Surfrider Foundation
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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.
Surfrider Foundation is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of California Offshore Drilling Campaign Manager. The goal for this position is to protect California’s coast from the threat of offshore oil and gas development through community organizing, coalition building, grassroots advocacy, and communications. This individual must have a background in direct action organizing and community outreach. The position will cover areas impacted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s new 5-year Outer Continental Shelf Drilling plan including, but not limited to Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties, plus communities inland of these areas. Additionally, the role requires regular travel throughout California, with most travel centered in Southern California between San Diego and Santa Barbara. The position will also involve travel between San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento, and candidates should be based in a location that supports reliable and efficient travel within these regions. The manager will work in a coordinated effort with Environmental and Network departments as well as Surfrider’s chapter volunteer network. This position emphasizes the skill sets of an experienced community organizer.
Support and build a diverse, inclusive, and effective campaign through community organizing, coalition building, grassroots advocacy, and communications.
Execute Surfrider’s Drilling is Killing (opposition to offshore oil drilling in California) campaign strategies in conjunction with Surfrider staff, chapters, and coalition partners.
Participate in coalition meetings to foster collaboration and contribute to shared campaign strategies and tactics.
Expand business coalition growth and engagement through support of the Sign the Surfboard tour and Business Alliance for Protecting the Pacific Coast.
Inform and engage communities and user groups affected by BOEMs 5 year drilling plan including outdoor recreationalists (both local and visitors from inland communities), commercial and recreational fishing, and others.
Conduct outreach to California tribes to help inform them of the issue and support their engagement in the process.
Lead and support event organizing including community events, paddleouts, press conferences, and coalition meetings.
Generate written communications for Surfrider channels including blog posts, social media posts, and online activations.
Regularly report on progress of the campaign and be proactive in overcoming obstacles to ensure goals and objectives are met.
Reports to: Sr. Ocean Protection Manager, Pete Stauffer
3+ years experience in direct action grassroots organizing, community outreach and coalition building amongst diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of relevant state (CA) and national coastal & ocean policies and management.
Demonstrated facilitation, writing, oral communication, community organizing, and volunteer training skills.
Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing with elected officials, agency staff, industry representatives and ocean stakeholders.
Ability to effectively work and communicate with volunteer chapter leaders and coalition partners.
Experience in speaking publicly in front of a large number of people in a variety of situations.
Willingness to work flexible hours (including some weekends and evenings).
Ability to work effectively from a remote home office.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively between San Diego and San Francisco (travel budget is provided).
Must have a vehicle, carry a current driver’s license, and maintain a clean driving record.
This is a one-year, grant-funded position. Continuation beyond the initial term is contingent upon the availability of continued funding.
Category Level: Manager (Regional Organizer - Hybrid)
Salary Range: $67,500 Minimum - $88,000 Maximum
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.
Surfrider Foundation covers 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for employee-only coverage. Dependents may be added at an additional cost.
We offer a 401(k) plan with an employer match of $0.50 for every $1.00 contributed by the employee, up to 4% of earnings (equivalent to a 2% employer match).
Employees receive a generous annual vacation allotment. Unused days roll over to the following year, subject to the organization’s maximum accrual policy.
Enjoy several half-day Fridays during the summer to get outside and start your weekend early.
Surfrider provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of a child or placement of a child through adoption or foster care.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
Please upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Deadline for receiving resumes: Tuesday, 6/2/26
Phone inquiries and walk-ins will not be accepted - thank you for understanding.
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
Originally posted on Himalayas