Policy Director- Environmental Justice Focus

MyHR Partner, Inc • Detroit, MI

12d • $65,000 - $75,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) seeks a strategic Policy Director to lead its policy team and advance a people-centered climate justice agenda for Michigan. The Director coaches and supervises policy staff and helps shape the organization’s policy positions and legislative priorities in partnership with its organizing team, members, and frontline communities. The role includes analyzing legislation and communicating its impacts accessibly, engaging in lobbying and advocacy, guiding research with partners, representing MEJC in the press and coalitions, and managing campaign budgets, spending, metrics, and grant reporting.

The position is hybrid and open to candidates anywhere in Michigan, who must reside in the state. It involves regular travel to Lansing during legislative session, communities in West Michigan, and occasionally MEJC’s Detroit office. Some evening and weekend work and out-of-state travel are required. A valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation are required; MEJC reimburses travel expenses.

MEJC is a statewide coalition working for a clean, healthy, and safe environment for Michigan residents most affected by pollution and climate change. It works in alignment with the Jemez and EJ Principles through popular education, people-centered policies, and organizing for systemic change. MEJC’s campaigns include Energy Democracy and Cumulative Impacts, and its work spans federal, state, and local policy. The organization seeks a climate justice agenda that centers Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities and is free of fossil fuels and false solutions.

Requirements

• 5–8 years of supervisory experience, including initiating and setting goals for organizing strategy and campaign management.
• Proven success leading issue campaigns, policy research, leadership development, and grassroots mobilization.
• Strong understanding of Environmental Justice and the Jemez and EJ Principles, and of how legislation impacts frontline communities.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people of diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Belief in and commitment to social, racial, and environmental justice.
• Ability to work nights and weekends and travel within and outside Michigan.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Must reside in Michigan.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with environmental justice, climate, social, or racial justice coalitions, networks, and alliances is preferred.
• Experience developing annual plans and budgets and tracking spending is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and supervise policy staff, fellows, interns, and contractors through regular one-on-ones, goal-setting, and evaluation.
• Guide and manage MEJC’s EJ Caucus while cultivating the leadership of staff, members, and partners.
• Set MEJC’s policy positions and legislative priorities in partnership with the organizing team, members, and frontline communities.
• Analyze proposed legislation and translate it into clear, accessible information for community members and the public.
• Build relationships with legislators and their staff, and train others in lobbying and advocacy.
• Guide research papers with partner organizations and universities, and promote them when released.
• Represent MEJC with the press and in key coalitions and alliances, including MEMJ, MICAN, CJA, and Elevate.
• Develop budgets, track spending, and manage data metrics for campaign evaluation and grant reporting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage; individual coverage is 100% paid for by MEJC.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Disability insurance options.
• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Tech stipend.
• Professional development.
• Community involvement.
• Travel expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager