Apply now – Deadline extended until Dec 01.

Energy Democracy Grassroots Organizer

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is a member-driven organization of 40 different organizations and individuals fighting for environmental justice across the state of Michigan. Since 2011, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition has built knowledge, supported social networks, and taken action to improve the quality of life for all fenceline and frontline communities.

In 2019, MEJC helped to form the Work for Me DTE campaign to harness community organizing into the practice of energy democracy for a more just climate future. In 2020, MEJC plans on expanding its role in the energy democracy campaign. MEJC will continue to support its members’ work and expand its grassroots efforts. MEJC will develop and implement a participatory action research model. The model will increase participation in energy decision making at the state of Michigan’s Michigan Public Service Commission proceedings, as well as other key institutions to be determined in the future. The Energy Democracy Organizer position will have core responsibilities as the anchor of developing, contributing to, and leading key aspects of these grassroots and participatory research efforts. This new position will be supported by the Energy Foundation, and work in coordination with local groups EMEAC, Soulardarity, We Want Green Too, and statewide groups like Michigan Energy Efficiency for All coalition. The position will collaborate with Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs, and Empower Michigan and other relevant national formations that are working towards a just transition.

The Energy Democracy Organizer will serve as the core anchor of this work for the Work for Me DTE Campaign for MEJC.

Duties // Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

· Convening and facilitating the Work for Me DTE Campaign of over 12 organizations to achieve energy democracy

· Reviewing, translating and speaking towards Michigan Public Service Commission proceedings, including the utility’s 15-year plan the Integrated Resource Plan

· Advocating regularly with Lansing decision-makers to make better decisions for EJ communities

· Designing and coordinating community research with local partner We Want Green Too, University of Michigan and other relevant partners

· Developing public relations materials, and messaging for the Health Impact Analysis conducted by the University of Michigan and supported by the Natural Resource Defence Council and Soulardarity

· Liaison with partners and allies at the local, state and national level when necessary, particularly in the housing sector

· In-depth collaboration with Soulardarity staff on legal interventions in DTE 15-year plan and rate increase case, as well as coordination with Energy Fellows

· Co-lead the climate justice track at the MEJC statewide summit in Sept 2020

Skills and requirements:

1.     5-years or more plus experience working in and organizing environmental justice communities;

2.     Experience running and implementing street canvassing, volunteer management or team building for impact, with training in community organizing, power building and power analysis;

3.     High level of skill in facilitation, organization, and consensus building between a wide diversity of stakeholders,

4.     Cultural competency working in multi-racial,multi-ethnic, and intergenerational circles;

5.     Knowledge of energy systems, climate change, environmental or social science / policy, or natural resource management;

6.     Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Technologies, and other digital platforms including social media platforms;

7.     Conflict resolution or restorative justice training desired

8.     Spanish or Arabic language skills a plus

9.     A valid driver’s license

The ideal candidates would:

· Be able to work in alignment with and have strong knowledge and experience of the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing, and the environmental justice principles

· Have a strong understanding and / or lived experience within communities of color, Indigenous / Frontline communities, environmental justice communities

· Be committed to consensus-building and strong facilitation of coalitions, with a dedication to transforming conflict into productive restorative relationships

· Have knowledge of participatory action research, CBPR survey design, data management, academic partnerships and other highly technical situations

· Commitment to learning as a way of being

· Implementing Street canvases, doing door-to-door work in Frontline communities, messaging and building relationships with those who are most impacted by energy Injustice

· Be highly communicative and good at public speaking/public relations, open to a fast-changing work environment, and a self-starter who can learn independently and quickly on the fly.

Salary is $40,000 plus benefits. This is a one-year, time-limited position. Interested parties should submit their resume, cover letter and three references to [email protected] with the words ENERGY DEMOCRACY ORGANIZER in the subject line.

HEP Program Manager

Position Summary

The program manager effectively and efficiently operates MSU HEP and its services to MSU HEP students, including its residential and satellite projects. The program manager coordinates, implements, oversees and develops MSU HEP and supervises full-time and part-time staff. Assures all aspects of HEP operations function so as to meet specific objectives relative to numbers of participants served and numbers of those earning their GEDs. Additionally, coordinates and oversees career advising and placement of students upon exiting.  This is a full-time position with standard 8-5 p.m. workdays and probable evening and weekend hours necessary.  This position reports to the MSU HEP Director (Director of MSU Migrant Student Services). This is a salaried, off-date position funded through 6/30/2024.

• • • Hires and supervises instructors, recruitment coordinator and variety of support staff
    • Assures quality student records regarding eligibility and admittance, academic performance, and career placement
    • Arranges and assures effective instruction, i.e., personnel, space, technology, other tools for GED subject areas (Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science) in Spanish and English
    • Directs Lead Instructor in developing GED subjects’ curricula and supervising other instructional staff
    • Directs Recruitment/Outreach Coordinator in best practices for identification, assessment and admittance of students
    • Assures that cultural and academic enrichment activities are taking place
    • Schedules and manages regular HEP faculty and staff meetings
    • Assists in assuring that program goals and objectives are being met
    • Performs any other duties as assigned by the HEP Director/Migrant Student Services Director

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing one or two years of post-bachelor degree work, such as a master’s in administration or a behavioral science field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in administration, program development and personal development and training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Written and verbal fluency in English and Spanish is required. Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

Completion of a master’s degree in social science, education, business, or related field, as well as two years of experience in classroom instruction is strongly preferred for this position; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in staff management; budget oversight and management of federally funded programs including operating GED or high school completion programs; experience working with migrant populations; experience in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, calendaring and web-page software.

For more information visit the MSU Job Postings Website.

Position Opening: Director of Community Assets

Company Background & Culture

For over 50 years, Rotary Charities has been one of the the leading Grantmakers in the Grand Traverse Region.  Our endowment has enabled RC to make annual grants totaling over $1.5 million annually. Since our inception, we have made nearly $60 million in grants to our 5-county region.

In the past three years, our grantmaking has evolved to include systems-based grantmaking, impact investing and capacity building strategies, that support our new approach. We are moving from a transactional focus to one that encompasses all the additional roles we play; connector/convener, capacity builder/learner and funder/investor. Our focus is on systems thinking, adaptive leadership and community impact.

To to learn more about Rotary Charities click here.

Candidate Profile

We are searching for a candidate with experience affecting communities at a grass roots level, using outreach strategies that ensure broad community input and impact. The ideal candidate recognizes the continual work of understanding the unique nature of each community they serve and the challenges they face.  Key skills include the capacity to listen, clarify, collaborate and make connections to partners and resources.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Community Assets is focused on the Foundation’s role in community development and capacity building. This includes convening and sitting at appropriate tables for the work, connecting applicants and communities with other foundations, and state and federal resources to help implement projects that align with their priorities.

Additionally, this position directs two of our vital program areas:

• Assets for Thriving Communities grantmaking, and
• Impact Investment programs

The Director of Community Assets manages these grants, contributes to the development of grantmaking, and helps design the strategy for $1.5 million in our Impact Investing funds.

For a full job description and instructions how to apply, click here.

Applications will be accepted until July 9, 2019.  All correspondence will be considered confidential.

Rotary Charities is an equal opportunity employer.