Policy & Advocacy Specialist

~ Founded in 1979, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and ground water. ~

Based in beautiful Petoskey, Michigan, the Watershed Council works on local issues in the watersheds of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties, as well as state, federal, and binational policy. Hallmarks of the Council’s work include respected advocacy, watershed planning, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, collaboration, and empowering others. For more background information, check out our website. 

Position Summary

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is seeking a passionate and collaborative Policy and Advocacy Specialist who will support and build our local policy portfolio. The Watershed Council works with local government officials and staff to address and improve local development proposals, master plans, zoning, and other ordinances/initiatives regarding water resource protection and restoration. The policy and advocacy specialist will focus on local policy efforts and support the policy director in state and federal water resources advocacy.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Act as lead for water resource protection ordinances and initiatives
• Review and comment on development proposals and permit public notices
• In coordination with policy director, prepare response on local policy threats/initiatives
• Provide assistance to individuals and organizations working on local issues
• Conduct educational programs to further improve policies
• Conduct research important to policy initiatives
• Grant/project management and implementation
• Conduct communications including development of publications, presentations, press releases, newsletter articles, and website
• Develop positive working relationships with agency staff, local governments, members of the regulated community, fellow organizations, and citizens
• In coordination with policy director, assist with state, federal, and binational water resource policy development and advocacy
• Assist with development of fundraising projects and participate in fundraising activities
• Attend staff and board meetings, participate in organizational planning and development, and supervise interns and other volunteers
• Respond to inquiries and phone calls from members and the public, attend to office visitors, and serve as an ambassador of the Watershed Council
• Keep coworkers informed of projects and issues and maintain open channels of communication to facilitate collaborative project development
• Perform other field work associated with water resource policy implementation
• Perform other duties as requested

Requirements

• Dedicated to protecting Northern Michigan’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater
• Keen understanding of water resources and the policies to protect them
• Experience with or strong knowledge of local government policy-making process
• Ability to work independently with strong initiative and put in long hours when necessary, including nights and weekends
• Excellent written and verbal communications and public speaking skills, including ability to translate complex regulations and policies into public-friendly materials and presentations
• Commitment to working collaboratively with a wide, diverse range of partners and colleagues
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite of programs
• Master’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, political science or related field with at least two years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of experience
• A proven commitment and passion to making a positive change for the environment is required

Salary and Hours

• Full-time, many evening meetings, some travel and weekend work required.
• Salary commensurate with experience.  Full benefits provided.
• Please state any salary requirements.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a resume and cover letter to Gail Gruenwald, Executive Director, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, 426 Bay Street, Petoskey, MI 49770.
• Applications are due January 1, 2021.
• Start date is July 1, 2021.

Recruitment, employment and promotion shall be solely on the basis of qualifications for a specific position. There shall be no discrimination for employment because of race, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference, handicap, creed, national origin, or other factors in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1977, prohibiting discriminatory practices, policies, and customs.