Just Transition Northwest Indiana
Overview
The JTNWI Policy Director will lead the organization’s policy program by building grassroots and labor-based support for environmental and climate justice policies. The Director coordinates policy responses, supports public testimony, organizes public comment campaigns, and mobilizes members and allies to engage in policy and legislative processes. The position includes direct lobbying on specific legislation aligned with JTNWI’s mission and values, as well as broader issue advocacy and nonpartisan civic engagement efforts.
Location In-person at future JTNWI office space and remote work based in Northwest Indiana
Key Responsibilities Policy Coordination, Advocacy & Legislative Engagement
Lead the creation and implementation of JTNWI’s annual policy plan
Track 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 submissions
Participate 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 priorities
Coordinate joint advocacy strategies with allies, particularly in areas that intersect with labor, climate, and environmental justice
Monitor and report lobbying activities in coordination with JTNWI’s compliance protocols
Community Engagement, Civic Participation & Mobilization
Organize and facilitate community briefings, policy trainings, and town halls to educate residents on key legislation and policy issues
Build 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, meetings with agencies and state or municipal bodies
Lead nonpartisan civic engagement efforts, including voter education, issue guides, and outreach about the impact of proposed legislation
Ensure all advocacy and civic work adheres to 501(c)(3) requirements (e.g., no endorsement of candidates or political parties)
Labor & Union Engagement
Develop and lead a labor engagement strategy centered on the Just Transition Framework
Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with labor councils, local unions, and worker centers
Support labor-climate campaigns and elevate union voices in advocacy efforts
Facilitate union member engagement in policy, advocacy, and leadership development efforts
Communications & Strategy
Collaborate with staff to develop clear and accessible policy communications for a wide range of audiences
Work on social media content, newsletters, toolkits, and reports on policy issues
Drive power-mapping and strategy development for advancing policy change
Administrative
Attend and contribute to weekly team meetings, planning sessions, and check-ins
Track progress on assigned tasks using the project management app
Submit timely reports and documentation, including timesheets, lobbying logs, and receipts
Maintain strong internal communication with team members using Slack and email
Travel as needed for legislative meetings, public hearings, and partner events
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
At least 2–3 years of experience in policy advocacy and coordination
Experience with the legislative process and public policy landscape at the local, state, or federal level
Experience with addressing regulatory agencies, including but not limited to, the 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 training
Strong relationship-building and coalition development skills
Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills
Ability to translate technical policy issues into engaging, accessible content
Experience with digital tools such as Canva, Adobe, or similar platforms
Fluency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.) and basic database entry
Must 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 state
Ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends
Deep commitment to environmental justice, racial equity, and the Jemez Principles
Multilingual or Spanish-speaking candidates are encouraged to apply
Compensation & Benefits
Hours: Full-time, salaried, exempt (40 hours/week)
Salary: $70,000-77,000 depending on experience
99% employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance
403(b) retirement package with employer match
Generous PTO including parental leave
Professional development
We 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 Statement JTNWI 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.
Salary: $70,000 - $77,000 per year
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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Location In-person at future JTNWI office space and remote work based in Northwest Indiana
Key Responsibilities Policy Coordination, Advocacy & Legislative Engagement
Lead the creation and implementation of JTNWI’s annual policy plan
Track 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 submissions
Participate 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 priorities
Coordinate joint advocacy strategies with allies, particularly in areas that intersect with labor, climate, and environmental justice
Monitor and report lobbying activities in coordination with JTNWI’s compliance protocols
Community Engagement, Civic Participation & Mobilization
Organize and facilitate community briefings, policy trainings, and town halls to educate residents on key legislation and policy issues
Build 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, meetings with agencies and state or municipal bodies
Lead nonpartisan civic engagement efforts, including voter education, issue guides, and outreach about the impact of proposed legislation
Ensure all advocacy and civic work adheres to 501(c)(3) requirements (e.g., no endorsement of candidates or political parties)
Labor & Union Engagement
Develop and lead a labor engagement strategy centered on the Just Transition Framework
Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with labor councils, local unions, and worker centers
Support labor-climate campaigns and elevate union voices in advocacy efforts
Facilitate union member engagement in policy, advocacy, and leadership development efforts
Communications & Strategy
Collaborate with staff to develop clear and accessible policy communications for a wide range of audiences
Work on social media content, newsletters, toolkits, and reports on policy issues
Drive power-mapping and strategy development for advancing policy change
Administrative
Attend and contribute to weekly team meetings, planning sessions, and check-ins
Track progress on assigned tasks using the project management app
Submit timely reports and documentation, including timesheets, lobbying logs, and receipts
Maintain strong internal communication with team members using Slack and email
Travel as needed for legislative meetings, public hearings, and partner events
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
At least 2–3 years of experience in policy advocacy and coordination
Experience with the legislative process and public policy landscape at the local, state, or federal level
Experience with addressing regulatory agencies, including but not limited to, the 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 training
Strong relationship-building and coalition development skills
Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills
Ability to translate technical policy issues into engaging, accessible content
Experience with digital tools such as Canva, Adobe, or similar platforms
Fluency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.) and basic database entry
Must 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 state
Ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends
Deep commitment to environmental justice, racial equity, and the Jemez Principles
Multilingual or Spanish-speaking candidates are encouraged to apply
Compensation & Benefits
Hours: Full-time, salaried, exempt (40 hours/week)
Salary: $70,000-77,000 depending on experience
99% employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance
403(b) retirement package with employer match
Generous PTO including parental leave
Professional development
We 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 Statement JTNWI 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.
Salary: $70,000 - $77,000 per year
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr