Policy Associate, Energy

~ The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) – a 501-(c)(3) charitable organization – was founded in 1980 and is a coalition of over 60 environmental and public health organizations with more than 200,000 individual members.  For 37 years, MEC has provided a voice for the environment at the State Capitol.  In addition to serving as a clearinghouse of environmental information, MEC develops public policy, educates elected officials and the public, and provides training and support to member organizations. ~

Position Overview

The Michigan Environmental Council seeks a Policy Associate to coordinate and support MEC efforts to defend Michigan’s environment by shaping policy decisions made in the State Capital. With a primary focus on energy policy, this position will also assist all other MEC policy areas and initiatives. This position utilizes a range of skills and relationships to strengthen Michigan’s economic resilience in the face of climate change, fuel price uncertainty, pollution-related health impacts, and other challenges linked to our energy system.

Note: This position will work under the direction of MEC Policy Director, and will be based in MEC’s Lansing, Michigan, headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with MEC staff, board members and member groups to develop strategies and implement action plans to achieve our clean energy and environmental protection priorities.
• Partner with MEC allies to lead, expand and diversify existing energy and climate collaborations and build new alliances around emerging issues as appropriate.
• Educate state and local legislators and organize opportunities for representatives of MEC member groups and other allies to make their voices heard with elected representatives and government officials.
• Analyze environmental policy proposals (both legislative and executive branch) and monitor their progress through state decision-making processes.
• Represent MEC and our member organizations on workgroups and in coalition settings reviewing and developing recommendations for policy reform related to energy, climate and related issues.
• Recruit new allies for MEC’s advocacy work, particularly from constituencies traditionally underrepresented in environmental campaigns.
• Coordinate with our communications director in responding to media inquiries.
• Assist in preparing proposals to charitable foundations and donors that support energy and climate work, and report on work completed under existing grants.
• Work with colleagues responsible for other MEC environmental programs to identify and capitalize on cross-program opportunities.
• Provide content for MEC’s quarterly newsletter, website and other publications.
• Attend state, regional and national conferences as appropriate.
• Fulfill office responsibilities shared by the MEC staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Legislative experience, 1-3 years.
• Professional experience in at least one of the following areas:  public policy advocacy or analysis, coalition facilitation, the legislative process or political campaigns.  
• Solid grasp of current issues related to energy and familiarity with environmental issues and expertise in one or more of MEC’s core program areas.
• Passion for environmental protection, interest in the political process, and commitment to diversity required. 
• Direct or related experience reaching out to potential new coalition partners, particularly those traditionally underrepresented in Michigan’s environmental community.  
• Excellent communications skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team; meet deadlines; and balance multiple tasks.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience and aptitude working in diverse coalitions, alliances or other groups.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation and health/dental insurance. An employer-matched retirement plan is available.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, three references, a writing sample (1-3 pages), and your resume to:

Chris Kolb, President
Michigan Environmental Council
602 West Ionia Street
Lansing, MI  48933

• Please email materials as one PDF.
• If you have questions, call or email Judy Bearup.
• Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2017

~ MEC is an equal opportunity employer ~