updates to Board of Directors and grantmakers.
Fun because: Responsibilities are straightforward and deadlines are rarely last-minute, so you have flexibility with your time. An easy job if you like numbers! Also some room to be creative in thinking about how to generate money for SustainUS.
Great for: Anyone with an attention to detail and even a very basic understanding of budget/finance. Familiarity with financial software, nonprofit tax law, and cash flow projection is helpful but NOT required. Training is provided!
Current Treasurer: Kyle Gracey
GEOCLUSTER COORDINATOR:
The Geocluster Coordinator oversees the local organizing component of SustainUS. In the past, the Geocluster Coordinator has supported local geocluster leaders as a mentor and works with national program coordinators to bridge the local and global levels of the organization. The responsibilities include coordinating monthly conference calls, facilitating leadership development, and attending bi-weekly Steering Committee calls to keep informed about SustainUS operations, opportunities, and developments. SustainUS is currently assessing the state of the geoclusters and its strategy for local organizing. The new Geocluster Coordinator, with the help of the Steering Committee, will spearhead efforts to revitalize our local component, both through partnerships and engagement with the existing network.
Fun because: You can use your passion for grassroots organizing and sustainable development to strengthen the organization.
Great for: Someone with the drive, talent, and vision to help expand our local engagement.
Current Geocluster Coordinator: For more information, contact Erin Kenzie
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR:
The principal role of the Membership Coordinator (MC) is to respond to new member inquiries, particularly the new member forms from the website. This means receiving questions, emailing new members as they join, and telling people how amazing SustainUS is! The MC answers questions related to SustainUS and its activities and encourages new members to become involved in their local geocluster (if applicable) and/or SustainUS national programs. Additionally, the MC is responsible for forwarding member questions to the appropriate Steering Committee member, if necessary, including the potential to facilitate discussion between members interested in starting new geoclusters and the current Geocluster Coordinator. The MC also works with the Citizen Science and Agents of Change coordinators to help members involved with the national programs find ways to continue involvement with SustainUS. This person also works with the Fundraising Coordinator to maintain donor contacts. Lastly, an additional component of the MC job is the responsibility for moderating the SustainUS Discussion and SustainUS Opportunity listservs to ensure only appropriate emails are posted.
Fun because: You get to interact with lots of enthusiastic new members, and bring them into the SustainUS family!
Great for: Someone who is looking for a fairly constant, predictable workload that isn't too crazy
Current Membership Coordinator: Dani Maniscalco (for information, please contact Erin Kenzie)
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR:
The Communications Coordinator is responsible for facilitating external and internal communications for SustainUS. This primarily involves media relations, maintaining organization listservs, and the overseeing the newsletter. The Communications Coordinator, with the technical help of the Webmaster, directs online strategy, management of the website, conference call services and email system. The Coordinator also helps facilitate communications strategy and support for all organization activities, including event-based press releases and media outreach. Also oversees conference call services and SustainUS email system. He or she also works closely with the Steering Wheel to develop clear and consistent messaging.
Fun because: You get to see the result of your work on the website and in print, and are among the most informed people in SustainUS!
Great for: Someone who wants to do communications work professionally or an exceptionally strategic, diligent, outgoing person who wants to familiarize him/herself with all aspects of the organization.
Current Communications Coordinator: Yochi Zakai
FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR:
The Fundraising Coordinator oversees relationships with funders, including both foundations and individuals. The Fundraising Coordinator will coordinate the writing of grant proposals and work closely with the Steering Wheel and External Relations Coordinator to identify potential funding opportunities. This person also provides support to program participants seeking assistance with individual fundraising at their colleges and universities. The Fundraising Coordinator works with program coordinators and the Treasurer to meet reporting requirements of funding organizations. Fun because: You're doing something absolutely essential for the organization, building professional relationships, and learning a lot about the organization.
Great for: Someone with an interest in organizational development who wants to earn some impressive fundraising credentials; good for new or "old" SustainUSers
Current Fundraising Coordinator: For information, please contact Erin Kenzie
EXTERNAL RELATIONS COORDINATOR:
This person develops and maintains relationships with a diverse assortment of current and potential partner organizations. Works closely with the Communications, Agents of Change and Citizen Science Coordinators. Along with the Steering Wheel, the External Relations Coordinator is the "face and voice" of SustainUS, and represents the organization to governments, the UN, potential funders, and other outside organizations.
Fun because: You really get out there and get to know the players in the sustainable development field. A great chance to build professional contacts.
Great for: Someone with a working knowledge of the sustainable development and international communities, or a willingness to learn.
Current External Relations Coordinator: Whit Jones
HIGH SCHOOL OUTREACH COORDINATOR:
The High School Outreach Coordinator encourages high school students to take part in SustainUS and engages them in relevant activities. To increase high school membership, the Coordinator reaches out to high school administrators and faculty, environmental and community service organizations, and other youth groups interested in sustainable development. In addition to promoting the local and national programs, the Coordinator facilitates communication among high school SustainUS members and provides a platform to share ideas and collaborate on sustainability projects.
Fun because: You have the opportunity to involve more high school students in SustainUS, interact with like-minded peers, and learn from the awesome Steering Committee!
Great For: A newer member who is enthusiastic, open and tactful, and who has not yet served in a leadership position in the organization.
Current High School Outreach Coordinator: Julia Wong
MEMBER-AT-LARGE:
This member serves as a "watchdog" for the Steering Committee by providing feedback on transparency, accountability, and organization's ability to meet the needs of its members. The Member at Large actively consults with members and non-members regarding leadership effectiveness, and reports suggestions to the Steering Committee. Responsibilities include attending all Steering Committee calls, reading and monitoring e-mail lists, and making suggestions on how to make SustainUS more accountable, transparent, and effective. Time commitment is approximately 3 hrs/week.
Fun because: You get to know the Steering Committee and the organization well, with a minimal time commitment.
Great for: A newer member who is enthusiastic, open and observant, and who has not yet served in a leadership position in the organization.
Current Member-At-Large: Position not currently filled (for information, please contact Erin Kenzie)
NATIONAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR:
The National Programs (NP) Coordinator supports the work of the Agents of Change and Citizen Science programs, and is the liaison between these programs and the Steering Committee. The NP Coordinator is responsible for staying informed about the needs and happenings of the programs, and for facilitating collaboration between the program coordinators, the Steering Committee, and members of the Board. The NP coordinator relieves the program coordinators whenever necessary, and provides guidance on administrative work, such as accreditation to UN conferences and creating program evaluations. The position requires constant communication via email and/or phone with the different constituents of the programs. It requires about 5hrs a week during non-busy times of the year and up to 10-15 hrs during the busiest time of the year.
Fun because: You are involved with a wide range of activities and get to work with some great people.
Great for: Someone with experience with one or more of the national programs and an interest in getting more involved.
Current National Programs Coordinator: Anushka Shenoy
AGENTS OF CHANGE COORDINATORS (up to 2):
The Agents of Change (AoC) coordinators manage SustainUS' largest national program, which organizes delegates of young people to the United Nations. The AoC Coordinator(s) oversee all aspects of the program: facilitate conference calls, outreach, spearhead the selection process, recruit delegation leaders, and coordinate delegate preparation and logistics for each event. In the 2008-09 cycle, AoC is expected to organize delegations for 2-3 events at UN Headquarters in New York City, as well as one or more international event. The AoC Coordinator(s) works closely with the Policy Coordinators, External Relations Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, and the Fundraising Coordinator, and receives support from the National Programs Coordinator and Steering Wheel. The position requires constant communication via email and phone with the other SustainUS coordinators mentioned above (>5hrs a week during non-busy times, 10-15hrs a week prior to projects) and willingness to carry out ad hoc activities. The coordinators are encouraged, but not required, to take part in as many of the activities they coordinate and to join conference calls of the steering committee.
Fun because: You are the hub of the most widely-known SustainUS program and can gain excellent leadership experience
Great for: Someone with strong communication skills who wants a position of significant responsibility (and great opportunity).
Current AoC Coordinator: Lauren Nutter
CITIZEN SCIENCE COORDINATOR (up to 2):
The Citizen Science (CitSci) Coordinator(s) manages a growing SustainUS program aimed at providing a platform for young people to engage in and share scientific knowledge as it relates to sustainable development. The CitSci Coordinator(s) network with many organizations, coordinate the Citizen Science journal and paper competition, and strengthen and maintains relationships with other science/sustainability organizations. The coordinator facilitates communication between partner organizations and the SustainUS CitSci members, and also supports SustainUS by representing a science background on issues of sustainability. The coordinator works in close contact with the External Relations Coordinator, the National Programs Coordinator and Agents of Change Coordinator(s). The position requires about 5 - 7 hours a week.
Fun because: You gain experience in program management and opportunities to promote youth involvement in science
Great for: Young professionals interested in bridging the gap between science, policy, and sustainable development!
Current CitSci Coordinator: Katelyn Keefe
WEBMASTER:
Responsible for maintaining the SustainUS website and works with Communications Coordinator to manage online communications. Familiarity with a Linux command line environment, HTML, CSS, and Joomla is preferred. Webmaster conducts backups, maintains web hosting account, assists in email account management, and assists others with content creation. Work load is usually 1-5 hours per week, and quick response to requests is essential.
Fun because: You offer a tangible, indispensable service to the organization and can expand your skills.
Great for: Someone who wants to gain valuable technical experience and
Current Webmaster: Dan Bungert
POLICY COORDINATOR(s):
Work with the national programs in the creation of policy briefing, policy recommendations, and other documents for UN Commissions and other projects. The Policy Coordinator will facilitate and lead the process of creating policy statements with the help of SustainUS membership, Steering Committee, and SustainUS volunteers. The policy coordinator will also facilitate SustainUS endorsement of outside documents and will oversee that SustainUS documents and initiatives match with the policy platform. This position requires about 5 hrs a week, more during busy times leading up to SustainUS delegations attending various United Nations Conferences.
POLICY ADVISORS:
The policy advisor will be responsible for following all major news and international discourse as well as country-specific political developments pertaining to one of the following policy topics:
Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, Drought/Desertification, or Africa in relation to the current cycle of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development; Social Iintegration in relation to the thematic area for the Commission for Social Development; or topics related to the UNFCCC COP process, such as adaptation, decarbinization in developing countries, deforestation, etc. Applicants are also welcome to suggest a policy focus.
The news the policy advisors will follow includes national decisions, as well as updates from international forums, UN or otherwise, related to the issue area. The policy advisors will be responsible for: a) making the policy and other developments on their area be accessible and understandable to other youth and b) to obtain input, whenever possible, from appropriate youth constituencies before creating policy views or positions--which will help promote the organization's overall vision of environmental justice and sustainable development.
The policy advisors will also be responsible for communicating the current status of the issue to the SustainUS Policy Coordinators on a monthly basis and will be expected to join conference calls when necessary. Depending on the needs and capacity of particular Agents of Change delegations, policy advisors may also have the opportunity to represent the organization at UN conferences. The policy advisors will, in addition, be encouraged to blog on their issue area and update web content where relevant as often as possible. This is a 5hrs a week job, and can be combined with academic research.
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