Policy Manager

Illinois Environmental Council; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Vacation

Job summary

A prominent environmental advocacy organization seeks a Policy Manager to support legislative initiatives and coalition building. This full-time role in Chicago or Springfield emphasizes communication, project management, and advocacy for environmental issues. Ideal candidates are passionate about democracy and inclusion, with strong legislative experience and excellent writing skills. The position offers competitive benefits and a salary range of $55,000 to $65,000.

Qualifications

• Passion for environmental advocacy and justice.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently.
• Interest in environmental issues and policies.

Responsibilities

• Draft educational materials for stakeholders.
• Lead coalition efforts and coordinate with partners.
• Write, analyze, and track relevant legislation.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts.

Skills

Project management skills

Communication skills

Time management skills

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of legislative process

Writing skills

Tools

Microsoft software suite

Google software suite

Job description

Overview

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is seeking a self-motivated and experienced Policy Manager to join the Conservation and Agriculture team. The role has a legislative focus to support the team’s ambitious agenda, build coalitions, and provide education. This is a full-time position that may be located in Chicago or Springfield, IL, with a preference for Springfield. The role may include evening and weekend work and occasional travel within Illinois.

About You

We’re looking for a self-motivated individual who is excited by the challenge of addressing the biggest issues facing Illinois. You should be a stellar communicator with excellent attention to detail who enjoys digging into legislative issues and working with broad coalitions of partners to build power and execute on legislative priorities. We are a small, dynamic team that relies on each other to produce high-quality work.

We strongly encourage candidates from all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to further diversify our organization. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Responsibilities

• Education
  
  
  
  • Draft content for educational materials for key stakeholders.
  
  
  • Communicate environmental priorities through public speaking and other outreach.
  
  
  • Organize and conduct events and tours with decision-makers and key stakeholders.
  
  
  • Contribute to educational presentations, tours, fact sheets, social media assets, and other assigned deliverables.
  
  
  
  


• Coalition Building
  
  
  
  • Administer and lead coalitions, as assigned, including setting agendas, meeting times and location, group messaging, goals, strategies, and tactics.
  
  
  • Consult our affiliates to build on their expertise in certain fields.
  
  
  • Coordinate with partner organizations to develop strategies and implement tactics.
  
  
  
  


• Policy and Advocacy
  
  
  
  • Write, analyze, and track conservation, agriculture, and organic waste bills at the Illinois State Legislature and the Chicago City Council.
  
  
  • Develop policy expertise in issue areas as assigned, including an understanding of current legislation and a comparison to laws in other locations. This may include landfill methane emissions, nutrient pollution, urban/rural flooding, and river access.
  
  
  • Build relationships with relevant stakeholders, including industry groups and agency staff.
  
  
  • Lobby lawmakers on relevant bills.
  
  
  • Coordinate lobby days and relevant grassroots advocacy in the issue area.
  
  
  
  


• Organizational Leadership
  
  
  
  • Contribute to fundraising efforts, including grant applications and foundation reporting related to IEC’s advocacy work.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Passion for environmental advocacy, democracy, and environmental justice


• Excellent project management skills


• Excellent communication skills


• Strong time management skills


• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups and people


• Commitment to and knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and allyship work


• Proficiency using both the Microsoft and Google software suites


• Highly organized


• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently


• Interest in environmental issues and policies


• Issue expertise in environmental issues


• Legal background optional, but desired


• Proven understanding of legislative process in IL General Assembly


• Strong writing skills — able to draft concise summaries, briefs, or reports


• Experience or interest in public interest work, advocacy, or lawmaking

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry items up to 25 pounds


• Operate a computer


• Sit at a desk for extended periods


• Communicate and exchange information

Equal Opportunity Employer

IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, pregnancy, arrest or criminal history records, homelessness, and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Equity, Allyship, and Powerbuilding Values

Supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist organization.

We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.

Benefits

The policy manager is a full-time permanent position located in Chicago or Springfield, IL. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and vacation. Salary range is $55,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience. Cover letter must include salary requirements. Candidates with salary requirements above the listed salary range will not be considered.

How to Apply

Introduce yourself to us as a colleague. Show us your future here and let us know what you’d bring to our organization. We value great writers, so be yourself, be creative, and take your time with the application.

Applications must be received by 9/5/25.

To apply please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to:

Lindsay Keeney, Chief Program Officer, Conservation and Agriculture – [e-mail]