California Offshore Drilling Campaign Manager, Surfrider Foundation

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 2, 2026

Salary: $67,500 to $88,000 per year

Experience Required: 3+ years in direct action grassroots organizing, community outreach, and coalition building among diverse stakeholders

Description

The Surfrider Foundation is hiring a California Offshore Drilling Campaign Manager on a one-year grant-funded basis, remote or hybrid out of San Clemente, California, paying $67,500 to $88,000 per year, with applications closing Tuesday 2 June 2026.

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. Since 1984, Surfrider has built leaders and problem solvers, persuading state, federal, and local decision makers to protect vital coastal and ocean resources.

The Campaign Manager protects California’s coast from the threat of offshore oil and gas development through community organizing, coalition building, grassroots advocacy, and communications. The role covers areas impacted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s new 5-year Outer Continental Shelf Drilling plan, including Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties and inland communities, and reports to Sr. Ocean Protection Manager Pete Stauffer.

Responsibilities

• 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 alongside Surfrider staff, chapters, and coalition partners.
• Participate in coalition meetings to foster collaboration and shape 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 BOEM’s 5-year drilling plan, including outdoor recreationalists, commercial and recreational fishing, and others.
• Conduct outreach to California tribes to 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.
• Report regularly on campaign progress and proactively overcome obstacles to ensure goals and objectives are met.

Requirements

• 3+ years experience in direct action grassroots organizing, community outreach, and coalition building among diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant state (CA) and national coastal and ocean policies and management.
• Demonstrated facilitation, writing, oral communication, community organizing, and volunteer training skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate, 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 speaking publicly in front of large groups in a variety of settings.
• 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.
• Must reside in California.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual or fluency in Spanish.

Additional Notes

• One-year, grant-funded position; continuation beyond the initial term is contingent on continued funding.
• Surfrider covers 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for employee-only coverage; dependents may be added at additional cost.
• 401(k) plan with employer match of $0.50 for every $1.00 contributed by the employee, up to 4% of earnings (equivalent to a 2% employer match).
• Generous annual vacation allotment with rollover, 12 days of sick leave per year, and 20 paid holidays in 2026.
• Happy Healthy Summer Fridays: several half-day Fridays during summer.
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and FSA or HSA.
• 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.

How to Apply

Upload your resume and cover letter through the Surfrider Foundation Trakstar application portal by Tuesday 2 June 2026. Phone inquiries and walk-ins will not be accepted.