Policy Director

Michigan United•Detroit, MI

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Policy Director leads Michigan United’s policy agenda, translating organizing priorities into legislative and administrative wins at the state and local levels. The role works closely with the Executive Director, organizing staff, and coalition partners to ensure policy work is grounded in the communities Michigan United serves. The Director develops and manages the annual policy agenda across areas including racial justice, environmental justice, gender justice, economic justice, immigration, voting rights, and housing. The position tracks legislation and government actions, builds relationships with policymakers and allied organizations, creates policy materials for organizers and members, represents the organization in public and coalition settings, advises the Executive Director, coordinates policy communications, and supports policy-related grant reporting. This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt, at-will position reporting to the Executive Director. The role is hybrid, with on-site and virtual work based from the Detroit, Michigan office. The employee must be based in Michigan, travel throughout the state, and work evenings or weekends as campaign cycles require. A reliable means of transportation is required. The typical schedule is 40 hours per week, primarily weekdays with some evenings and weekends. Compensation is $70,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

At least 5 years of policy, advocacy, or legislative experience.
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan state government and the legislative process.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience working with or in communities directly impacted by systemic injustice.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, campaign-driven environment.
Firm grounding in racial, economic, and gender justice and deep alignment with Michigan United’s values and Theory of Change.
Ability to travel throughout Michigan and work evenings and weekends as required.
Must be based in Michigan.
Reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Policy, advocacy, or legislative experience in a movement or community-based setting.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage Michigan United’s annual policy agenda across racial justice, environmental justice, gender justice, economic justice, immigration, voting rights, housing, and other issue areas.
Track legislation, regulatory changes, and administrative actions at the state and local levels.
Build and maintain relationships with legislators, agency officials, and allied organizations.
Translate policy positions into materials organizers and members can use, including fact sheets, testimony, talking points, and briefings.
Represent Michigan United in coalition tables, public hearings, and stakeholder meetings.
Advise the Executive Director on policy risks and opportunities.
Coordinate with communications staff to shape public-facing narratives on policy campaigns.
Support grant reporting related to policy activities.