Policy Director

Job Title : JTNWI Policy Director Location : In-person at future JTNWI office space and remote work based in Northwest Indiana Key ResponsibilitiesPolicy Coordination, Advocacy & Legislative EngagementLead the creation and implementation of JTNWIs annual policy planTrack and analyze policies and legislation for JTNWI at the local and state levels, and when applicable, federal levels, in addition to reviewing proposed agency rules, agency meetings, new and renewing industry permits, and relevant industry submissionsParticipate in lobbying activities by IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3)s, including direct lobbying (meeting with lawmakers to support or oppose specific legislation) and grassroots lobbying (mobilizing the public to take action on legislation)Draft position statements, fact sheets, action alerts, sign-on letters, public testimony, and talking points  Represent JTNWI in meetings with elected officials, public agencies, and coalition partners to advance JTNWI prioritiesCoordinate joint advocacy strategies with allies, particularly in areas that intersect with labor, climate, and environmental justiceMonitor and report lobbying activities in coordination with JTNWIs compliance protocolsCommunity Engagement, Civic Participation & MobilizationOrganize and facilitate community briefings, policy trainings, and town halls to educate residents on key legislation and policy issuesBuild and maintain relationships and coalitions with JTNWI-aligned organizations Mobilize members, union allies, and residents to participate in public comment periods, hearings, and legislative outreach, including but not limited to, at the Environmental Protection Agency, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission meetings, and state and municipal meetingsLead nonpartisan civic engagement efforts, including voter education, issue guides, and outreach about the impact of proposed legislationEnsure all advocacy and civic work adheres to 501(c)(3) requirements (e.g., no endorsement of candidates or political parties)Labor & Union EngagementDevelop and lead a labor engagement strategy centered on the Just Transition FrameworkBuild, strengthen, and maintain relationships with labor councils, local unions, and worker centersSupport labor-climate campaigns and elevate union voices in advocacy effortsFacilitate union member engagement in policy, advocacy, and leadership development effortsCommunications & StrategyCollaborate with staff to develop clear and accessible policy communications for a wide range of audiencesWork on social media content, newsletters, toolkits, and reports on policy issuesDrive power-mapping and strategy development for advancing policy changeAdministrativeAttend and contribute to weekly team meetings, planning sessions, and check-insTrack progress on assigned tasks using the project management appSubmit timely reports and documentation, including timesheets, lobbying logs, and receiptsMaintain strong internal communication with team members using Slack and emailTravel as needed for legislative meetings, public hearings, and partner eventsOther duties as assignedRequirementsAt least 23 years of experience in policy advocacy and coordinationExperience with the legislative process and public policy landscape at the local, state, or federal levelExperience with addressing regulatory agencies, including but not limited to,  Environmental Protection Agency, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Ability to facilitate meetings, lead community outreach, and provide trainingStrong relationship-building and coalition development skillsExcellent research, writing, and public speaking skillsAbility to translate technical policy issues into engaging, accessible contentExperience with digital tools such as Canva, Adobe, or similar platformsFluency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.) and basic database entryMust reside in or be willing to relocate to Northwest Indiana (generally within Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, or Newton counties)Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within Indiana and, when required, out of stateAbility to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekendsDeep commitment to environmental justice, racial equity, and the Jemez PrinciplesMultilingual or Spanish-speaking candidates are encouraged to applyCompensation and BenefitsHours : Full-time, salaried, exempt (40 hours / week)Salary : $70,000-77,000 depending on experience99% employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance403(b) retirement package with employer match  Generous PTO including parental leaveProfessional developmentWe Strongly Encourage Applications From : Bilingual Northwest Indiana residents, people of color, Indigenous people, immigrants, queer, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and women.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementJTNWI is committed to creating a workplace that values diversity and fosters equity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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