Public Health Expert Surili Sutaria Patel Joins
Governing Board of Maryland LCV Education Fund

Annapolis, MD – Surili Sutaria Patel, who has extensive experience working at the intersection of climate change and public health, has been newly elected to the Board of Directors of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (Maryland LCVEF). She will serve a three-year term beginning May 2023. 

Patel is a vice president with the Metropolitan Group. She previously held a visionary leadership position at the American Public Health Association, where she drove strategic development to bridge the gap between public health practice and sound policies. She elevated the association’s climate change portfolio to the national stage by creating the Center for Climate, Health and Equity. As the director of the Center, she inspired action by public health professionals and advanced policy agendas that address health at the nexus of climate and equity. 

“Surili Sutaria Patel is a leading voice in public health in Maryland who champions diversity and works to advance health equity and environmental justice,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble. “Surili approaches health and the environment through thoughtful coalition building and innovative strategies that work to advance equity and improve access. She will be a tremendous asset both to the work of Maryland LCVEF and to our board.”

Patel currently serves with a number of organizations, including Aawaz4Climate (which she co-founded with Seema Wadhwa), Physicians for Social Responsibility Board of Directors, Environmental Health Matters Initiative at the National Academies, Yale Center on Climate Change and Health – Advisory Board, and RESOLVE advisory board. 

“I am honored to join the Maryland LCV Board of Directors,” said Surili Sutaria Patel. “I am impressed by their work both at the state house and in local communities across Maryland. I am particularly interested in helping to advance the organization’s focus on addressing climate change and its disproportionate health impacts on communities across Maryland.”

Patel enjoys painting, hiking and cooking international cuisines. As a former semi-professional Bharatanatyam dancer, she seeks opportunities to learn about arts and cultures from around the world.

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The Maryland LCV Education strengthens the environmental community by building diverse, effective coalitions and growing a base of conservation-minded voters across the state. 

Position Summary:

Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) and Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (Maryland LCVEF) have an open position for a Climate Policy & Justice Fellow. This is a part-time 9-month position that will support the Maryland LCV/EF Climate  Policy and Justice program through research, writing, and advocacy. 

The Climate Policy & Justice Fellow will support the organization’s climate policy efforts, aimed at reducing both the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and the harmful impacts of climate change statewide, with a focus on communities that are overburdened by a history of environmental injustice. The research conducted by the Climate Policy & Justice Fellow will directly inform key policy priorities and framing for the 2024 Maryland legislative session, and beyond. 

The ideal candidate  is a current graduate student who has experience researching state-level climate policy promulgation, implementation, and enforcement.

Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the Director of Climate Policy & Justice and Executive Director to develop a series of white papers and informative briefs to support Maryland LCV decision making and actions. The following list provides examples of topics the Fellow might support:
• • Greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies
  • Electric grid capacity
  • Renewable energy sources
  • Social cost of carbon
  • Carbon fee and dividend
  • Mapping environmental injustices 
  • Community engagement
• Design supporting materials to help disseminate the findings and recommendations in these papers, including developing educational platforms for legislators and their staff.
• Ensure the final topics and work products are completed and delivered on time (timeline to be developed).

Position Requirements: 

This position will be mostly remote but may include travel to Annapolis, Maryland for periodic meetings and presentations. The Climate Policy & Justice Fellow will report to the Director of Climate Policy & Justice. A weekly schedule will be determined once the Fellow is hired, and will accommodate academic schedules.

Duration & Compensation:

The ideal start date for this position is August 1, 2023.  The fellowship is designed for a duration of 9 months, from August 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024. Hours per week may vary, but are expected to average 20 hours per week. Maryland LCV will provide a stipend of $25,000 for this fellowship, which will be disbursed in equal monthly payments.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to Rebecca Rehr at careers@mdlcv.org with Climate Policy & Justice Fellow in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 2, 2023.

Download the PDF document for the position here

Maryland LCV, a 501(c)(4) organization, advocates for sound environmental conservation policies, educates and endorses candidates for public office, and holds elected officials responsible on issues including our air, land, water and public health. The Maryland LCV Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that strengthens the environmental community by growing a base of conservation-minded voters across the state. Through outreach and education, the Education Fund builds grassroots field capacity for legislative advocacy and environmental issues. The Maryland LCV PAC is the organization that directly helps elect pro-conservation candidates.

Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.  Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund welcome applicants who self-identify with one or more historically marginalized populations or minority groups.

Position Summary:

Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV Education Fund are seeking a dynamic individual to join our staff as the first Director of Strategic Communications in our organization’s history. The successful candidate will join the organization at a time when climate policy and environmental justice are well-recognized and growing concerns for the majority of Marylanders and our organization is renewing its strategic plan which centers diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in everything we do.

This position reports to the executive director and will lead the organization’s internal and external communications, working in partnership with the executive director, political, program, and development staff, and partners. 

The role’s primary responsibility will be to support our mission of creating and protecting a healthy environment for everyone in Maryland by identifying and sharing stories that educate, empower, and create meaningful connections with our audiences, using multiple communications channels and strategies, including both earned and paid media. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is adaptable, entrepreneurial, media- and tech-savvy, and a superior written and oral communicator.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Create and implement an annual organizational strategic public relations/communications plan and shorter-term communications campaigns to support Maryland LCV’s mission to create and protect a healthy environment for everyone in Maryland.
• Support the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in our work, integrating those concepts into all organizational communication across all channels.
• Creatively shape organizational branding, messaging, and media outreach efforts.
• Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for the organization, maintain relationships with reporters and editorial boards across Maryland; pitch stories, editorials, and op-eds.
• Coordinate closely with program directors to ensure consistent messaging and synergy across all channels in both Spanish and English. This includes collaborating with our Chispa program. Chispa means “spark” in Spanish. Chispa is “igniting the movement” for environmental advocacy in the Spanish-speaking Latino population of Maryland and is Maryland LCV’s Spanish-language, Latino power-building, outreach, and advocacy program.
• Manage organizational websites, including hiring and managing design and programming contractor(s) and ensuring the sites consistently and accurately reflect organizational priorities and up-to-date information. 
• Supervise one full-time direct report and possibly additional part-time interns or staff.  
• Ensure timely, compelling and accurate content is created for Maryland LCV’s member email communications including action alerts, e-newsletters, fundraising appeals, event invites, websites, etc.
• Coordinate with the development team on print and digital collateral for fundraising and donor stewardship purposes.
• Provide communications expertise and support for issue-advocacy coalitions in which Maryland LCV participates.
• Help expand the impact of Maryland LCV’s candidate endorsement program; collaborate with endorsed candidates, and political programs to ensure Maryland LCV’s message is clearly integrated into campaign materials.
• Oversee Maryland LCV’s paid and earned digital media strategy.
• Manage the writing, design and production of print materials including newsletters, one-pagers, scorecards, policy agendas, event collateral, and materials for donor outreach, etc.
• Draft remarks and talking points as needed for Maryland LCV’s executive director and other staff for press conferences, media appearances, events, and fundraising purposes.
• Assist with other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Alignment with Maryland LCV’s values and commitment to centering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to create meaningful connections through communication with a wide variety of audiences and communities throughout Maryland
• Five or more years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, storytelling, and non-profit marketing and branding.
• Bachelor’s degree in communication or a related field
• Experience in non-profit advocacy, political campaigns, or government
• Experience managing employees
• Strong strategic, analytical, organizational, and project-management  skills, as well as attention to detail
• Demonstrated media outreach experience. Contacts with media outlets in Maryland and the DC region are a strong plus
• Demonstrated fluency with digital strategy and execution, including paid and earned search, social, display, and connect television
• Proven ability to create content that authentically connects with a diverse array of audiences
• Excellent writing and copy editing skills 
• Comfort with communications technology and tools
• Experience adhering to, continually improving, and coaching others to follow an organization’s brand and style guides to present and share organizational information
• Ability and willingness to work well as part of a small team
• Demonstrated interest in Maryland politics, civic engagement, and/or environmental and sustainability policy
• Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish is a plus
• Adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously and switch tasks as priorities shift.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary requirements to Shivaugn Ahern at careers@mdlcv.org with Director of Strategic Communications in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Download the PDF document for the position here

Maryland LCV, a 501(c)(4) organization, advocates for sound environmental conservation policies, educates and endorses candidates for public office, and holds elected officials responsible on issues including our air, land, water and public health. The Maryland LCV Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that strengthens the environmental community by growing a base of conservation-minded voters across the state. Through outreach and education, the Education Fund builds grassroots field capacity for legislative advocacy and environmental issues. The Maryland LCV PAC is the organization that directly helps elect pro-conservation candidates.

Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.  Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund welcome applicants who self-identify with one or more historically marginalized populations or minority groups.

Position Summary:

Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV Education Fund are seeking an experienced fundraiser to join our staff as the Donor Engagement Manager to support a robust and growing development program. The successful candidate will join the organization at a time when climate policy and environmental justice are well-recognized and growing concerns for the majority of Marylanders and our organization is renewing its strategic plan which centers diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in everything we do. This position reports to the Development Director and will have the primary responsibility of raising support from individual donors who can or currently give in the range of $1,000 – $10,000 annually to advance the collective mission of our family of organizations.

Organizational Overview:

Our vision is to achieve a healthy environment for everyone in Maryland. Our mission is to activate Marylanders to promote and pass equitable laws and policies for clean water, healthy air, and a resilient climate. We pursue our vision and mission through four organizations and approaches. Maryland LCV, a 501(c)(4) organization, advocates for sound environmental policies, educates and endorses candidates for public office, and holds elected officials responsible for action on
issues including our air, land, water and public health. The Maryland LCV Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that strengthens the environmental community by growing a base of conservation-minded voters across the state. Through outreach and education, the Maryland LCV Education Fund builds grassroots field capacity for legislative advocacy and environmental issues. The Maryland LCV PAC is the organization that directly helps elect pro-conservation candidates. The Maryland Conservation Voters Action Fund makes independent expenditures to educate voters on important environmental issues in elections.

Postion Description:

The Donor Engagement Manager will be primarily responsible for managing and growing the mid-level giving program which is focused on raising funds from individual donors giving annually in the $1,000 – $10,000 range. The position will develop and manage a giving program of current donors and prospects via a multi-faceted approach to donor relationship-building that includes phone calls, meetings, events, direct mail, and digital engagement. The Donor Engagement Manager will participate in organizing and executing the donor giving cycle from identification to solicitation through stewardship, with specific attention to securing new gifts and upgrading donors to ensure successful supporter engagement and outcomes. This team member’s success will be critical to achieving the organizations’ $2+ million annual revenue budget and fundraising campaign goals.

Responsiblities:

• Mid-Level Giving Program 

○ Raise revenue from individual donors giving $1,000 – $10,000 per year ○ Develop and manage this program with a relationship-focused approach ○ Utilize data and best practices to acquire, re-activate, retain and upgrade  mid-level donors with a focus on securing new donors, increasing donor retention rates, and upgrading gifts 

○ Implement moves management (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition) to assist in building the pipeline for middle and major donors ($10,000+) 

○ Utilize EveryAction 8 / Bonterra constituent management system, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the database for the development team, generating reports, and tracking donor contacts and activities to maximize efficient and effective moves management 

○ Evaluate performance of the mid-level giving program and manage regular reporting to demonstrate progress toward fundraising goals, and with the Development Director, identify any areas of concern, and develop strategies to achieve revenue goals 

• Donor Stewardship

○ Develop, manage, and implement a relationship-based donor engagement calendar for all donors, coordinating with the Development Director, Director of Strategic Communications, and Director of Membership and Digital Engagement 

○ Plan and execute a growing calendar of events (2-4 per year, including house party fundraisers) around the state to inform and engage donors and prospects 

○ Engage and steward donors and prospects in a series of two-way communications that share important information (such as case  statements, strategic plan, and impact reports) and ask for their feedback (through surveys, meetings, and other engagement opportunities)

• Participate in development team and organization-wide planning and activities

○ In partnership with the Development Director, support Maryland LCV’s signature annual fundraising event, Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders 

○ Actively work with team members in the growth of other key fundraising efforts, including the monthly donor program, membership, and major donor programs 

○ Support and play an active role in the development team’s efforts to integrate DEIJ into fundraising and embody the principles of  Community-Centric Fundraising 

○ Assist in developing fundraising goals, budget, metrics and work plans ○ Staff and assist Maryland LCV’s Board of Directors in meeting their give-or-get fundraising goals 

○ Participate in staff meetings, strategic planning and DEIJ learning ○ Attend conferences and trainings with national partner, League of Conservation Voters 

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Success in this position will require proven fundraising success with a desire and aptitude to be a direct front-line fundraiser and an ability to recognize opportunities and prioritize them to attain revenue goals. 

• Alignment with Maryland LCV’s values and commitment to centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into the work we do and supporting an inclusive organizational culture 
• Three or more years of direct fundraising experience that includes $1,000+ gift solicitations and donor stewardship 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the desire and ability to directly interact with donors via telephone, in-person, and events to build meaningful and lasting relationships 
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices to improve donor retention, acquisition and increase average gift amounts
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including strong attention to detail and copy editing skills 
• Demonstrated strategic, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to anticipate job-related needs and issues
• Travel locally and throughout the State is necessary so a valid driver’s license and access to a car is required, and this person must be able to maintain a flexible schedule common to fundraising 
• Proficiency with Google applications and/or Microsoft Office products and using a fundraising database – specific experience with EveryAction a plus
• Ability to receive and use sensitive and personal information with respect and appropriate discretion 
• Ability and willingness to work effectively within a small team, as well as take initiative independently 
• Adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously and switch tasks as priorities shift 
• Demonstrated interest in Maryland politics, civic engagement, and/or environmental and sustainability policy
• Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish is a plus 

SALARY and COMPENSATION:

Salary range: $65,000-$75,000. Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV EF offer a competitive non-profit salary depending on qualifications and experience. The salary is accompanied by a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time-off, a 401K plan with an employer match, and opportunities for continual professional development.

Position Requirements:

This is a full-time position based in Annapolis, Maryland. Occasional remote work may be allowed based on organizational needs and/or emergent public health advisories. This position reports to the Development Director. After business hours work is required at times. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Shivaugn Ahern, Director of Operations, at careers@mdlcv.org with Donor Engagement Manager in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Download the PDF document for the position here

Maryland LCV, a 501(c)(4) organization, advocates for sound environmental conservation policies, educates and endorses candidates for public office, and holds elected officials responsible on issues including our air, land, water and public health. The Maryland LCV Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that strengthens the environmental community by growing a base of conservation-minded voters across the state. Through outreach and education, the Education Fund builds grassroots field capacity for legislative advocacy and environmental issues. The Maryland LCV PAC is the organization that directly helps elect pro-conservation candidates.

Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.  Maryland LCV & Maryland LCV Education Fund welcome applicants who self-identify with one or more historically marginalized populations or minority groups.