Government Affairs Director jobs in Michigan

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is one of Michigan’s largest, most impactful political advocacy organizations tackling drinking water contamination, the rapidly-worsening impacts of climate change, and efforts to undermine our access to the ballot. We are seeking a full-time State Government Affairs Coordinator to support the development of policy positions for the organization, legislative and administrative advocacy, and the building of relationships with partners, stakeholders, and decision-makers.

The ideal candidate will have at least a year of legislative and government affairs experience advocating for policy change. They will be motivated to work in a fast-paced, campaign-like environment in collaboration with a broader team to get big things done. The ideal candidate is an excellent writer and communicator, and is excited to grow new relationships in order to deliver positive policy outcomes on land, air, water, and voting rights issues impacting Michigan communities.

This position offers the opportunity to directly impact environmental and voting rights policy in Michigan. The State Government Affairs Coordinator, alongside a team of tenacious colleagues, will advocate for strong environmental protections, and build and amplify the voices of communities of color and other key constituencies who are disproportionately impacted by environmental issues.

Job Responsibilities

This position reports to the State Government Affairs Director, is ideally based in or within driving distance of Lansing, and is responsible for the following:

• Supporting the Michigan LCV Government Affairs Team in Lansing from start to finish in decision-making processes, by communicating our position on public policy issues, attending and participating in committee meetings, tracking legislation and working with lawmakers during legislative session, hosting events, and being present and available to current and potential allies.

• Keeping a steady pulse on all relevant activity in Lansing by tracking legislation, state administration policy and programming, legislative schedules and communications from elected officials, partners, and a host of key interest groups.

• Serving as a resource for staff and other partners on environmental and voting rights policy in Michigan — our history, current lay of the land, and opportunities — so that our team has the information they need to make the biggest impact possible.

• Supporting the expansion of Michigan LCV’s network on both sides of the aisle by organizing events for lawmakers, attending fundraisers, and setting a consistent calendar of one-on-one meetings.

• Researching new and proposed policy solutions to support the development and clear communication of Michigan LCV’s position internally and externally.

• Participating in all Michigan LCV political election work — doing the hard work of campaigning, which includes volunteering yourself to do door-to-door field canvassing, phone banking, and attending campaign events

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who are self-starters, skilled communicators, and natural relationship builders. You should have:

• Public policy training or experience advocating for policy change and/or working on political or issue advocacy campaigns.

• A growing understanding of what it takes to impact policy decisions in government and how to navigate the decision-making processes from start to finish.

• An interest in working to build relationships with folks who represent a rich mix of people across race, gender, sexual orientation, and other group identities.

• A strong commitment to and belief in putting issues above party and working across the aisle to better protect our land, air, water, democracy, and communities.

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills

• A network of relationships in Michigan politics is a plus.

• Reliable access to transportation for travel across the state, the internet, and a phone to use for work purposes as well as the ability to participate in campaign activities, either phone banking or canvassing

• Cultural Competence:

• Demonstrated awareness of one’s own cultural identity and the ability to learn and build on varying community norms

• Commitment to equity and inclusion as organizational practice and culture

• A strong understanding of how environmental issues intersect with racism, economic and social inequality in the U.S. and an interest in working to dismantle these systems

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $49,000.00 - $57,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location