Michigan Progressive Governance Director

Working Families Party•Michigan, MI

9d•$64,900 - $85,800•Remote

About The Position

The Michigan Progressive Governance Director works through the Working Families Party and Working Families Power to support elected working-class champions and other aligned elected officials in Michigan, particularly state legislators. The role helps officials develop progressive policy, communicate effectively, organize in solidarity, build shared strategy, and engage constituents throughout the year. It also supports incumbents’ electoral campaigns, legislative caucuses and cohorts through strategy and political education, and partner organizations advancing the Michigan WFP Legislative agenda. The director leads support for progressive legislators at federal, state, and local levels; convenes aligned legislators to learn and strategize; develops programming that strengthens coordination between elected officials and community and advocacy organizations; and builds relationships with legislators and partner organizations to advance issue advocacy. The role analyzes state and local legislative landscapes, tracks priority legislation, connects elected officials with advocacy groups and policy expertise, develops messages and materials, supports constituent communications and re-election planning, and trains staff, activists, leaders, and newly elected candidates on legislative processes and power building. The position is remote, with Lansing, Michigan preferred. It requires frequent in-person work at the Lansing Capitol during legislative session and additional travel within Michigan. Applicants must already be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in government, advocacy, politics, or organizing.
Demonstrated ability to work closely with elected officials to pass progressive policy.
Excellent facilitation skills and the ability to build solidarity and shared strategy across differences.
Ability to quickly learn new contexts and policy areas.
Ability to make decisions with consequences in nuanced political settings.
Strong empathy and ability to build collaborative relationships.
Excellent problem-solving skills and strong judgment in moments of conflict.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and manage complex projects.
Ability to manage multiple projects at once and prioritize work.
Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel throughout Michigan.
Must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Experience in and knowledge of Michigan’s political landscape and state legislature.
Experience in electoral campaigns.
Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Lead WFP’s work supporting progressive legislators at the federal, state, and local levels.
Convene regular opportunities for values-aligned legislators to talk, learn, and strategize together.
Plan and build programming to increase strategic alignment and solidarity between values-aligned elected officials and community and advocacy organizations.
Work with local and state partners, such as re:power and Local Progress, to support legislative training and other development opportunities.
Develop trusting working relationships with allied legislators and partner organizations to advance issue advocacy.
Analyze and develop strategy around the state and local legislative landscape.
Connect WFP elected officials to advocacy groups and coalitions, national policy expertise, and cohorts of like-minded elected officials across state lines.
Track priority legislation.
Identify opportunities to advance shared messages.
Create talking points and toolkits on priority issues.
Support Michigan WFP elected officials in communicating with their districts.
Support elected officials in planning re-election campaigns as part of Michigan WFP shared strategy.
Work with the Organizing Director to develop pathways for activists to support aligned elected officials and legislation.
Train staff, activists, leaders, and newly elected candidates on how the legislature works and on power building in the legislative context.
Perform other related duties as assigned.