Government Affairs Manager

Voters Not Politicians is seeking a dynamic, full-time Government Affairs Manager to develop policy positions for the organization, execute legislative and administrative advocacy, and build and manage relationships with partners, stakeholders, and decision-makers. The ideal candidate will have legislative and government affairs experience in Michigan and existing contacts in Lansing politics. They will be motivated to work in a fast-paced, campaign-like environment in collaboration with a broader team to get big things done. This position offers an extraordinary opportunity to play a critical role in a fast paced, growing family of organizations that is changing the political landscape of Michigan.

About Voters Not Politicians

Voters Not Politicians is a bold and innovative volunteer-powered, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen democracy through effective citizen action. We are thousands of everyday Michiganders who have transformed the political landscape of Michigan by ending gerrymandering, expanding voting access, and protecting our fundamental right to vote – doing through direct democracy what our politicians would not. With Michigan lacking even basic anti-corruption laws, and our elections flooded by dark and corporate money, Voters Not Politicians will continue to make structural changes in Michigan to put voters at the center of policymaking, while helping groups in other states achieve transformative successes of their own. As stated in the first line of the state’s constitution, “All political power is inherent in the people.”

Essential Responsibilities of the Government Affairs Manager
This position reports to the Deputy Director and is responsible for the following:

  • As a registered lobbyist, advocating on behalf of Voters Not Politicians for pro-voter, pro-democracy public policies.
  • Representing Voters Not Politicians in Lansing in decision-making processes, by communicating our position on public policy issues, attending and participating in committee meetings, tracking legislation and working with lawmakers during legislative session, and being present and available to current and potential allies.
  • Anticipating relevant activity in Lansing by tracking legislative schedules and communications from elected officials, partners, and a host of key interest groups.
  • Executing key offensive and defensive plays on legislation and other policy proposals as well as creating and implementing effective education, lobbying, and accountability strategies that deliver winning outcomes, including overseeing Voters Not Politicians’ endorsements program.
  • Modeling and representing the organization’s culture and values, both internally and externally.
  • Proactively briefing and serving as a resource for staff, board, donors, and partners on policies relating to democracy in Michigan, so that our team has the information they need to make the biggest impact possible.
  • Organizing events for lawmakers, attending fundraisers, and setting a consistent calendar of one-on-one meetings.
  • Researching and developing policy solutions and clearly communicating them internally to leadership, staff and volunteers; and externally.
  • Participating in all Voters Not Politicians election work — doing the hard work of campaigning, which includes signature collection, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and attending campaign events.

Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who welcome opportunities to learn and grow and who are self-starters, skilled communicators, and natural relationship builders.

You should have:

  • Two years experience with the legislature and advocating for legislative policy change; experience working on political campaigns in Michigan.
  • A working knowledge of the legislative decision-making processes from start to finish.
  • A demonstrable network of relationships in the legislature and Michigan politics.
  • Experience researching, developing, and communicating public policy.
  • A firm commitment to Voters Not Politicians’ nonpartisan approach to strengthening our democracy.
  • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
  • A home base in the Lansing area and reliable access to transportation for travel.
  • Cultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity; and a commitment to DEI that is in line with our values and our commitment to promoting a truly inclusive and representative democracy in Michigan.

To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@votersnotpoliticians.com. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Deadline to apply is April 25, 2023.

Salary range is $64,000 - $75,000 per year depending on experience, and negotiable based on candidate qualifications. Benefits include a 401k with up to 6% employer match, QSEHRA health insurance reimbursement, flexible work schedule, and paid holidays.

Voters Not Politicians is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.