West Michigan Director

Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the political voice for Michigan's lands, waters, air, and Great Lakes. Michigan LCV is a dynamic non-profit, independent political organization working with its members and the state's conservation and environmental community to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials and the voting public. Michigan LCV helps elect candidates to public office that stand up for conservation principles, and holds elected officials accountable for their actions.

The affiliated Michigan LCV Education Fund shares staff and office space with Michigan LCV and works to build the power of the conservation community through the education of the public and elected officials, technical support and training, and coalition building. Michigan LCV Education Fund also supports programs to increase active citizen participation in Michigan's democratic process.

Position Overview:

The Michigan LCV is seeking a West Michigan Director to direct its West Michigan strategic plan and manage a large network of highly respected business and community leaders who will individually and/or collectively take action on behalf of the protection of Michigan's land, air, and water, with an emphasis on the restoration of the Grand River and farmland preservation. This is a full time position based in the Grand Rapids office. 

Responsibilities:

The West Michigan Director will be responsible for directing all aspects of the West Michigan strategic plan, including but not limited to political and issue campaigns and fundraising. He/she will also be responsible for management and stewardship of key individuals, leaders, and donors related to both organizations in West Michigan. He/she will be supervised by the Executive Director, but will also work closely with the Leadership Coordinator, Development Director, and Political Director.

The primary responsibility of the West Michigan Director will be to build relationships with key individuals, leader, and donors within West Michigan politics. Specifically he/she will manage the West Michigan Environmental Leadership Network (WMELN), a large and sustainable network of highly respected business and community leaders who will individually and/or collectively take action to protect Michigan's land, air, and water.

Additional responsibilities include overseeing WMELN's relationship with the Grand River restoration project and its logistics within the Grand Rapids River Restoration stakeholder group, and engaging West Michigan foundations and individual donors in order to sustain and build Michigan LCV's presence.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Direct and implement all aspects of the West Michigan strategic plan; including political and issue campaigns, and fundraising;
• Manage a framework, infrastructure, and best practices for business and community leadership outreach;
• Conduct business and community leadership outreach and engagement to develop relationships throughout West Michigan in order to sustain WMELN and Michigan LCV;
• Assist in the identification of donors as they are discovered through leadership outreach;
• Manage all logistics related to WMELN;
• Oversee all logistics related to the GRWW stakeholder group; including but not limited to organizing and executing quarterly events and meetings, roster upkeep, and maintaining all project-related information.
• The West Michigan Director is responsible for performing the administrative tasks necessary to accomplish his or her job, including but not limited to:
• Filling out bimonthly time sheets and other office paperwork, as appropriate;
• Participating in and assisting with trainings for staff, member leaders, and other members for their leadership development;
• Attending staff, Board and annual meetings, and other meetings and events as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to take complex issues and communicate them to the general public;
• Strong management skills and strong networking skills;
• 3 + years experience in event organizing or other related work;
• Excellent "people skills" and a track record of using them in prior capacities;
• Experience with project management, staff management and supervision, and work with consultants/vendors;
• Fine-tuned organizational skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Detail oriented;
• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office;
• A Bachelor's degree in a related field;
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout west Michigan;
• Familiarity with key Great Lakes issues, including river restoration, water protections, clean energy opportunities, and farmland preservation;
• A strong understanding of environmental issues and Michigan politics combined with a commitment to the mission and purpose of Michigan LCV and Michigan LCV Education Fund.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with relevant professional experience.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, résumé, 3 references, and 2 current writing samples.

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters is an equal opportunity employer.