ABOUT US:  

The Surfrider Foundation is the world’s largest grassroots coastal conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. We have achieved many important 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, Surfrider's 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 incredibly 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.

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

The Plastic Pollution Initiative Coordinator will support a multidisciplinary team to plan,  develop, and implement the organization’s Plastic Pollution Initiative. The position will  focus on the Surfrider Foundation’s mission to stop plastic pollution at the source through powerful advocacy and outreach amongst our network, within coalitions and the  public. The candidate should have strong campaign skills, including written and oral advocacy, legislative experience, and a knowledge of plastic pollution issues.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the coordination of plastic pollution policy efforts under the Surfrider  Foundation’s Plastic Pollution Initiative, through environmental campaign support to accomplish meaningful decisions and policies in favor of plastic pollution reduction; including education and outreach; local, state and federal advocacy; and coalition building and coordination.  
• Coordinate, research, and manage (in collaboration with a team) single-use plastic regulation advocacy for the Surfrider network; including comprehensive plastic pollution reduction ordinances and laws, as well as regulation of bags, expanded  polystyrene foam, cigarette butts, plastic straws, plastic bottles and other top  forms of litter. Track laws relating to single-use plastic pollution and guide chapter and club campaigns to pursue model policies and practices. 
• Assist in developing and implementing campaigns to promote local, state, and federal legislation addressing plastic pollution.
• Assist in the development of resource support materials to establish effective plastic pollution policies, such as toolkits and guidance documents for the Surfrider network.
• Assist in analyzing emerging plastic campaigns, programs, and issues, such as bioplastic alternatives, circular economy, and zero waste programs. 
• Assist in supporting the Beach Cleanup, Ocean Friendly Restaurants, and Ocean Friendly Hotel Programs.
• Represent the Surfrider Foundation within plastic pollution coalitions and  movements, where appropriate; effectively collaborate with coalition members  and aligned organizations to leverage Surfrider’s work toward larger, meaningful  goals. 

Reports to: Plastic Pollution Initiative Sr. Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Strong knowledge of plastic pollution issues, current advocacy efforts, science  and policy; 
• Experience in legislative tracking and advocacy; 
• Experience in grassroots organizing, community outreach, policy development  and coalition building;  
• Ability to lead and aptitude for working with various experts, coalitions and  grassroots advocates; 
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with elected  officials, agency staff, industry representatives, and ocean stakeholders; 
• Ability to research and analyze plastics-related policy and scientific issues
• Ability to work independently with strong follow through, be highly organized and creative; 
• Strong communication skills, including experience speaking publicly, to elected  officials and to press outlets; 
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple, complex tasks and to establish and  regularly evaluate priorities; 

DESIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in environmental or public policy, ocean and coastal  management, marine science or related field is preferred; 
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in environmental science, policy and/or  advocacy; 
• Professional experience communicating, both orally and in writing, with agency  staff, elected officials, industry representatives, and stakeholders; and 
• Proven success in project management including working in teams of diverse individuals. 

LOCATION, TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE: 

• Must reside and be authorized to work in the US. 
• Willingness and ability to travel 
• Willingness to work some flexible hours (evenings and weekends as needed for meetings, etc with advanced notice). 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary Range Transparency:

Category Level: Coordinator

Salary Range: $62,000 - $74,000

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 employee’s 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)

JEDI COMMITMENT:

The Surfrider Foundation is committed to fostering a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization for all people who protect and enjoy the world’s 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: https://www.surfrider.org/pages/diversity-equity-inclusion