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William C. Richardson Philanthropy, Public Policy Fellowship

Position: William C. Richardson Philanthropy, Public Policy Fellowship

Location: Lansing and Detroit, MI (Hybrid)

Position Summary:

This prestigious fellowship, named for the former president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is a two-year fellowship opportunity. The goal of the fellowship is to engage future policymakers in the philanthropic sector to learn about our role in influencing state and federal policy, how we partner with government and overall, gain a deeper understanding of philanthropy. The fellow will be a part of the Government Relations Public Policy team at CMF and work closely with other CMF departments and partners including the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL).

CMF’s policy agenda is informed, shaped and supported by CMF members and includes a set of policy domains and principles that guide the work of CMF’s Government Relations Public Policy (GRPP) team. The GRPP team is further supported by CMF’s Government Relations Public Policy Committee, which serves as a thought partner and conduit for championing the importance of advocacy action among members and advancing philanthropy’s collective voice on issues of importance to the sector and the communities that Michigan philanthropy works alongside. CMF’s advocacy efforts focus on issues that may have long-term, systemic impact and where philanthropy’s voice can resonate. In alignment with our Equity at the Center strategic framework and commitment to centering equity with a racial equity imperative in our work, CMF looks at the impact of policy actions or inaction on communities and partners with organizations at the state and federal levels to advocate for policy changes that ensures all Michiganders are able to reach their full potential and share in our state’s prosperity.

After completing their fellowships, former public policy fellows moved into roles to serve as communication officers and program officers with leading private and community foundations, led advocacy efforts at professional associations and have transitioned into roles in federal, state and local governments.

What You’ll Do:

Provide support on program content for CMF peer communities working on public policy issues and proactively identify potential policy ideas for affinity group co-chairs to consider.
With guidance from the Chief Policy Officer, help to develop, design and connect affinity group strategy with the Government Relations Public Policy Committee.
Research and prepare materials for and participate in annual lobbying visits to the Michigan Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. as well as meetings with legislators in Lansing.
Research and write briefings for the GRPPC, other CMF committees, and members on legislative and policy issues, as well as CMF initiatives in select policy areas.
Monitor policy-related news and help to assess implications for philanthropy.
Work with CMF’s communications team to write and review policy-related content. Help make connections between policy research and compelling storytelling that will resonate with various target audiences.
Identify policy relevant resources for the CMF website and publicize/convey public policy activities and work.
Assist in staffing and supporting the Government Relations Public Policy Committee (includes meeting planning and coordination, periodic communication to the committee, writing position statements, etc.).
Work with the Learning Services team to engage in program development and activities supporting philanthropy’s engagement in public policy issues. This may include helping to design and coordinate legislative visits with CMF members.
Manage and lead special projects consistent with the goals of the fellowship.
Represent CMF at local, state and national conferences and meetings.
All other duties as assigned by the Chief Policy Officer.

What You’ll Receive:

Opportunity to contribute to meaningful change with a focus on racial equity.
Hands-on experience in data analysis, visualization and program evaluation.
Exposure to a dynamic philanthropic environment and deepened understanding of the intersection between philanthropy and policy.
Networking opportunities with leaders in Michigan philanthropy, government and other fellows working in Michigan philanthropy.
Robust professional development opportunities that support experience and skill building to advance careers in philanthropy and government.

What You’ll Need:

The successful candidate should be an early- to mid-career professional with experience and/or interest in philanthropy, government or policy settings. We are seeking candidates with a bachelor’s and preferably a master’s degree in a related field of study.

The candidate must have the following:

Skills: Research, analysis, external relations, project management and excellent written and verbal communication abilities, as well as skills in technology tools, including the Microsoft Office suite, SharePoint and customer relationship management (CRM) systems (i.e., Salesforce).
Characteristics: Quick learner, self-starter, creative problem solver, detail-oriented, flexible, well-organized, good sense of humor, curious, committed to meeting deadlines.
Abilities: Works well independently and on a team and adapts quickly to change.
Interest in connecting data to storytelling that is humanizing and can resonate with diverse audiences.
Relevant work experience and interest in government relations and public policy with an interest in addressing disparities in public policies and examining equitable practices.
Understanding of legislative processes at the state and federal levels and experience in tracking legislation.
Demonstrated commitment to CMF values – equity, diversity inclusion, integrity, collaboration and engagement.
Ability to represent CMF to various stakeholders in a credible and influential way, focusing on the organization's mission and values.
Willingness to travel within and outside of the state.

Physical and Mental Activities and Requirements:  

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel to perform the duties. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk around to perform the duties. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.  
The employee may operate any or all of the following: telephone, cellular telephone, copy and fax machine, imaging equipment, computer, and printer.  
This position may require travel by automobile and airplane.  
This position requires the employee to make decisions in a timely manner and anticipate all of the potential ramifications of decisions made.  
The employee must be able to read and interpret documents, understand/follow complex written and oral instructions, be able to express themselves clearly/concisely, perform mathematical functions and handle multiple concurrent tasks. 
This position requires regular and predictable attendance with the flexibility to work both in-office and remotely.

What Else You Should Know:

We value our people. In honoring a healthy workplace that offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits and a supportive working environment, for this position, the salary is $62,000. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, participation in a 403b plan with employer contribution and a contribution match, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, technology reimbursement, a generous holiday schedule as well as opportunities for professional development.

CMF is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both through our work and within our workforce. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to moving our work forward. 
 

CMF is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, Indigenous people, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, people experiencing disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Application Process:  

To be considered for this position, please send the following two items to jobs@michiganfoundations.org by Tuesday, July 2, 2024. All correspondence will remain confidential.

• A thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization, how you qualify, and when you would be available to start. 
• A resume. 

About the Council of Michigan Foundations:

The Council of Michigan Foundations seeks a dynamic and engaged individual to help us advance our mission to lead, strengthen and support Michigan's community. 

CMF’s work focuses on emboldening and equipping Michigan philanthropy in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders, and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. Equity is a pillar of our work, and equity is embedded across our priority pillars of policy, practice, and people. 

CMF is a leadership organization driven by our values and the power of people, equipped with deep sector expertise and the ability to anticipate and adapt, to changing environments with a clear commitment to equity-centered approaches for continuous improvement.

Read more about us at: https://www.michiganfoundations.org/