MACD Advocacy Coordinator Position

Advocacy Coordinator

Full-Time, Remote (Lansing-area based) 

Salary: 65,000 - 68,000, Exempt

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is seeking an Advocacy Coordinator to support our day-to-day legislative work in Lansing, in coordination with our Executive Director and Legislative Committee. The goal of this position is to strengthen the voice of Conservation Districts across Michigan.

This role's top priority is securing more operational funding for Michigan's Conservation Districts. Day to day this will include: 

• lobbying directly for state budget increases
• finding legislation that could fund districts from sources other than the general budget
• providing materials to help Conservation Districts advocate effectively with their own local legislators

The ideal candidate is a clear writer, understands how to navigate policy, and a natural relationship-builder who understands Michigan’s unique environment. MACD is a nonpartisan organization. This role requires building trusted relationships with legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle and actively seeking opportunities for bipartisan cooperation.

This is a full-time, permanent position funded through MACD's general operating funds. It reports directly to the Executive Director and gives monthly updates to MACD's Legislative Committee. Although the position is remote, it involves frequent in-person meetings and committee hearings at the Michigan State Capitol. Candidates must live in or near Lansing so they can attend regularly and respond quickly during session.

The position is available immediately. Our goal is a start date as close to December 1 as possible, so the new Advocacy Coordinator has time to get fully trained before the new Legislature takes office in January and the state budget process begins.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate with legislators and their staff directly to advance MACD's legislative priorities, with a focus on operational funding for Conservation Districts.
• Track state legislation, budget developments and policy issues that affect Conservation Districts, and write clear summaries and analysis for staff, the State Council and Districts.
• Identify legislative opportunities that could provide Conservation District funding from sources other than the general budget.
• Attend committee hearings and meetings with legislators, representing MACD at the Capitol in coordination with the Executive Director and Executive Committee. 
• Help the Executive Director prepare testimony and conduct background research.
• Draft action alerts, talking points and one-pagers, with communications support from the Executive Director and graphic design support from the Digital Communications Coordinator.
• Help Conservation Districts advocate with their local legislators by providing written resources to help in their communication with legislators. 
• Give monthly updates to the Legislative Committee on legislative activity, strategy and progress.
• Coordinate with legislative liaisons at partner organizations such as Michigan Farm Bureau, the Nature Conservancy, League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Municipal League, and others. 

Qualifications

Required

• Working knowledge of the Michigan legislative process, including the state budget and appropriations process
• 2+ years of experience in legislative, government affairs, advocacy or public policy work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to turn complex policy into clear, persuasive messages
• Strong policy analysis and research skills
• Registered as a Michigan lobbyist, or willing to register upon hire
• Commitment to nonpartisan advocacy and a demonstrated ability to build relationships across the political spectrum
• Residence in or near Lansing, with the ability to be at the Capitol regularly and on short notice
• Reliable transportation
• Access to a remote working environment and comfort working independently on a distributed team

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy or public administration, communications or journalism, environmental or natural resource policy, agricultural policy, or a related field (equivalent experience will be considered)
• Experience working in a Michigan legislative office
• Experience writing policy, such as bill analyses, issue briefs or testimony
• Familiarity with Conservation Districts, agriculture, natural resources or local units of government
• Existing professional relationships in Lansing

Benefits

• Health insurance benefits
• Retirement stipend 
• Home office setup stipend
• Professional development stipend
• Phone stipend
• Flexible work schedule, with the expectation of availability during legislative office hours and session days
• Remote work from the Lansing area
• All federal holidays off and a comprehensive sick leave policy
• 2 weeks of paid vacation after the first 90 days of employment
• A supportive and passionate team committed to environmental and conservation efforts
• Salary range of 65,000 to 68,000 based on skills and experience

 

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter to Executive.Director@MACD.org. In your cover letter, describe your experience with the Michigan legislative process and why you are a good fit for the role. Please include how you learned about this position, and include 3 professional references with your application. The position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We look forward to learning how your skills and experiences align with our mission!

MACD is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply, and value perspectives that reflect the communities and landscapes we serve across Michigan.