POSITION: The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is seeking a Policy, Engagement, and Communications Associate to carry out a variety of duties supporting our public policy, communications, and community engagement work. This is a chance to join a passionate team doing important and challenging work at a critical time. The Policy, Engagement, and Communications Associate can be based in our Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or Ypsilanti office with the potential for a hybrid in-office/remote schedule. The Policy and Communications Associate will support the work of MIRC’s Community Engagement, Policy, and Communications Coordinator, and will work closely with MIRC’s Supervising Attorney for Policy and Advocacy and MIRC’s Director. This position works primarily during traditional office hours but, due to the nature of community-based activities, may occasionally require work and/or travel in the evening or on the weekend.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MIRC is a statewide legal resource center for immigrant communities and works to build a thriving Michigan where immigrant communities experience equity and belonging. The three pillars of our work are: 1) direct legal services; 2) systemic advocacy; and 3) community education and engagement. MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low income and senior persons through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. MAP is committed to anti-racism in all aspects of our work and has an active Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Visit michiganimmigrant.org and miadvocacy.org for more information.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Policy, Engagement, and Communications Associate will have duties in three primary areas:
Policy:
- Help advance MIRC policy priorities, particularly at state and local level, with some national coordination
- Support relationship and coalition building with decision makers, community partners, and other stakeholders
- Coordinate meetings with elected officials and policy makers
- Assist with policy and legislation tracking and analysis
- Research relevant public policies
Communications:
- Assist with content and management of social media, website, and email marketing tools.
- Assist with press releases and earned media tracking
- Create print, graphics, and online materials that respond to the needs of client communities and stakeholders.
- Coordinate with the MAP communications team as needed
Community Engagement:
- Coordinate community advocacy opportunities, including MIRC’s Community Council
- Support clients and community leaders in sharing stories to advance community advocacy priorities
- Represent MIRC in coalitions and task forces
- Help identify key community and advocate education needs.
- Plan and promote responsive trainings, education, and technical assistance offerings
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be committed to MIRC’s goals and mission, and a demonstrated history of interest and engagement in social justice public policy issues. Candidates should have a collaborative and flexible approach to working with movement partners in a frequently changing and high stakes policy environment, and display excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. A successful applicant will have an understanding of racial equity; strong analytical and problem‐solving skills; excellent attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills; and the ability to work independently with supervision and collaboratively with groups.
Applicants must be proficient in major software and web-based applications including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Constant Contact, Canva, and social media tools. A bachelor’s degree or commensurate professional experience is required. Applicants with lived personal and community experience of relevant public policy issues are strongly encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to applicants possessing Spanish, Arabic, or other relevant language skills; and/or basic graphic design/communications software skills.
BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a salary starting at $45,000 based on years of relevant experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If staff do not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 13 paid holidays, as well as an annual 2% contribution and 2% match to retirement plan subject to board approval for eligible staff. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/68. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Michigan Advocacy Program is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Posted: 11/07/23
