Policy Coordinator

Reports To:  Director of Government Affairs
FLSA Status:  Exempt 
Job Type:  Full-Time 
Supervisory Responsibility:  No 
Work Location:  In person - Lansing 
Effective Date:  January 2026 

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Policy Coordinator is a key position for advancing and supporting the Michigan AFL-CIO's public policy priorities. The Policy Coordinator leads tracking and analysis of proposed legislative actions, determines the potential impact on the organization, and develops appropriate responses. This position monitors legislation, conducts policy research, and develops analysis. The Policy Coordinator is also responsible for oversight and development of the Municipal Solidarity Index and Legislative Scorecard to advocate for and reinforce Michigan AFL-CIO policy aims at the local and state level, respectively. The Policy Coordinator’s work plan will be determined by the Michigan AFL-CIO. 

DUTIES: 

• Assist in the development and execution of a strategic legislative and public policy agenda at the local and state level that supports the organization’s mission

• Draft, edit, and analyze state and local policies, ordinances, laws and regulations

• Track and monitor legislation, committee markups, and votes

• Lead research and analysis on policy issues and regulations to inform policy positions and trends

• Prepare, review, and edit research memos, briefs, reports, projects, and presentations in a variety of formats to engage a diverse range of audiences

• Advocate for the organization’s position on pending legislation in the state legislature and in various local governmental bodies through lobbying and written and verbal testimony

• Advise, prepare and edit policy and advocacy materials, including action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, letters, press statements, opinion editorials, website updates, and legislative and policy reports

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and with policymakers and influencers in state and local government, in service of our policy agenda

• Manage the development, update and deployment of the Municipal Solidarity Index and the annual Legislative Scorecard

• Recruit and supervise a team of Policy Associates, Fellows, and/or Interns

• Keep abreast of all developments and current issues through continued education and professional growth; attending conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate

• Maintain awareness of current issues, emerging trends, and best practices in public policy, labor, and government affairs. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

These competencies represent the expectations and leadership culture modeled by the Director of Government Affairs and guide performance for the Policy Coordinator role: 

• Strategic Policy Expertise 
  Deep understanding of legislative processes and public policy analysis to effectively track, evaluate, and advance the Michigan AFL-CIO’s local, state, and federal policy agenda. 

• Communication & Advocacy 
  Strong written and verbal communication skills to draft policy materials, deliver testimony, and translate complex legislative issues into clear, persuasive messaging for diverse audiences. 

• Relationship Building & Coalition Management 
  Ability to cultivate and maintain productive relationships with legislators, labor partners, community stakeholders, and policy influencers to advance shared policy goals. 

• Compliance & Governance 
  Knowledge of lobbying regulations, governance standards, and ethical requirements. 

• Adaptability & Political Acumen 
  Capacity to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure political environments, respond to emerging issues, and adjust priorities as legislative and political conditions change. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, public policy, or a closely related field, or a commensurate combination of education and experience.

• 1+ years of experience in public policy, legislative affairs or a related field, with experience in public service as a plus.

• Familiarity with commitment to the labor movement and an understanding of labor goals.

• Strong time management and organizational skills are required, including a demonstrated ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in high-pressure situations and under difficult deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, including the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse ethnic, racial, age, gender, educational, occupational, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

• Computer skills are required, including knowledge and extensive use of e-mail, Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive. A valid driver’s license, continuous use of a reliable vehicle, automobile liability insurance, and be willing to travel regularly. 

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment; periodically long work hours are required. 

• Occasional travel to other parts of the state and/or out-of-state may be necessary; overnight travel will be infrequent but may be required.

JEDI - Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Compensation: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Salary is a fixed non-negotiable rate of $63,448. Benefits include health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, 401(k), and pension.

How to Apply: Please submit a resumé and brief cover letter to  [email protected] or apply on website. 

ORGANIZATION 

The Michigan AFL-CIO is a non-profit federation of more than forty labor unions that represents over 1 million working people across Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families—to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our state and the nation. Employees of the Michigan AFL-CIO may work in collaboration with one, or all, of our affiliated nonprofit organizations in the Federation including: 

Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: our affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting the unemployed or underemployed with the training and resources necessary to find gainful employment and transition Michigan to a cleaner, greener economy.  

Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation: our affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization established to combat economic and social injustice by connecting the working people with resources within Michigan’s charitable, educational and legal systems. Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates: our affiliated 501(c)(4) non-profit organization established to unite labor leaders, policy makers, and the public to educate and advocate around policies, programs and projects that can bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan. 

Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates: our affiliated 501(c)(4) non-profit organization established to unite labor leaders, policy makers, and the general public to educate and advocate around policies, programs and projects that can bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan.