Policy Associate @ MEJC
: Job Details :

The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is on the hunt for a dynamic Policy Associate to join our team and help lead the charge for clean air, energy justice, and a sustainable future. As part of our growing team, you'll build relationships with communities of color, tribal groups, elected officials, and regulators to push for change and fight for what's right!

This will be a hybrid-remote role with instate travel expected to communities in West Michigan and to the capital in Lansing. Travel to the Detroit office would be on an as-needed basis. Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license are required but MEJC will reimburse mileage.

Please note: MEJC will be closed from 12/19-1/6/2025 so interviews with the MEJC team will not happen until after the week of 1/6/2025.

What you'll do

As a Policy Associate at MEJC, you'll be at the forefront of policy advocacy, working to advance Environmental Justice priorities across Michigan. You'll build and strengthen relationships with community leaders, elected officials, and allies while empowering communities to push for policies that tackle environmental racism and climate injustice. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a more equitable future, advocating for clean air, renewable energy, and policies that prioritize the most vulnerable communities. Day to day, you'll:

• Empower and grow a cohort of community leaders to advocate for Environmental Justice
• Educate Michigan lawmakers on the climate and pollution injustices impacting marginalized communities
• Build coalitions and create opportunities for action—including helping community leaders hold elected officials accountable
• Drive policy development focused on Energy Justice, Clean Air, Justice40, and Just Transition
• Represent MEJC's values, both in public forums and behind the scenes, while building relationships with key stakeholders
• Collaborate with MEJC staff to create written resources for communities and decision-makers

What you need to thrive in this role

• 3+ years of work experience in policy advocacy or government affairs, working with coalitions and grassroots organizations
• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent work experience, master's degree preferred
• Strong understanding of at least one of MEJC's issue areas: Energy Democracy, Clean Air, Justice40, and Just Transition
• Writing, research, and organizational skills
• Friendly and community service-oriented with a belief in and commitment to social, racial, and environmental justice
• Experience, comfortability, and passion for working within diverse communities
• Bilingual- Arabic or Spanish desired but not required
• Must reside in West Michigan (within 50 miles of Grand Rapids)

About us

The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is a statewide coalition working to achieve a clean, healthy, and safe environment for Michigan's most vulnerable residents. the Jemez and EJ Principles through popular education, grassroots policy advocacy, and organizing our communities for systems change. MEJC convened in 2011 to grow the Environmental Justice movement in Michigan. We lead campaigns to fight for Energy Justice and Clean Air as well as engage in federal and state policy. MEJC hopes to define an ambitious Environmental 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: $48,000 – $65,000
• Medical, dental, and vision (Individual coverage is 100% paid for by MEJC)
• 401k with employer match
• Disability insurance options
• Generous PTO including parental leave
• Professional development
• Community involvement

I'm interested, how do I get started?

To apply, please submit the following items to the MEJC jobs portal. Hybrid position: The candidate must live in Michigan or be willing to relocate within 3 months.

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.