Policy Director

Michigan United; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Health Savings Account

Retirement plan

Job summary

Michigan United seeks a Policy Director to drive its state and local policy agenda, translating organizing priorities into legislative wins. The hybrid role involves collaborating with the Executive Director, organizing staff, and coalition partners to ground policy in community needs.

You’ll manage priorities across racial, economic, gender, immigrant, and environmental justice, representing the organization in coalitions and hearings while guiding communications and grant reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience: at least 5 years in policy, advocacy, or legislative work.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Solid grounding in racial, economic, and gender justice frameworks.
• Willingness to travel across Michigan and work evenings/weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage Michigan United's annual policy agenda across issue areas including racial justice, environmental justice, gender justice, economic justice, immigration, voting rights, and housing.
• Track legislation, regulatory changes, and administrative actions at the state and local level.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislators, agency officials, and allied organizations.
• Translate policy positions into materials organizers and members can use: fact sheets, testimony, talking points, and briefings.
• Represent Michigan United in coalition tables, public hearings, and stakeholder meetings.
• Advise the Executive Director on policy risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate with communications staff to shape public-facing narratives on policy campaigns.
• Support grant reporting as it relates to policy activities.

Skills

Policy advocacy experience

Michigan government knowledge

Strong written and verbal comms

Evenings/weekends travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Post: Policy Director

Organization: Michigan United and Michigan United Action

Nature of Work: Hybrid: 501(c)(3) & 501(c)(4)

The Policy Director leads Michigan United's policy agenda. You will translate our organizing priorities into legislative and administrative wins at the state and local level. You will work closely with the Executive Director, organizing staff, and coalition partners to make sure our policy work is grounded in the communities we serve.

About Michigan United

Michigan United is building a vibrant, inclusive democracy in Michigan where community members are organizing to build power to affect change at local, state, and national levels. We are working to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequality by building power. Michigan United defines power as the ability to act, and it comes in the form of organized people and organized money. We focus on issues from a racial, economic, gender, immigrant, and environmental justice lens. We are a hub of people-centered leadership development, issue organizing, and civic power building. We are guided by our Theory of Change.

Michigan United is dedicated to dismantling oppressive systems and transforming lives through tangible victories and leadership development. We believe in the power of a united community driven by a shared vision and strategic action, capable of making significant impacts at local, state, and national levels. Our focus on organizing communities, training leaders, and tackling systemic barriers is crucial in shaping Michigan's future.

Our commitment to a democracy that reflects our base is at the core of our work, guiding us as we organize and mobilize communities, build collective power, and seek just outcomes. We are steadfast in these principles, aiming to create a Michigan where the government and our economy are inclusive, accountable, and equitable.

Michigan United's approach is grounded in practicality, driven by our values, and focused on building a state where dignity, equity, and justice are realities, not just aspirations. Through strong relationship-building, continuous leadership development, and strategic collective action, we are paving the way for the radical, systemic changes our communities need and deserve.

Michigan United is a statewide organization of community members and institutions fighting for the dignity and potential of every person.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and manage Michigan United's annual policy agenda across issue areas including racial justice, environmental justice, gender justice, economic justice, immigration, voting rights, and housing.
• Track legislation, regulatory changes, and administrative actions at the state and local level.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislators, agency officials, and allied organizations.
• Translate policy positions into materials organizers and members can use: fact sheets, testimony, talking points, and briefings.
• Represent Michigan United in coalition tables, public hearings, and stakeholder meetings.
• Advise the Executive Director on policy risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate with communications staff to shape public-facing narratives on policy campaigns.
• Support grant reporting as it relates to policy activities.

The above responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified in this manner. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Work Experience & Education Level
  • Experience: Minimum 5 years of policy, advocacy, or legislative experience, preferably in a movement or community-based setting.
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Skills & Attributes
  • Frameworks: Firm grounding in racial, economic, and gender justice; deep alignment with Michigan United’s values and Theory of Change.
  • Logistics: Ability to travel throughout Michigan and work evenings/weekends as required.
• Core Competencies
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan state government and legislative process.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience working with or in communities directly impacted by systemic injustice.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, campaign-driven environment.
• Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Additional Job Specifications

• Job Classification: FLSA Exempt, Full-Time
• Reports to: Executive Director
• Job Length: At-will
• Compensation: $70,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience.
• Work Schedule: typically 40 hours per week, Primarily Weekdays with Some Evenings / Weekends.
• Work Environment and Location: Hybrid: On-site & Virtual, Detroit, MI office; must be based in Michigan
• Logistics: Ability to travel throughout Michigan and work evenings/weekends as required by campaign cycles. Access to reliable transportation is required.
• Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, PTO, HSA, retirement plan, Discretionary Year-End Contributions, etc.

Michigan United contracts with BOOM LLC for backend & operational support including hiring and employment. BOOM LLC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Those that identify as queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification. We care about growth, potential, and lived experiences. If you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every bullet point, we still strongly encourage you to apply.