The Surfrider Foundation

California Policy Sr Coordinator

Hybrid Remote (San Clemente, California)

ABOUT US:

The Surfrider Foundation is the world’s largest grassroots coastal conservation organization. We are 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 critical 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 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.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The California Policy Senior Coordinator plays a key role in advancing the protection and sustainable enjoyment of California’s coastal and ocean ecosystems. This position is primarily responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to significant matters before the California Coastal Commission. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Coordinator will engage California Regional Managers, Chapter Managers, and Surfrider chapter and club volunteers to ensure timely and effective participation in Coastal Commission proceedings. As needed, the Coordinator will also support engagement with other state regulatory agencies and the California State Legislature on relevant policy issues.

The California Policy Senior Coordinator will report to the Associate Director of California Policy and operate in close coordination with Surfrider Foundation’s California Regional Managers, Club Network staff, and the organization’s statewide chapter and club network to support strategic policy initiatives and advocacy efforts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor monthly California Coastal Commission agendas to identify items relevant to Surfrider Foundation’s mission; prepare and deliver written and/or oral comments as needed.
• Conduct monthly coordination meetings with regional Coastal Commission staff and Surfrider chapter representatives to track upcoming issues and opportunities for engagement.
• Collaborate with Surfrider’s Regional and Chapter Managers, and Club Network staff to mobilize chapters and clubs in advocacy efforts, including attending Coastal Commission and other state agency meetings, submitting public comments, and testifying.
• Attend all California Coastal Commission meetings (virtually or in person), and publish summaries and outcomes via ActCoastal.org and related newsletters.
• Lead the production of the annual ActCoastal Report Card in collaboration with ActCoastal coalition partners.
• Organize and facilitate regular ActCoastal Coalition calls and support ongoing collaboration with coalition and NGO partners.
• Contribute to coastal and ocean policy initiatives through research, outreach, and coordination with partner organizations and stakeholders.
• Develop and distribute communications and advocacy materials for California chapters, including blog posts, newsletters, fact sheets, and campaign toolkits.
• Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including coastal and ocean recreation users, environmental justice groups, conservation organizations, and other policy partners.
• Support Regional Managers in aligning policy work with Surfrider’s programmatic efforts, including Ocean Friendly Restaurants, Blue Water Task Force, Ocean Friendly Gardens, Climate Action, and Beach Cleanups.
• Assist with annual strategic planning and development of work plans in partnership with the Associate Director of California Policy and Regional Managers to ensure alignment with Surfrider’s broader strategic goals.
• Support fundraising efforts by maintaining relationships with donors, identifying grant opportunities, contributing to proposals, and completing grant reporting requirements.
• Provide additional campaign and policy support to California staff and volunteers as needed.

LOCATION AND HYBRID WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS: 

• California residency required.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout California and work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Comfortable working remotely and independently from a home office.
• If located within a reasonably commutable distance to Surfrider Foundation Headquarters in San Clemente, CA, there is an office available for use. 

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in ocean policy, environmental studies, land use planning, or a related field, or three years equivalent professional experience.
• Familiarity with coastal land use planning, shoreline permitting, and/or sea level rise adaptation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced advocacy environment.
• Professional experience engaging with agency staff, elected officials, and stakeholders in a policy or planning context.
• Experience in campaign strategy, grassroots organizing, policy analysis, and coalition coordination.

SALARY:

Salary Range Transparency:

Category Level: Coordinator

Salary Range: Minimum $64,500 - Maximum $80,000 

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