Michigan State Lead - Lobbyist and Strategist

About Climate Cabinet

Climate Cabinet is a dynamic, startup-focused organization dedicated to helping state and local candidates run, win, and legislate on climate change. The organization recognizes that state and local policymakers are fundamental to tackling climate change—they drive progress regardless of who is in the White House. Climate Cabinet operates a remote-first workplace with experienced climate experts positioned on-the-ground across the country. The team culture prioritizes supporting each other as full people, striving for excellence, respecting local knowledge, embracing technology and innovation, and maintaining a continuous growth mindset.

Role Summary

The Michigan State Lead is a high-agency leadership position responsible for building powerful climate outcomes in partnership with Climate Cabinet staff, Michigan legislators, and coalition partners. This person strengthens Climate Cabinet's presence in the Michigan legislature while scaling up policy and political work across the state. The role emphasizes coalition work, legislator relationship development, and close collaboration with Climate Cabinet's national teams to ensure alignment with both state and national climate goals.

Reporting to the Deputy Policy Director, the Michigan State Lead operates within clearly defined strategic parameters set at the national level while maintaining significant autonomy and influence over state-specific strategy. This position works in close coordination with national legislative and political teams to facilitate cross-state knowledge sharing and ensure consistent messaging and strategic alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Legislative Representation: Serve as Climate Cabinet's primary representative in the Michigan legislature by building strong, lasting relationships with lawmakers through consistent lobbying, policy education, and strategic coalition work.
Strategy Development: Help shape and advance Climate Cabinet's Michigan legislative strategy and political agenda in collaboration with Legislative team leadership, the Political Director, and the national team.
Policy Expertise: Bring robust, specific policy and legislative expertise to advance, defend, and adapt priority climate policies that align with Climate Cabinet's mission and state objectives.
Communications & Advocacy: Represent Climate Cabinet in Michigan media and to funders, working closely with the national communications and development teams to amplify impact and secure resources.
Coalition Leadership: Lead and coordinate climate coalition efforts in Michigan, building consensus among diverse stakeholders and amplifying collective advocacy power.
Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key legislators, staff, advocacy partners, and community leaders to advance shared climate objectives.

Location & Travel Expectations

While this is a remote-first role, flexibility within Michigan is required, with the expectation of being in Lansing 40%+ of the time (approximately 2 days per week minimum, with some weeks requiring additional time in Lansing). The role also requires periodic out-of-state travel for team retreats, conferences, and strategic in-person meetings with national partners.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in legislative advocacy, lobbying, or state-level policy work
Deep understanding of Michigan's political landscape, legislative process, and key decision-makers
Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with legislators and policy stakeholders
Strong knowledge of climate policy, renewable energy, or environmental legislation
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences
Strategic thinking ability with capacity to develop and execute multi-year plans
Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working in or with Michigan state government
Background in climate policy, clean energy, or environmental advocacy
Experience managing coalitions or multi-stakeholder initiatives
Familiarity with Climate Cabinet's work or similar climate-focused organizations
Experience with political campaign or electoral work

Application Timeline

Priority Application Deadline: May 22, 2026

Target Start Date: Mid-July 2026

Climate Cabinet is committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically underrepresented groups in the climate and political sectors.

💰 Salary Range: $81,000 - $95,500 USD annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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Michigan State Lead - Lobbyist and Strategist