Policy Director

Policy Director, Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Executive Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

The Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer is seeking a Policy Director. The Policy Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a policy agenda that aligns with the governor’s vision for the State of Michigan. The Policy Director takes a long-term, strategic view on the top issues facing the State of Michigan and works with the governor, staff and cabinet to define the problems we want to solve, set a vision for the state’s future, and the policies, programs, and tools that can make the vision a reality.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to build strategic plans and foster coordination and collaboration among colleagues and with external stakeholders. They will be committed to maintaining focus on priority initiatives aimed at reaching the governor’s goals, and getting results in a fun, fast-paced environment and will be able to manage a heavy workload with competing priorities.

Job Responsibilities:

The Policy Director reports to the Deputy Chief of Staff and is responsible for the following:

• Create and manage a process for developing the governor’s long-term and annual policy agenda and receiving, evaluating, and responding to requests for policy decisions.

• Act as a strategic partner to the Legislative Affairs and Federal Affairs Directors to accomplish the governor’s policy agenda.

• Collaborate with the executive office staff and cabinet to develop, coordinate, and implement the governor’s key initiatives and policy agenda.

• Monitor, research, and analyze current events and policy issues to make informed recommendations on priorities and adjustments to the policy agenda.

• Foster partnerships with key leaders in the public, private and philanthropic sectors, and convene key external stakeholders and national thought leaders to identify and define policy problems, gather input, and identify policy solutions.

• Make sound, fact-based, and well-informed decisions and recommendations, and commit to action to accomplish goals of the administration.

• Manage policy staff in the executive office and liaising with key departmental staff who are responsible for:

    o Serving as issue specialists on the governor’s key priorities

    o Acting as a resource for and liaison to departments to help drive the governor’s agenda

    o Engaging with key stakeholders to help develop and implement policy

    o Staffing and briefing the governor for key meetings

    o Monitoring and staffing state-level boards and commissions to further the governor’s agenda

• Define metrics and prepare reports to measure progress on policy implementation.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to access and synthesize research on policy topics quickly, and communicate recommendations accurately and succinctly.

• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work well with a team.

• Ability to set, communicate, and meet goals and deadlines.

• Ability to turn policy into action and deliver results.

• Experience managing a team.

Additional Background:

This position is full-time, based in Lansing, MI, though the office is currently working in a virtual environment. This position also requires occasional travel. Salary dependent upon applicant's qualifications and previous experience. State employee benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid leave, and an employer contribution to your retirement fund.

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to Tamie Nolan at NolanT4@michigan.gov by COB Friday, March 12, 2021.