We are seeking an experienced and passionate State Initiatives Manager to lead and coordinate Just Solutions’ Emerging States Program. This role involves program strategy and management, and developing, supporting and leveraging collaboration and capacity building with Emerging States EJ-CJ organizations and coalitions, particularly in the Midwest. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit partners, to drive impactful, timely initiatives that promote climate justice and equitable solutions. 

One of the initiatives this role will lead will be in Michigan and related to implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal infrastructure laws that provide state and local funding for climate and environment programs. The aim is to support a robust, movement-wide strategy and develop capacity across key stakeholders to ensure these federal funds benefit communities as equitably as possible. 

This Initiative has key objectives to:

1. Support and resource state/local EJ-CJ groups to access and influence Michigan’s implementation of federal law and complementary state-level policies.
2. Collaborate with policy and research staff to analyze the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and IIJA on low-income EJ communities, raising public awareness and supporting local efforts.
3. Increase the capacity of EJ-CJ state organizations to maximize benefits from the federal laws.

Additionally, the role will contribute to expanding Just Solutions’ work supporting EJ-CJ organizations and frontline communities in other emerging states on state and local policies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

The State Initiatives Manager holds key responsibilities that will evolve over time as the team and organization grows and functions are distributed. During the first year, we anticipate a focus on the following: 

Responsibilities: 

1. Organizing, leading, and managing Just Solutions’ Emerging States Program Hub from initiation to completion.
2. Developing and aligning project plans and strategy, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies, with organization-wide goals and objectives. 
3. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to identify project goals, define project scopes, and establish project deliverables. 
4. Supporting the design and implementation of strategies to promote climate justice and equitable solutions, incorporating the principles of inclusivity and representation. 
5. Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit partners to foster collaboration and maximize project impact. 
6. Coordinating and facilitating meetings, workshops, and community engagement touchpoints to solicit input, build consensus, and ensure diverse perspectives are incorporated into project plans. 
7. Monitoring project progress, evaluate outcomes, and report on key performance indicators to stakeholders and funders. 
8. Working closely with the Director of State Initiatives to manage project budgets, track expenses, and ensure adherence to financial guidelines and reporting requirements. 
9. Staying informed of emerging trends, policies, and best practices in climate justice and environmental equity, and integrating relevant insights into project strategies. 
10. Working closely with both internal and external team members and partners, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
11. Engaging and meeting with partner organizations and key stakeholders in person and online, requiring travel as needed.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

The ideal candidate is a trusted, values-driven campaign and program manager with a proven track record of organizing and moving complex programs forward from inception to completion. They can effectively and appropriately inform, engage and coordinate diverse organizations, other external stakeholders, and internally across staff to advance priorities. The candidate brings relevant experience working on complex organizing campaigns at the state or federal levels, has experience working with BIPOC organizations and leaders on issues or campaigns that center their leadership, and possesses fundamental knowledge of climate, racial and economic justice issues. The candidate is able to travel and work with multiple states and strategize how to build a multi-state program, and resides in Michigan-Midwest. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

1. Minimum of 5 years of project/campaign management, grassroots organizing, and coalition building experience. 
2. Understanding of climate justice issues, including an understanding of the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities. 
3. Experience leading organizing tactics and strategies in collaboration with diverse partners and coalitions in regional, statewide, and/or national context. 
4. Experience in community or stakeholder engagement and facilitating inclusive decision-making processes. 
5. Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities. 
7. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing project needs. 
8. Passion for Just Solutions’ purpose and commitment to racial, social, and environmental justice. 
9. Willingness to learn new topics/issues related to climate and/or environmental justice.
10. Values emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience our core to our success
11. Ability for creative problem solving and distinguishing levels of authority in making decisions

PREFERRED 

1. Experience working in highly diverse teams and organizations. 
2. Experience working in the non-profit sector either as a paid employee or a volunteer.
3. Experience working in Michigan or the Midwest.

NOTE: This job description is inclusive of, but not limited to, the job duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements contained herein. Additional duties and responsibilities may be required as deemed necessary by our Director of State Initiatives, Executive Director, and/or Board members. 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY 

Just Solutions is a fiscally sponsored program of Community Initiatives, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Community Initiatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. 

Just Solutions Collective centers the work and lived-experience of diverse communities and reflects that commitment in our workplace. Our team works directly with diverse professionals, community leaders, and non-profit organizations all focused on solving the climate and racial justice crises. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and others from underrepresented groups, especially people with direct experience working within our partner communities, are encouraged to apply. 

TO APPLY 

Please submit a current resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the position and capacity to do the job. The cover letter can be addressed to Brandon Dawson, Director of State Initiatives, and applications sent via email to careers@justsolutionscollective.org. The position will remain open until filled, qualified candidates will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.