Policy Advocate

The Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is a statewide coalition of environmental and conservation nonprofits organizations – and other groups that align with MEP’s mission and collaborative approach – that advocate together for clean energy, clean water, clean transportation and a healthy environment for all Minnesotans. MEP makes that success possible by strengthening the effectiveness and building the power of our members. Our coalition helps diverse environmental nonprofits be successful by working together through policy initiatives, public education, and community events. With more than 70 nonprofits throughout the state, MEP members work together on the most pressing issues facing Minnesota’s Great Outdoors and communities by sharing information, developing policy, planning and implementing policy campaigns, and “speaking with one voice” on critical environmental issues. In addition to the primary office in St. Paul, MEP also maintains an office in Duluth focused on Great Lakes protection. MEP recognizes the importance of human health in environmental work and especially for frontline communities and is committed to ensuring environmental and racial justice is centered in policy solutions. ACCOUNTABLE TO: MEP Executive Director JOB STATUS: FLSA exempt full time position LOCATION: Onsite/hybrid. St. Paul MN downtown, expected 80% in person SALARY RANGE: $57,000-$66,000/year with a generous benefits package including health, disability and retirement match Starting Date: As soon as can be arranged PRIMARY PURPOSES OF THE POLICY ADVOCATE POSITION: The Policy Advocate will work with MEP’s Clusters (working groups) of member organizations and allies to facilitate the strategic development and implementation of collaborative policy initiatives. The Policy Advocate will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of selecting and implementing coalition-wide policy campaigns and legislative initiatives across a wide range of issues, including internal and external communications, education, multiple levels of public engagement and lobbying. A special focus will include developing and advancing water policy. MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Work with MEP member organizations, other partners and staff to
• coordinate a collaborative process for selecting annual and multi-year policy issues;
• provide guidance and strategy on policy priorities;
• develop and execute education efforts, including public engagement, with elected leaders and appointed decision makers;
• regularly convene engaged partners to develop and coordinate policy work;
• provide lobbying, including testimony, as needed on policy priorities; and
• direct coalition-wide rapid communication efforts, including action alerts and policy sign-on letters and background information.
• Provide staffing support to related MEP Board/member Committees
• Coordinate and support work of MEP Cluster groups.
• Create related issue content for external communications and reporting.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key elected and appointed leaders
• Review policy initiatives with an environmental justice lens to reflect MEP’s commitment to environmental justice.
• Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective MEP member organizations and support development of new community leaders.
• Represent MEP on task forces and advisory committees as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with all laws and manage reporting requirements regarding lobbying activity.

EXPERIENCE AND CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS Minimum qualifications:

• Commitment to the work and values of Minnesota Environmental Partnership
• Experience in government relations and/or organizing, preferably in Minnesota and/or within the environmental field.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Master’s degree in public policy or related field or JD a plus.
• Experience with complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with facilitation, policy and/or collective impact work a plus.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to quickly develop content expertise on water and other environmental issues.
• Excellent coalitional and interpersonal skills: Ability to train, counsel, motivate and lead.
• Ability to analyze and effectively communicate issues relating to public policy and legislative process to the general public.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Results-oriented with the ability to remain organized, think strategically, set goals and work autonomously to meet those goals.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Comfortable using technology and an ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Ability to attend Capital activities during evenings and weekends as needed during the legislative session.

MEP recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the work of its employees and members and in supporting its mission and communities. As such, MEP is committed to attracting and retaining employees who contribute to the cultural diversity of our workplace. HOW TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter that includes a description of personal alignment with MEP goals, resume, and three references, to the email [email protected]. The position is open until filled, but apply by June 5th, 2026 for priority review. Applicants are encouraged to visit the MEP website for relevant documents: www.mepartnership.org