Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition Policy Director Detroit, MI · Full time

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Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is a statewide coalition working to achieve a clean, healthy and safe environment for Michigan residents most impacted by pollution and climate change. MEJC works to achieve this goal in alignment with the Jemez and EJ Principles through popular education, building people-centered policies, and organizing for systemic change. MEJC convened in 2011 to grow the Environmental Justice movement in Michigan. We have led campaigns in Energy Democracy and Cumulative Impacts as well engaging in federal, state, and local policy. MEJC hopes to define an ambitious climate justice agenda for Michigan that centers Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities and is free of fossil fuels and false solutions.

The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is looking for a bold, strategic Policy Director to lead our policy team and drive a people-centered climate justice agenda for Michigan. In this role, you’ll coach and grow a passionate team, shape MEJC’s legislative priorities, and stand alongside frontline communities to fight for Environmental Justice, holding the line even when those in power push for compromise!

This is a hybrid role open to candidates anywhere in Michigan, with regular in-state travel to the capital in Lansing during legislative session, to communities in West Michigan, and to our Detroit office occasionally. Some evenings, weekends, and out-of-state travel will be needed for events, panels, and coalition work. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required but MEJC will reimburse travel expenses.

What you’ll do

As Policy Director at MEJC, you’ll be the strategic lead behind our policy and legislative work and a coach and champion for the team doing it. You’ll break down complex legislation, quickly identify who stands to be harmed, and make sure MEJC’s voice stays strong in Lansing and across our coalitions. In 2027, that means taking on the expansion of fossil gas, carbon capture, and hydrogen projects, and continuing our flagship Energy Democracy work fighting Investor-Owned Utilities and the spread of data center developments. Day to day, you’ll:

• Lead, coach, and supervise MEJC’s 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 our 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

What you need to thrive in this role 

• 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
• A strong understanding of Environmental Justice and the Jemez and EJ Principles, and how legislation impacts frontline communities
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working with environmental justice, climate, social, or racial justice coalitions, networks, and alliances preferred
• Experience developing annual plans and budgets and tracking spending a plus
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people of diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences
• A belief in and commitment to social, racial, and environmental justice
• Ability to work nights and weekends, and travel within and outside of Michigan
• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation
• Must reside in Michigan

About us

The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is a statewide coalition working to achieve a clean, healthy, and safe environment for Michigan residents most impacted by pollution and climate change. We work in alignment with the Jemez and EJ Principles through popular education, building people-centered policies, and organizing for systemic change. MEJC convened in 2011 to grow the Environmental Justice movement in Michigan. We have led campaigns in Energy Democracy and Cumulative Impacts and engage in federal, state, and local policy. MEJC hopes to define an ambitious climate justice agenda for Michigan that centers Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities and is free of fossil fuels and false solutions.

What we offer you

• Salary: $65,000 – $75,000, depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision (Individual coverage is 100% paid for by MEJC) 
• 401k with employer match
• D isability insurance options
• Generous PTO including parental leave
• Tech stipend
• Professional development
• Community involvement

Is this the job for you? 

If not, feel free to share this link with someone who might be interested.

Our hiring management partner is myHR Partner. myHR Partner is not a staffing service or recruiter. All resumes/applications will be reviewed for this position and only for our organization. Thank you for considering us as a potential employer!

At MEJC, we continually celebrate the diverse community different individuals cultivate. As an equal-opportunity employer, we stay true to that by ensuring that our place can be anyone’s place.