Sr. Policy Manager

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF), IEC’s 501c3 sister organization, is looking for a Sr. Policy Manager to support our state government affairs work. They will join a team of four and report to the City Government Affairs Director, working closely with our programs, communications and development teams to execute on our work. 

To apply, please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Iyana Simba, iyana@ilenviro.org.

This permanent, full-time hybrid position will be located in Illinois at our Chicago office (preferred) or our Springfield office. Candidates must reside within Illinois. 

About You

We are seeking someone with strong project management and legislative experience to support our legislative priorities across six issue areas: conservation, agriculture, clean energy, equitable transportation, clean water, zero waste. This person should be ready to dive into established processes with a willingness and interest in adjusting and improving on those systems to create efficiency in our work. This person will work with IEC staff to educate lawmakers, develop policy, and move forward with change that creates a strong and healthy environment in Illinois. The proposed focus areas for this position are Great Lakes, Drinking Water, and Plastics. 

We strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our organization further. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

 Education

• Draft content for educational materials for key stakeholders.
• Communicate environmental priorities through public speaking and other outreach.
• Organize and conduct events and tours with decision-makers and key stakeholders.

Coalition Building

• Administer and lead coalitions, as assigned, including setting agendas, meeting times and location, group messaging, goals, strategies, and tactics.
• Consult our affiliates to build on their expertise in certain fields.
• Coordinate with partner organizations to develop strategies and implement tactics.

Policy and Advocacy

• Build relationships with and join meetings with state stakeholders, decision-makers, and legislators.
• Build relationships with identified stakeholders through IEC power analysis to ensure environmental champions in targeted regions.
• Develop legislative priorities with coalition partners and support drafting of bills for our water and waste priorities. 
• Develop policy expertise in issue areas as assigned, including an understanding of current legislation and a comparison to laws in other locations. This may include great lakes, drinking water, and plastics.

Organizational Leadership

• Maintain contact with grantors to show IEC’s accomplishments and tasks being performed. Keep an active list of activities that will fulfill grant requirements.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts, including grant applications & foundation reporting related to IEC’s advocacy work.

• Lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
• Operate a computer.
• Sit at a desk for extended periods.
• Stand, walk, and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.
• Communicate and exchange information.

• Previous work experience in similar positions. 
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills. 
• Strong time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups and people.
• Commitment to and knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and allyship work.
• Proficiency using both the Microsoft and Google software suites.
• Highly organized.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently.
• Interest in environmental issues and policies.
• Issue expertise in environmental issues.
• Legal background optional, but desired.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

IEC/IECEF is always working to ensure that everyone on our team feels engaged and supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist organization.

We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.

This permanent, full-time hybrid position will be located in Illinois at our Chicago office (preferred) or our Springfield office. Candidates must reside within Illinois. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, and vacation. The salary range is $65-84K, commensurate with experience. A cover letter MUST include salary requirements. Candidates with salary requirements above the listed salary range will not be considered.

Introduce yourself to us as a colleague in your cover letter. Show us your future here! We value great writers, so be yourself and take your time with the application. Stock cover letters won’t do. Tell us why you want this job.

Applications must be received by February 14, 2025.

To apply, please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Iyana Simba, iyana@ilenviro.org.