Thank you for your interest. This position has been filled.
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Job Title: Sustainable Communities Advocate or Director
Position Summary: The Sustainable Communities Advocate develops and implements strategies for sustainable, climate-friendly community development in Montana. The position advocates for land, water, public participation, and housing policies that support environmentally conscious and economically equitable communities. This position lobbies the legislature and other government officials, works with local and state agencies, and engages in public advocacy, organizing, and outreach. Issues include, but are not limited to, subdivision regulation, growth planning, zoning, protection of water resources, and equitable and sustainable communities and housing. Whether the successful candidate for the position will be the Director or the Advocate of MEIC’s sustainable communities programs will depend on qualifications and experience. People with a passion for sustainable community advocacy are encouraged to apply.
Type: Full time, permanent, exempt.
Reports to: Deputy Director
Travel: Some overnight travel, both in-state and out-of-state required.
Location: Helena, MT. Some relocation reimbursement may be available.
Salary and benefits: $50,000-$60,000 depending on experience. MEIC offers a competitive benefits package that includes: seasonal four-day work week, paid vacation and holiday leave, sick and family leave, parental leave, and health insurance. Additionally, retirement account contributions begin after two years of employment, and sabbatical leave is available after seven years of employment.
To Apply: Please combine a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample into a single PDF file and email to jobs@meic.org. We will begin reviewing applications on April 15, 2024.The position is open until filled, preferred start date in June 2024.
Responsibilities
Program Related Activities: 50%
- Defend Montana’s existing regulatory framework against efforts to undermine the protection it affords to communities and the environment.
- Assist in campaigns and programs that result in the adoption of innovative and equitable policies and rules that improve sustainable land and water use practices and help to protect natural resources and address the climate crisis.
- Research effective sustainable land use practices in Montana and across the West. Assist in the development of policies and/or legislation to implement sustainable land and water use practices and help to address the climate crisis.
- Work with local governments and planners to identify and encourage sustainable community development and affordable housing.
- Help local governments adopt and implement plans and ordinances that provide climate-friendly and sustainable land use practices.
- Coordinate with state, regional, and national organizations and individuals to develop policies promoting sustainable land and water use practices.
- Assist other staff in implementing programs that aid in the equitable transition towards electrification of buildings and transportation in Montana.
- Serve as a registered lobbyist during the Montana legislative session. These duties include communicating with legislators and stakeholders, research, drafting legislation and fact sheets, conducting outreach to members and supporters, testifying, and representing MEIC in a professional manner.
- Work with other conservation partners on sustainable land and water use policies.
- Work with staff to support strategic litigation that advances our goals of sustainable, climate-friendly community development.
- Periodically work with federal elected officials, agencies, and other partners on sustainable land and water use policies.
Organizing and Outreach: 40%
- Work with MEIC staff to develop and implement grassroots education and advocacy programs to build support for sustainable land and water use practices.
- Help build and manage effective relationships with individuals, organizations, associations, businesses, and community leaders across the state to develop and defend policies that promote sustainable community development.
- Help prepare written and visual materials, such as policy papers, fact sheets, presentations, action alerts, newsletter articles, and social media posts.
- Develop strong working relationships with news media. Work with MEIC staff to develop and implement media and social media campaigns.
- Represent MEIC at conferences, events, meetings, and other public speaking engagements on issues consistent with MEIC’s strategic plan.
Administration: 10%
- Work with MEIC staff to develop content for newsletter, website, emails, events, and more.
- Participate in staff and board of director meetings, as well as MEIC events that sometimes occur in the evenings or weekends.
- Assist with fundraising.
- Comply with MEIC Board and Personnel
- Help maintain a safe, collegial, clean, and productive work environment.
- Engage in equity, inclusion, and justice training and implementation.
Knowledge, Competencies, & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree, required. Graduate degree preferred.
- Two years of experience in land use regulation and/or planning, or a related field is preferred. However, MEIC encourages applications from those with a passion for land use protections and who meet other qualifications.
- Understanding of Montana’s land use regulatory and legal framework and its connection to the climate crisis and equity or a willingness to learn.
- Awareness of Montana’s political landscape, especially as it pertains to environmental and land use issues and policies.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and justice and an understanding of how these values intersect with environmental and land use issues.
- Excellent communication skills— both written and verbal. Capacity to translate technical information into accessible, engaging language.
- Leadership skills and demonstrated social and emotional intelligence.
- Highly-motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and within a team.
- Comfortable with taking firm, public political stances and resilient in high stress conditions.
- Lobbying experience preferred but not required.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work on multiple projects at a time.
About MEIC:
MEIC is a 501(c)(3), member-supported non-profit organization. We work to protect and improve the quality of life for the people of Montana by defending the land, air, water, and life-sustaining climate.
A core value of MEIC is creation of a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and humane workplace. The work environment is friendly, fun, cooperative, and fast-paced. Staff members need to be able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities. MEIC is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage people of color, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized community members to apply.
To Apply: Please combine a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample into a single PDF file and email to jobs@meic.org. We will begin reviewing applications on April 15, 2024.The position is open until filled, preferred start date in June 2024.
