The Michigan Land Use Institute seeks a talented and enterprising communicator and advocate for its team of policy specialists, who are working on a new economic strategy for northwest Michigan via grassroots efforts in local food, green energy, and collaborative regional planning.

The Institute is a statewide, solutions-oriented advocacy organization that combines policy research and communications with on-the-ground action. Specifically, the Institute investigates and communicates the need and many opportunities for Michigan to adopt a cleaner, greener economic development strategy.

The Institute focuses much of its work locally, in northwest Michigan, to demonstrate the power of such a strategy to build a durable, prosperous economy that strengthens the community by growing good jobs and protecting precious land and water.

We seek only those interested in building a meaningful public-interest advocacy career. The Institute hires with long-term employment in mind and makes professional advancement within the organization a priority.

Therefore, in addition to written and/or video communications talent and experience, the ideal candidate comes with experience in sustainable development issues and both a clear commitment to—and a true passion for—that kind of work. Successful candidates will be self-starters, team players, and ready to perform in a wide variety of settings—from citizen organizing to coalition building to effectively advocating solutions to decision-makers.

The new Policy Specialist will start their career at the Institute with two primary responsibilities: strengthening the Institute’s local food and farm program and communications, and providing organizing and communications support for the Institute’s many other northwest Michigan-based initiatives.

The Institute’s food and farm program is strengthening the regional economy by expanding the demand for local agricultural products, recruiting and offering training to new farmers, and connecting growers and entrepreneurs with emerging market opportunities. The Policy Specialist advances this program by organizing educational workshops, collaborating with partners, building donor support and fundraising, and expanding awareness. Research, journalism, and multi-media communications are essential tools for accomplishing these objectives.

The communications component of the Policy Specialist position will broaden and deepen network of support for the Institute’s effort to make northwest Michigan a state and national model of prosperity and self-reliance. The Policy Specialist will do this via timely and incisive communication strategies and personal relationship-building that frame a positive and unified message for the future and inspire citizens and stakeholders to become more actively involved.

The position is based at the Institute’s Traverse City headquarters. The Policy Specialist reports to the Institute’s Northwest Michigan Program Director and works closely with our managing editor and graphics and Web designers to accomplish their goals. Journalism, multi-media production, Internet outreach, and personal and written communications are key.

Compensation, Benefits, and Application Procedure

This is a fulltime position with an annual salary commensurate with duties and experience. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least three years of directly relevant experience. Full-time employees and their families qualify for health insurance, retirement benefits, ample vacation, and flexible schedules.

The application deadline is April 18, 2008, but candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Our goal is to have the position filled in June.

Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional writing and/or multi-media samples to:

Jim Lively
Northwest Michigan Program Director
Michigan Land Use Institute
148 E. Front St., Suite 301
Traverse City, MI 49684

Or via email to: jobopening@mlui.org