Job Description
Generalist Policy Advisor, Governor Gretchen Whitmer
The Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is seeking a Generalist Policy Advisor. The policy advisor position takes a long-term, strategic view on implementing a diverse set of emerging issues facing the State of Michigan. They will work with the governor, policy team, leadership staff, and cabinet to pursue the policies, programs, and tools that will the governor vision for the State of Michigan a reality.
The ideal candidate will have a collaborative mindset and a background in project management to work on multiple issues in a fast-paced environment. Further, the candidate should 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 while managing a heavy workload with competing priorities.
Job Responsibilities: The Generalist Policy Advisor reports to the Policy Director and is responsible for the following: • Work closely with the Policy Director to build out strategic plans on the governor’s policy agenda. • 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. • Define metrics, milestones and prepare reports to measure progress on infrastructure and roads policy implementation • To start, this individual will manage the following issue areas. These will evolve based on the governor’s priorities and the executive office’s needs. o Seniors ▪ Serving as a liaison with key department staff ▪ Staffing and briefing the governor for key meetings ▪ Monitoring and staffing state-level boards and commissions to further the governor’s agenda o Crime and Criminal justice reform, ▪ Creating and managing a process for developing the governor’s long-term a criminal justice reform and MI Safe Communities agenda ▪ Receiving, evaluating, and responding to requests for policy decisions 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.
What Else You Should Know: This position is full time, based in Lansing, MI, and 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, recent writing sample, and references to Marc Rehmann at policyjobs@michigan.gov by Friday, November 19. E-mail Subject line must include Generalist Policy Advisor.