Clean Water Action is a national, grassroots environmental organization that seeks to protect the environment and safeguard public health, promote passage of strong environmental laws, and help communities address local environmental problems affecting them. Clean Water Fund is a national research and education organization which promotes the public interest on issues related to water, waste, and toxics.
Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund are seeking an experienced full-time Michigan Director to lead our team on health and justice-related environmental issues in Michigan. The primary responsibility of this position will be to lead local community-based campaigns, with a focus on over-burdened communities, particularly low-income communities of color. We are looking for candidates with the ability to effectively manage a team, collaborate with community partners on successful environmental programs, and develop community engagement strategies to mobilize residents to take action. This position also involves playing a lead role in Clean Water Action's broader state and national campaigns to advance environmental justice policies and ensure clean water and air for all. Experience in communities of color and lower-income areas is critical to success in this position.
Responsibilities
• Develop, plan, and implement CWA’s local, state, and national campaigns in Michigan in consultation with the Michigan team.
• Hire, train, and supervise program staff in the Michigan offices, with personnel decisions made in consultation with National Program and Policy Director.
• Supervise, coach, and support staff in accordance with organizational policies, applicable employment laws, and the collective bargaining agreement.
• Assist in lobbying and other communication with legislative and agency staff.
• Coordinate media and public relations activities in Michigan in consultation with the Michigan media manager.
• Coordinate fundraising in consultation with the Michigan team, including grant fundraising, events, and individual donor work.
• Provide campaign support to the field and canvass teams, including briefings and materials as needed.
• Represent Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund in a variety of settings including within coalitions and coalition activities.
• Help lead voter education efforts on environmental issues and support the election of pro-environment candidates.
• Lead other special projects as jointly discussed with Supervisor.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience working on community organizing, environmental advocacy, or electoral campaigns, including a demonstrated leadership role in past employment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, with the ability to convey complex information effectively.
• Demonstrated experience working with grassroots leaders and low-income communities of color.
• Ability to work in both office and community-based environments.
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff strongly desired.
• Fundraising experience, particularly successful grant writing.
• Knowledge of Michigan and political environment strongly desired.
• A deep passion for environmental justice, public health, and community empowerment.
• Comfortable with using online communication tools and utilizing basic software for organizing tasks.
• Regular travel within Michigan is required for meetings, community engagement, canvass support, events, and coalition work.
Schedule: Hybrid position with flexible 2-3 days/week presence in the office. Weekend and evening hours occasionally required for public events.
Benefits: Clean Water Action offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
•Health, dental, and vision insurance
•Employee Assistance Program
•PTO
•401(k)
•Hybrid work flexibility
Internal Candidates: Internal candidates should first contact their supervisor.
Clean Water Action values a diverse workplace. People of color and those from economically disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Clean Water Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.