Environmental Justice Organizer

Ecology Center seeks a talented Environmental Justice Organizer to draw together and galvanize individuals and communities to create awareness of and support for solutions to environmental problems. On-the-ground community organizing in Detroit and other SE Michigan communities impacted by environmental injustice will be an essential element of this position. The organizer will help build power in support of action and policies that advance environmental justice in SE Michigan, with a focus on air quality, climate and energy justice, and/or other environmental justice concerns. 

 Additionally, we expect this position to support organizing for other Ecology Center campaigns and broader membership and advocacy work. The Environmental Justice organizer position nurtures leaders at the local level; educates community residents and families about environmental health issues; and develops a community voice for influencing environmental policy. The Environmental Justice Organizer represents the Ecology Center in community coalitions and builds relationships with organizations and individuals across the state to support our goals. 

Organization

Founded in 1970, the Ecology Center works to develop innovative solutions for healthy people and a healthy planet. In recent years, the Ecology Center developed the country’s leading product testing service for toxic chemicals; created a statewide Health Leaders Fellowship program; and led campaign efforts to expand transit service in southeast Michigan. The Ecology Center is the parent organization of Recycle Ann Arbor, founded in 1977, which works to build zero waste communities through convenient and innovative services. The Ecology Center has offices in Ann Arbor and Detroit. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties: 

1) Play a leadership role in defining and developing new campaigns for environmental justice 

2) Engage and galvanize individuals and communities 

• Attend and present at community meetings, community board meetings, and other meetings of community members to share information and learn about community concerns. 
• Create and/or participate in community activities that heighten the awareness of the role of the environment in health outcomes and disease prevention, including, monthly membership meetings, working group meetings, Earth Day and similar celebrations, community conversations, and demonstrations. 
• Employ community organizing tools and tactics, including but not limited to canvassing, phone banking, one-on-ones, power mapping, and strategic collaboration with other environmental justice organizations. 
• Engage and organize public input in MDEQ public engagement opportunities 

3) Nurture leaders, educates community residents, and develops a community voice 

● Develop and lead grassroots membership based groups to advance Ecology Center campaigns and projects. 

● Develop and conduct training and workshops that help community residents identify key environmental health concerns, and improve their understanding of those concerns.

● Develop and conduct training and workshops that help cultivate the leadership skills of community residents. 

● Provide information to community residents on environmental health and policy resources, such as medical outreach programs, legal information programs, and topical resources. Prepare and distribute educational materials in the community.

 4) General/Other 

● Take an active role in coalitions working on issues that are critical to Ecology Center’s work

• Work with elected officials and their staff at the city, state and federal levels with a focus on State policy to achieve organizational and coalition goals
• Assist in preparing reports as required by various funders, including private, federal, state, and local agencies
• Perform other duties as needed to fulfill the purpose of the position. 

Qualifications:

• One year or more of experience in community organizing, campaign organizing, or related experience, with a preference for organizing in Detroit or other communities of color 
• Excellent “people skills” and a track record of using said skills in prior capacities.
• Strong social networks in, and knowledge of, Detroit and/or SE Michigan; work in Metro Detroit is a plus.  
• Ability to work respectfully across race, class, gender, religious and other differences. 
• Experience with project management.
• Excellent written and oral communication: i.e., writing letters, giving presentations, leading community meetings, creating fliers, drafting agendas, writing and giving testimony, calling elected/appointed officials.
• Working knowledge of basic computer skills: Google Mail and Google Drive; Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); conducting internet research, i.e., creating documents and presentations, maintaining records and lists of contacts, etc. 
• Volunteering management experience
• Willingness and ability to travel in Detroit and Southeast Michigan as needed (travel is reimbursed).
• Ability to think strategically and quickly, synthesize information about new topics and new tools.
• Adept at figuring out creative ways to engage and empower the public.
• A comfort and willingness to work both proactively and independently, as well as in teams. 
• Ability to work irregular hours as some weekend and evening work will be required.

Additional Qualifications 

● Knowledge and interest in environmental health issues in Michigan a plus 

● Knowledge about environmental justice and/or air quality issues is a plus 

● Passionate about social and environmental justice 

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Ecology Center is committed to diversity and inclusion in our internal practices and opportunities, and in how we fulfill our mission of working for healthy people and a healthy planet. 

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $55K - $70K commensurate with experience. 

Generous benefits package including health, dental, FSA, 403(b), ongoing training, and growth opportunities. Upbeat, collaborative, and goal-oriented office atmosphere.  

Applications: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Send cover letter, resume, three references, and daytime contact information to jobs@ecocenter.org. 

Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Please send applications by July 24, 2023.

Applications received by that date will be given priority, but we will continue to receive applications until the position is filled. Only selected applicants will be contacted and invited for an interview.

Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ communities.