For our Diving Deep for Solutions series, we commissioned author and journalist Kari Lydersen to examine big issues facing the lakes today and how our expert team at the Alliance for the Great Lakes is growing to meet the moment.

Residents of our Great Lakes states are surrounded by freshwater, yet for many, access to clean, safe, and affordable water is impacted by historic disinvestment or lack of local resources to improve infrastructure, notes Jenna Voss, Alliance for the Great Lakes Program Manager for Clean Water & Equity.

Indeed, many people across the Great Lakes region can’t depend on this spectacular water resource because failing or antiquated pipes and pumps contaminate water on their way to taps and flood basements and discharge sewage into rivers and lakes during heavy rains. These challenges will only get worse with climate change, as heavier rains overwhelm water systems and hotter temperatures increase the risk of toxins and pathogens contaminating drinking water.

Water infrastructure.

Lead that contaminates drinking water from pipes poses a serious health risk in many communities, and drinking water can also be contaminated with “emerging contaminants” – toxic chemicals that are not widely regulated or monitored. These include chemicals from pharmaceuticals and pesticides that contaminate water through run-off or wastewater, and PFAS – thousands of “forever chemicals” from industrial processes and products.

Even as drinking water may be unsafe, it is also unaffordable for many, forcing them to choose between paying water bills and other costs.

The Alliance is proud to collaborate with coalition partners to lead the push for vastly increased investment and equity in water infrastructure and affordability. The $50 billion in federal dollars available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 offers hope for real change, but ongoing policy reform and community engagement is needed to make sure water infrastructure investments are made in effective and equitable ways, including addressing high water bills.

“Protecting and enhancing the Great Lakes ecosystem – including human health and access to safe, affordable water – should be a priority. Public health is central to creating a vibrant and thriving Great Lakes community,” said Voss. “Long-term water affordability needs to be prioritized in state and federal policy and requires dedicated investment, much like our investments in supporting watershed health.”

New investment, new opportunities

Hand holding glass under kitchen faucet

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes important revisions to and added funding for State Revolving Funds (SRFs) for clean water and drinking water. These programs offer low-interest loans and grants. The law allocates new supplementary funding of $11.7 billion each over five years to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, plus $5 billion for addressing emerging contaminants and $15 billion for lead service line replacement. The new funding comes on top of existing annual base funding appropriated by Congress.

The federal SRF programs are designed to support projects that help communities meet the requirements and goals of the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, respectively. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) has long been a way to address combined sewer overflows when rainwater overwhelms wastewater systems and forces the release of untreated sewage into rivers and lakes. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) addresses the risk from lead pipes and other water distribution challenges.

Voss noted that just last year, the EPA, for the first time, examined lead service lines in its Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment.

“The inclusion of lead service lines in the survey was really important,” said Voss. “Hopefully, having more data to tell us where SRF funding is most needed will enhance states’ abilities to make a dent in the crisis.”

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, almost half the payments for lead service line replacement in disadvantaged communities must be forgivable loans – essentially grants – and almost half the total drinking water funds must be spent on disadvantaged communities.

The law also says a quarter of loans allocated to fight emerging contaminants like PFAS through drinking water infrastructure will be forgivable. Finally, the law reduced the

amount states had to pay to match the federal loans through 2023 – from 20% to 10% — taking some burden off states in the initial years of BIL funding.

Loans and grants for clean water infrastructure are available to municipalities, non-profits, and private entities, like homeowners’ associations and watershed groups. Almost half of the loans are also forgivable if municipalities meet affordability criteria or advance energy efficiency and sustainability targets.

Voss noted that while the dollars are primarily federal, states have broad authority in deciding how they are spent. Each state is required to submit an Intended Use Plan (IUP) to the federal government outlining how the state plans to spend the federal funds for water and infrastructure during that fiscal year, and the public has the chance to comment on these plans. Ultimately, these plans have a massive influence on clean water outcomes in the Great Lakes.

To equip NGOs and community organizations with the tools and understanding to navigate these layers of water infrastructure policy and to help guide states through this process with a focus on equity and climate resilience, the Alliance launched the SRF State Advocates Forum in 2021, in partnership with the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, PolicyLink, and River Network. The forum has helped more than 50 organizations engage with state SRF administrators and submit comment letters on state Intended Use Plans.

“The SRF program could be quite powerful in addressing lead service lines and water affordability problems because it has longevity,” said Voss. “Multi-year funding is needed to make sure there is long-term investment in communities, not just upfront capital where the community is later left with the bill.”

Building Healthy Communities with Systemic Change

Detroit has been a poster city for the water infrastructure crisis, with environmental justice implications, as Black residents are disproportionately affected by lack of access to quality drinking water and by basement flooding, even while faced with unaffordable water bills and denial of flooding compensation claims.

As in neighboring Flint and other cities around the country, many metro Detroit residents deal with drinking water that can be dangerously contaminated with lead and other toxins, even as it is unaffordable for some families.

Monica Lewis-Patrick, President and CEO of the community organization We the People of Detroit, emphasized that the city of Detroit not only needs to overhaul its water infrastructure but needs to do it in a way that prioritizes existing residents without contributing to inequality and displacement.

“In my mind there’s two things,” she said. “One is making sure the infrastructure is being invested in so it’s going to be to the benefit of the residents who are in the city now,” not only aimed at attracting new and wealthier residents.

Second, the jobs and economic stimulus created by the overhaul need to benefit residents who have suffered for too long from inadequate investment. In support of building long-term climate resilience, Mayor Duggan’s administration released the Detroit Climate Strategy in November 2023.

Healthy Water, Healthy People

The particular emphasis on clean water during the pandemic spotlighted the epidemic of water shutoffs in Detroit and other low-income communities across the Great Lakes. In Detroit, shut-offs were linked to higher rates of COVID-19 and disproportionately affected elderly and Black people.

Lewis-Patrick decried the “racialized narrative” that “Black people just woke up one day and didn’t pay their bills,” citing water rates that have more than doubled in recent decades, far outpacing wage growth, with inadequate supports for those living on fixed incomes.

Lewis-Patrick pointed to a study by Dr. Nadia Gaber featuring Detroit and showing the psychosocial impacts of not having secure access to clean water.

“Even outside of the highly concentrated Black and brown communities of the urban core, poor white folks are affected too,” she said. “Every human being deserves clean, affordable water.”

In the work of protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, it’s critical that no one is left behind. For many in the region, water flowing from the tap and running through our water systems is the primary way people connect to the Great Lakes.

“A healthy Great Lakes region is one where every person can wake up knowing our shared water will be there for them and their family,” said Joel Brammeier, Alliance president & CEO. “Water connects us all. That’s why we’re working to make sure everyone who lives here can rely on the lakes every day.”

The post Water Infrastructure: Getting Great Lakes Water to the People appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/01/water-infrastructure-getting-great-lakes-water-to-the-people/

Michelle Farley

Joint statement from the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the National Wildlife Federation regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rulemaking under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act.

Chicago, IL (December 18, 2023) – Today, a broad coalition of groups submitted comments to EPA limited to the most recently proposed supplemental regulatory options that EPA is considering, as well as comments on the rationale that EPA has put forward regarding its supplemental regulatory options and continuance of proposals from its 2020 proposed rule.

In 2018, Congress enacted the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018 (VIDA) and directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish national standards for vessel discharges, such as ballast water. The purpose of the statute is to protect the natural environment and the surrounding communities and economies from the introduction of aquatic invasive species or harmful pathogens that might be released or transported from vessels.  In October 2020, EPA released its proposed draft VIDA rules, which we, and many others, found to be severely deficient in that they did not protect the environment and arbitrarily excluded “Lakers” (vessels that do not leave the Great Lakes) from regulation.

EPA proposes to create a new regulatory subcategory for “New Lakers” and is considering imposing a regulatory requirement for “New Lakers” to install, operate, and maintain ballast water management systems to reduce the level of discharges of harmful aquatic organisms into the Great Lakes.  New Lakers are rarely built. The Mark W. Barker Laker was launched in 2022, and it was the first Laker built and launched in more than 35 years. EPA proposes to continue to exempt existing Lakers that can spread invasive species throughout the Great Lakes.

“Exempting any Lakers is the wrong approach to combat invasive species. The shipping industry has asked repeatedly for many years for uniform regulations for ballast water across the United States and that they be harmonized with Canada. What EPA is proposing is contrary to that demand. Exempting existing Lakers carves out this class of ship from regulation and puts the Great Lakes at risk. Most important, it fails to live up to our obligation to prevent new damage from the invasive species that have already cost the Great Lakes, and the people that rely on them, so much.” – Molly M. Flanagan, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Programs at the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

###

Media contact: Please connect with our media team at TeamGreatLakes@mrss.com.

The post Statement on EPA Ballast Rule appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/12/statement-on-epa-ballast-rule/

Michelle Farley

Note: This blog was written by Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis.

Attending the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai was an incredible experience, one that I was fortunate to be a part of thanks to the Black Environmental Leaders Association (BEL). As a founding member and board member, it was amazing to see how the organization’s support brought our mission to a global stage, showing just how far our collective efforts in environmental advocacy can reach.

Celebrating the Role of Black Environmental Leaders

Our delegation’s presence at COP28 was a testament to the organization’s commitment to environmental advocacy and its impact on a global scale. I was privileged to represent not only the Alliance for the Great Lakes but also the voices and perspectives that BEL leaders bring to the forefront of environmental justice.

Global and Local Interplay: Understanding Our Collective Impact

At COP28, the interconnectedness of local and global environmental efforts became increasingly clear. The insights I gained there have deepened my understanding of how our regional work across states and cities aligns with national and global environmental initiatives. It’s evident now more than ever that our individual efforts have profound global implications. This revelation was a recurring theme throughout the conference, emphasizing the significant impact of water stewardship and innovation on a global scale. COP28 was not just about global dialogues; it was about finding local relevance in these discussions. The insights gained from the conference will be instrumental in shaping our approach to water and climate issues in the Great Lakes region. The shared knowledge and strategies from the global stage will help us develop more effective local solutions.

Water Stewardship: An Economic Imperative

The conference illuminated an essential truth: water stewardship and innovation are not only environmental responsibilities but also make sound economic sense. This alignment of environmental, racial, health, and economic justice was a key focus, with several sessions exploring the financial aspects of climate action. The discussions at COP28 reinforced the notion that environmental conservation is intrinsically linked to broader economic strategies.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes: Bridging Justice and Environmental Action

At the Alliance for the Great Lakes, we’ve recognized the intertwined nature of environmental, racial, health, and economic justice. COP28 served to reaffirm this understanding, highlighting how environmental initiatives, especially those focused on water, are crucial in building a just and sustainable economic future. Our commitment to these principles was echoed in the global discourse at the conference, reinforcing the value and urgency of our work.

Forward with Renewed Vision

Reflecting on the experiences and lessons from COP28, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. As we move forward, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is more equipped than ever to play a pivotal role in fostering environmental justice and economic sustainability, both regionally and globally.

Together, we are making strides toward a future where environmental stewardship and economic progress go hand in hand.

The post Reflections from COP28: A Journey of Global Impact and Local Stewardship appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/12/reflections-from-cop28-a-journey-of-global-impact-and-local-stewardship/

Michelle Farley

Gloria Araya Photography 
From left to right: Asiana Spaw, One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Winner; Matt Altstiel, Alliance for the Great Lakes Vice President for Development; Genevieve Fletcher, Individual Giving Manager; Molly Flanagan, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Programs 

The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest invites inspiring young filmmakers across the world, from grades three through post-grad, to submit films that address today’s most pressing environmental challenges. The contest winners receive a financial award for their winning films, which premiered in front of a live and virtual audience at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago this September.  

In accompaniment to their own award, the winners choose an environmental nonprofit whose mission aligns with the subject of their film to receive a matching grant. This year, the Alliance was the grateful recipient of a matching grant award chosen by high school senior, Asiana Spaw, the winner of the 2023 One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest College Level Award for her short film, Microplastics: Not a Small Problem. Several Alliance staff attended the Awards Celebration and were able to meet Asiana and her parents and see her film along with nine other outstanding films by students across the country and the world. 

Asiana is a 12th-grader from Northwest Indiana who grew up visiting Lake Michigan. Her film addresses the issue of microplastics in the Great Lakes and its effect on marine life and human populations. The film highlights the need to not only reduce single-use plastic but also the need for legislative action. Her message aligns well with the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ work to reduce plastic pollution both on the ground and through policy and advocacy. 

Another winning student, 8th grader, Andrew Older, from River Forest, Illinois, received an Honorable Mention Award for his three-minute short film titled, Invasive Fish in the Des Plaines River. In his film, Andrew explained how invasive carp and goby fish got into the river and how they are outcompeting native species, threatening the local ecology. He also included information on organizations that work to prevent the spread of invasive species, including the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and encouraged viewers to donate to the cause (Thank you, Andrew!). His film premiered at the One Earth Young Filmmakers Honorable Mention Awards Virtual Screening on November 4th

Read on to hear from the students in their own words and watch their 3- and 4-minute short films!  

Asiana Spaw 

“I am a 12th grade filmmaker from Northwest Indiana. Most of my work is narrative, and I love to include social issues and my intersectional experiences. Besides classes and filmmaking, I spend my time competing on the Speech team, coxing for crew, and playing the oboe! 

I made this short documentary over a few days for the One Earth Young Filmmaker’s Contest to call attention to an issue local to me. Before my research, I had little familiarity with how plastic pollution can affect lakes differently from the ocean, which tends to gain more media attention. As I live near Lake Michigan, I both want to see less trash along the shores and know that my drinking water is free from unknown contaminants. I chose the Alliance for the Great Lakes because they lead excellent efforts, like the Adopt-a-Beach cleanups, to preserve our Great Lakes. I look forward to seeing their continued work to mitigate the threats to these bodies of water.” 

Andrew Older 

Andrew Older is an 8th-grade student at Roosevelt Middle School. He lives in River Forest with his parents, sister, and dog Theo. He loves spending time outside and Thatcher Woods is a favorite spot. 

“I created this video to raise awareness about invasive species in the Des Plaines River, a local river near my house where I regularly fish. One time, while fishing, I noticed that most of the fish I was catching were Gobi fish. After learning from my teacher, Mr. Schlacter, that they were an invasive fish species, I submitted a video on the topic to the One Earth Film Festival, a global environmental film competition. I learned that even one action, even if it is small, can make a difference because it can inspire others to take action. If we all do something, it can have an impact on the environment.” 

The Alliance is inspired by the work of Asiana and Andrew to spread awareness about these important Great Lakes issues. We commend them and the One Earth Film Festival for encouraging environmental activism as well as environmental philanthropy through film.  

To watch the full screening of the 2023 One Earth Young Filmmakers First-Place Contest Awards and Honorable Mention Awards short films, click the below links: 

The post One Earth: Young Filmmakers Shine A Light on Great Lakes Issues  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/11/one-earth-young-filmmakers-shine-a-light-on-great-lakes-issues/

Michelle Farley

Summary 

Title: Communications Director 

Reports to: Vice President of Development  

Classification / Status: Full-time, Exempt 

Level: Director 

Location: Hybrid / Office – occasional meetings in Chicago, Great Lakes State or Washington, D.C.   

The Communications Director will develop and execute communications and marketing strategies to grow the size of and deepen engagement with our constituent base and increase our brand awareness across the Great Lakes region. The Director manages owned and paid media to grow our volunteer, advocate and donor constituencies that support our program work. The Director ensures that all our supporters receive consistent and targeted information about the Alliance’s work so that we can retain and upgrade their engagement. The Director is the Alliance’s brand steward and serves as editor-in-chief for institutional communications. They are part of the development, communications, and volunteer management team. They work closely with the Media Director, providing owned and paid media to advance program and advocacy goals and campaigns, while leveraging media campaign materials to facilitate storytelling and engagement with our supporters. 

The Director guides and manages the internal communications team. As a team leader, the Director energizes staff members by inspiring and motivating direct reports and by evolving constituent engagement strategies and tactics throughout the organization. The Director is also a capable public figure for the organization who can speak credibly to our constituents. The Director collaborates with other Alliance campaign and program leaders. They will interact with the Board of Directors and external partners in support of strategic communications planning and to aid fundraising efforts. 

This role reports to the Vice President for Development. 

Major priorities for the role include: 

  1. Increase brand awareness of the Alliance for the Great Lakes in priority markets 
  1. Grow the size of our supporter base, including digital advocates, active email recipients, and social media followers 
  1. In partnership with our Development staff, leverage growing supporter base growth to increase smaller donor acquisition. 
  1. Deepen the engagement of our supporter base with Alliance activities and programs. 
  1. Advance success of Alliance program priorities  

Structure: The Director reports to the Vice President of Development (VPD) and works closely with other senior program staff leaders, especially the Media Director. The Director of Communications supervises the following staff: Senior Communications Manager and Staff Writer, as well as occasional affiliates and contractors. 

Compensation and Benefits: Salary range begins at $100,000, with starting salary determined commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary.  

Work Environment: Fully remote with some travel required. If based in Chicago, an office is available downtown for use. 

_________________________________________________________________________________  

Overview 

The Director will start work from a position of strength. Our staff and Board of Directors include some of the country’s leading Great Lakes advocates, experts and communicators. Our organization has a well-regarded record of recent and historic successes dating to 1970. The Alliance’s capacity stands tall among state and regional environmental advocacy organizations across the country, with more than $10 million in assets of which more than 70% is unrestricted. The Alliance is growing toward an operating budget of $5 million by the end of 2024. 

Representative goals of this position include:  

By the end of 2024: 

  • Ensure constituent communications strategies are built into all appropriate campaigns under the new strategic plan. 
  • Develop a new social media strategy that will advance our strategic planning goals and empower supporters to advocate for the Alliance and our priorities. 
  • Achieve a 10% increase in number of digital donors, 10% increase in number of new email signups, 10% increase in engaged email list, and 15% increase in website traffic 
  • Conduct a constituent survey to identify ways to improve relationships with our supporters. 
  • Review our digital communications tools and add/delete/replace as needed. (Determine capacity needs for our new strategic plan. 

Within five years: 

  • Key partner and constituent voices and stories are regularly woven into all relevant program campaigns. 
  • The Alliance becomes well-known in terms of overall brand recognition and has a highly engaged (and growing) base of supporters.  

A typical week for the Director might include: 

  • Meeting with Media Director for a briefing on a recent policy development and upcoming press conference; creating a plan to support the campaign and engage our constituents with owned and/or paid media.  
  • Reviewing copy for the monthly e-newsletter; adding a quick new story about the policy development before approval the e-newsletter to be sent. 
  • Leading a Dev/C&E brainstorming session about how to engage a new audience with the Alliance. 
  • Meeting with VP of Development and Staff Writer to determine the story budget and timeline for the annual report. 

Responsibilities 

Strategist: The Director ensures that every aspect of the organization’s public outreach – including issue and program work, volunteer and advocacy growth & leadership, and fundraising – furthers our mission and is aligned with our program goals. They will lead strategic communications and engagement planning, set long-range measurable goals and implement regularly updated work plans appropriate to achieving them. They will: 

  • Develop responsive communication-driven programs and help staff members understand their role in and contribution to the overall marketing effort. 
  • Identify key targets for Alliance communications and implement strategies to link those targets to achievement of the organization’s environmental issue and fundraising goals. 
  • Create / advise on direct mail and paid media (search engine ads, social ads, magazine ads, paid list acquisitions, PSAs, ect.)  
  • Leverage media and business partnerships for brand/issue awareness and constituency growth 
  • Vet, select and manage contracts for the Alliance’s communications tools: website, digital advocacy, platform, email service provider, social media channels, social monitoring and posting tool, photo/video library, and donation platform.  
  • Find ways to raise the competitive profile of the Alliance. 
  • Ensure that all engagement of volunteers and advocates educates them to act, grows the quality and quantity of constituent leadership, and creates capacity for advancing overall program strategy. 
  • Present and report (in tandem with the VP for Development) on Alliance’s communications strategy and outputs to the Board. 
  • Collect and ensure the regular acquisition of quantitative and qualitative data from constituents to shape future strategies 
  • Brainstorm communications strategies in tandem with social media engagement and website goals, drive small donor strategy 

Communicator: The Director partners with the Media Director to cultivate opportunities for publicity, recognition, and constituency engagement. They will: 

  • Serve as the “Editor in Chief” and the lead in content strategy, ensuring accuracy and correct voice,  
  • Create, lead and manage the overall organizational content calendar. 
  • Deploy social media and other owned and paid communications in support of earned media for program campaigns in collaboration with Media Director. 
  • Tailor look, feel, and performance of all Alliance communication vehicles for advocacy, volunteering and fundraising purposes to target audiences. 
  • Align all constituent engagement with organizational brand and values. 
  • Create a culture of listening and responsiveness to constituent voices and seek out ways to equitably serve all constituents. 
  • When a Great Lakes crisis or urgent opportunity arises, demonstrating the ability to think calmly and collaboratively in an all hands-on deck demonstrate demonstrates/media. 

Motivator: The Director of Communications leads the Alliance’s communications team to ensure strong collaboration, performance and job satisfaction. They will: 

  • Build staff capability to communicate independently and credibly. 
  • Allocate communications staff across a variety of campaigns and other efforts to ensure team skills are aligned to organizational needs 
  • Evaluate and reports the performance of overall communications effort and individual team members using organization-wide tools and metrics. 
  • Identify needs and opportunities for supporting professional development of staff as a team and individuals 
  • Ensure internal digital systems are maintained and updated regularly to support our constituent engagement and communications goals 
  • Engage a diverse set of audiences and influence acknowledgement strategy post-event and post-donation 

Work Relationships 

The Director of Communications works closely with a wide variety of Alliance for the Great Lakes staff members, particularly the Media Director and the communications and development staff 

Supervisor Responsibilities 

The Director of Communications supervises the following staff: Senior Communications Manager and Staff Writer, as well as occasional affiliates and contractors. 

Physical Demands/Work Environment 

Remote office work environment with occasional overnight travel required. Office space available if located in Chicago. 


Knowledge/Skills  

  • Minimum of 7 years of experience culminating in proven leadership of regional or national scale advocacy, political or marketing campaigns.  
  • Minimum of 3 years leading a team. 
  • Persuasive, with excellent written and oral communication skills. 
  • Ability to understand and motivate multiple constituencies, including government, private sector, elected officials, volunteers, and issue advocates. 
  • Demonstrated cultivation and driving of successful collaborative staff teams. 
  • Clear and proven ability to use, test, and adapt electronic platforms to engage thousands of individual constituents and move those constituents offline for additional cultivation. 
  • Demonstrated success in using communications and marketing tools to move decision-makers on policy agendas. 
  • Track record of understanding of constituent demand and preferences and using this to shape successful engagement strategies.  
  • Eagerness to work at both the “nuts and bolts” and strategic levels of our engagement effort. 
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. 

NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Strong portfolio of strategic advocacy writing, with an emphasis on converting technical and policy agendas to compelling public messages. 
  • Ability to work independently, quickly, and in keeping with the news cycle regardless of time of day. 
  • Driven by a strong commitment to the value of individual and collective constituent action and the values of the organization. 
  • Experience and comfort with setting and working within an annual budget at the regional non-profit scale. 
  • Proficiency in creating social media campaigns and driving engagement online into real-life actions 

Job Parameters 

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. Salary range begins at $100,000 with a starting salary determined commensurate with experience. 
  • Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, and Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary, eligible after 30 days. 
  • This is a remote position for candidates living in a Great Lakes state or in Washington, D.C., with occasional travel required. If located in Chicago, an office is available downtown for use.  

Application Process:

Please email a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to hr@greatlakes.org

Include job title in the subject line. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by email, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries, please. 

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.  

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes 

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.  

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters. 

The missionof the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities by building the research, analysis, and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.   

To achieve our vision and mission, everyone in our organization will live our values of Community, Relationships, Courage, Integrity and Optimism and weave the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into all our work. Each value and principle is backed by measurable goals and expectations for our Board of Directors and staff.  

The post Communications Director  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/11/communications-director/

Michelle Farley

Note: This blog was co-written by President & CEO Joel Brammeier and Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis.

For four days in Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie last week, many of the Great Lakes region’s leading advocates and decision-makers gathered for discussions on the future of our waters. We were privileged to be part of those gatherings at the Healing Our Waters (HOW) – Great Lakes Coalition’s annual conference, followed by the biennial Summit of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. 

Building a Path to Protect the Great Lakes 

Forums like these occasionally yield big breakthroughs. The 2015 Summit was where Ohio, Michigan and Ontario agreed to reduce nutrient pollution to Lake Erie by 40%. More often, they are a place for people like us to build consensus with our colleagues on the next major phases of our long-term work to protect the Great Lakes.  

With the HOW Conference and the Governors and Premiers Summit held back-to-back in one place, there were great opportunities to confab among the hundreds of elected officials, senior agency staff, philanthropists, and private sector and nonprofit leaders from across the region.

Crystal and other community leaders engaged in a powerful roundtable discussion hosted by the Cleveland NAACP, joined by Governor Whitmer.

Crystal was honored to join in a small roundtable discussion with Governor Whitmer led by the Cleveland NAACP, bringing her voice to elevate the Alliance’s water policy priorities. Additionally, we had the opportunity to speak directly with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine about his state’s H2Ohio water funding program, the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, and other pressing water policy matters. 

Three Key Takeaways

Three things stood out to us among the countless speeches, panels, and meetings.  

First, attendees learned that to be successful at protecting the Great Lakes, we must pay attention to how they intersect with so many other needs in our communities.  

Field trip to Rid-All-Farm

The HOW coalition asked Crystal to organize the opening plenary for the conference. The audience applauded a diverse panel from the financial, health, environmental and economic development sectors that outlined the complex relationship between water policy and needs for economic, racial, and educational justice in Cleveland and communities across our region. The Alliance also organized the ‘Green N Tha Ghetto’ field trip to the renowned Rid-All Farm in Cleveland. This trip highlighted a black-owned urban farm’s groundbreaking aquaponics and thriving crops, and a farm that stands as a testament to the rich intersection of Great Lakes water, cultivation of community, and economic development. 

Second, the composition of some of the rooms is changing to better reflect all the voices of the region. Truly inclusive representation of Great Lakes communities is critical for these high-level gatherings to be worth their weight. We saw and heard many younger faces and voices that were new to us – always a positive sign. And the Great Lakes movement is catching up to the fact that leaders from Black, Indigenous, Latino and more communities of color have been pivotal in advocating for our water for many years. When organizations like HOW and the Alliance truly value and practice authentic engagement, this fosters long-lasting and sustainable relationships, paving the way for more Great Lakes success. 

Joel at Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Summit

Finally, we saw attention not just to what needs to happen but how the work gets done. The governors and premiers summit was the launch pad for a new commitment to planting 250 million trees across the Great Lakes region over the next decade. A laudable goal for sure, and one that can play a part in meeting our climate and clean water challenges. What we found most illuminating about the launch were the reflections from leaders from the Cleveland Trees Coalition and National Indian Carbon Coalition. Trees can help heal urban heat islands in Cleveland or support wild rice habitat on tribal lands in Minnesota. Tree planting is good, but it can become great when it starts with and is sustained by community leadership to address community-identified needs. 

The Power of Great Lakes Gathering

Joel chatting with other Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Summit attendees.

The power of these gatherings hit home for Joel on Saturday at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers luncheon. A video testimonial from the two surviving founders of the organization, former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard and former Ohio Governor Dick Celeste, described the economic conditions of the Great Lakes region in the early 1980s – severe recession, high unemployment, and deep uncertainty facing residents and leaders across the lakes. The governors chose this moment to convene for the first time to build on one asset that was recession-proof: our shared freshwater foundations. Their choice to come together in a time of uncertainty so many decades ago reminds us that protecting the Great Lakes takes time and that choices we make today can have incredible staying power.  

We are proud to be part of bringing a greater diversity of voices to these critical Great Lakes conversations than ever before, ensuring the next generation of Great Lakes protection meets the needs of everyone who relies on the lakes every day.  

Protect the Great Lakes & Our Communities

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Visit our Action Center and learn how you can take action.

Take Action

The post Charting the Future of the Great Lakes: Insights from the HOW Conference and Governors’ Summit  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/11/charting-the-future-of-the-great-lakes-insights-from-the-how-conference-and-governors-summit/

Michelle Farley

Joint statement from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the Environmental Law and Policy Center and the National Wildlife Federation regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act

Chicago, IL (October 17, 2023) – In 2018, Congress enacted the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018 (VIDA) and directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish national standards for vessel discharges, such as ballast water. The purpose of the statute is to protect the natural environment and the surrounding communities and economies from the introduction of aquatic invasive species or harmful pathogens that might be released or transported from vessels.  In October 2020, EPA released its proposed draft VIDA rules, which we, and many others, found to be severely deficient in that they did not protect the environment and arbitrarily excluded “Lakers” (vessels that do not leave the Great Lakes) from regulation.

Today, in response to public comments and concerns expressed about the draft rule, EPA released a supplemental notice of proposed VIDA rulemaking with additional regulatory options that EPA is now considering to regulate the discharge of ballast water in the Great Lakes.

EPA proposes to create a new regulatory subcategory for “New Lakers” and is considering imposing a regulatory requirement for “New Lakers” to install, operate, and maintain ballast water management systems to reduce the level of discharges of harmful aquatic organisms into the Great Lakes.  New Lakers are rarely built. The Mark W. Barker Laker was launched in 2022, and it was the first Laker built and launched in more than 35 years. EPA proposes to continue to exempt existing Lakers that can spread invasive species throughout the Great Lakes.

In response to EPA’s supplemental proposed rulemaking, for which EPA is seeking public comment by December 18, 2023, Alliance for the Great Lakes Chief Operating Officer Molly Flanagan said, “The Alliance appreciates that EPA is considering regulating ballast water discharges from New Lakers. However, the proposed rule would continue the ballast water treatment exemption for existing Lakers, leaving the Great Lakes at risk. The proposal falls far short of the level of environmental protection that is needed to protect the Great Lakes.”

“The EPA proposed standard will not adequately protect the Great Lakes and other U.S. waters from ballast water invaders,” said Marc Smith, policy director for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes office. “The EPA’s failure to protect water quality and wildlife by exempting Lakers (ships that do not leave the Great Lakes) leaves the door open for future harm to outdoor recreation, our economy and quality of life.”

Howard Learner, the Environmental Law & Policy Center’s (ELPC) Executive Director, said:  “Protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species and plants requires effective EPA standards for ballast water discharges from “Lakers”. The EPA’s long-awaited proposed standards repeat the historic failure to apply fair regulatory standards to old highly-polluting coal plants, which then kept running for years harming our environment and public health. The EPA now, again, largely exempts existing Lakers ships that are harming the Great Lakes in hopes that new Lakers sometimes will be cleaner. That failed approach will predictably lock in more old Lakers ships running longer, polluting, and causing damage to the Great Lakes for many years instead of phasing them out quickly and encouraging new Lakers ships with cleaner technology sooner. ELPC will join our Great Lakes protection partners in submitting comments to the EPA, which hopefully will correct this fundamental flaw in its final standards. The public and the Great Lakes deserve better.”

###

Media contact: Please connect with our media team at TeamGreatLakes@mrss.com.

The post EPA Rule Fails to Protect Great Lakes from Invasive Species appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/10/epa-rule-fails-to-protect-great-lakes-from-invasive-species/

Michelle Farley

At the Alliance for the Great Lakes Board of Directors meeting on October 6, 2023, in Chicago, the Board welcomed Timothy Alston for a three-year term.

New Board Member: Timothy Alston

Timothy is a process controls engineer at the Gary Sanitary District, one of the largest wastewater utilities in the State of Indiana and one of the few majority-black employees utilities in the region. He provides direct technical and advisory support to the Plant Superintendent on wastewater treatment plant improvements and optimizing plant processes. He also helps manage the Operations and Maintenance Department, which is the heartbeat of the utility. Timothy was an environmental consultant for CDM Smith Inc. in the Chicago Office from 2018-2020.

As a young professional living in Chicago, Timothy has demonstrated a passion for mentorship to underserved communities through his work as an undergraduate mentor and the Director of Programs for the Chicago Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), as well as spearheading the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Outreach Mentorship Program from 2019-2021. 

Timothy is a Co-Founder of the Black Water Professionals Alliance Inc. (BWPA), which has grown to over 200 members across the country. The mission of BWPA is to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a community focused on networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities for Black people in the water industry. He has personally mentored over 100 students in developing their STEM academic and professional skills over the past several years through a nonprofit called SMASH Academy.

Originally from Maryland, Timothy received his B.S. in Environmental Science from Claflin University, a historic HBCU in South Carolina, and his M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

He and his wife currently live in South Loop, Chicago, and just tied the knot this past July 23, 2023.

New & Returning Officers

Laura Payne was elected to a second two-year term as Vice Chair of Development. Bill Henry was elected to a second two-year term as Board Secretary.

Leaving Office
The board also said farewell to term-limited board director Quentin James and expressed special gratitude for his six years of service.

“I extend a heartfelt thank you to our board members—past and present—for their unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership,” said Joel Brammeier, President & CEO of the Alliance. “Their invaluable time and expertise are fundamental to the achievements of the Alliance in safeguarding and revitalizing the Great Lakes. We eagerly anticipate the valuable contributions of our newest board member and extend our deepest appreciation to those transitioning on.”

For a complete listing of Alliance for the Great Lakes directors and officers, visit our Board of Directors page.

The post Alliance for the Great Lakes Board of Directors Welcomes Newly Elected Board Member & Returning Officers appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/10/alliance-for-the-great-lakes-board-of-directors-welcomes-newly-elected-board-member-returning-officers/

Michelle Farley

Summary 

Title: Executive Assistant 

Status: Full-time, Exempt  

Location: Great Lakes State, Chicago area preferred   

Role: The Executive Assistant (EA) provides support to the President/CEO and COO to maximize the strategic use of their time and supports the President/CEO and COO to maximize the strategic use of their time and assists the Operations team in seamlessly integrating the Operations team in the seamless integration of essential administrative work into the Alliance’s mission-driven culture and workplace. This position reports to the President/CEO and works closely with the COO, VP of Finance & Operations, and Office Manager on meeting logistics and scheduling, document creation and management, Board of Directors administrative support, as well as human resources, financial, and office management matters. The Executive Assistant performs a wide variety of functions independently, exercising confidential discretion and sound judgment in performing these duties. Administrative services may be provided to other department staff as required. Additionally, this person will assist with special projects as assigned by the President and CEO. 

Structure: The Executive Assistant works directly with the President/CEO, COO, Office Manager and reports to the President & CEO.   

Compensation and Benefits: Salary range begins at $75,000, with the starting salary determined commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary.  

Work Environment: This is a primarily remote position with a strong preference for location in the Chicago area. The EA may work primarily from their home and should expect to be in the Alliance’s Chicago office once per week on average.   

_________________________________________________________________________________  

Overview 

A typical week might begin with a meeting with the CEO to review the status of projects and upcoming engagements requiring his participation. Later, the EA pivots to reviewing requests the COO has received for input from Program staff. The EA schedules these tasks and follows up with staff members as needed to understand timelines and any outstanding action items. On Tuesday, the Board Development Committee is meeting, so the EA sends the VP of Development & Communications the latest RSVP list and logs into the meeting a few minutes early to manage the Zoom and prepare to take minutes. After the meeting, the EA ensures the minutes are accurate and concise before distributing them to the committee. The EA knows that a lobbying report is due on Wednesday, and a communication is being sent out to our VIP supporters, so they send a few emails to ensure all the required materials for both projects are available before logging off for the day. On Wednesday, the EA files the lobbying report and then turns their attention to the mailing. They have a few questions on the recipient list, which they work through with the Individual Giving Manager before sending the message on the President & CEO’s behalf. The Alliance has a board meeting coming up, so Thursday and Friday are spent preparing the presentation for the meeting and working with the catering team, office of the building, and venue for our Board dinner to finalize logistics. On Friday afternoon, the EA sits down with the COO to review her schedule for the upcoming weeks and ensure she has the relevant materials to accomplish any major projects she’s tagged to complete before logging off for the week. 

The Executive Assistant contributes to the successful execution of the Alliance’s strategic plan by supporting top leadership in their responsibilities across the organization and directly contributing to the Operations team’s defined outcomes around administrative and board support.   

Responsibilities 

Executive Assistance 

  • Maintain general knowledge of all activities and projects the President/CEO and COO are involved in and accurately respond to routine inquiries from staff. 
  • Develop and implement systems to ensure the needs and expectations of the President and CEO are met in a timely and efficient manner. 
  • Plan, coordinate, and ensure calendars for the President/CEO and COO are managed effectively. 
  • Work closely with the President/CEO and COO to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities with appropriate follow-up. 
  • Schedule internal and external meetings, including preparing agendas, inviting attendees, scheduling meeting rooms, ordering equipment, taking and transcribing meeting minutes, monitoring action and follow-up items, and keeping permanent records as appropriate. 
  • Arrange and schedule travel logistics for the President/CEO, COO, and other staff, as needed. 
  • Proofread and ensure accurate formatting of all correspondence going out under the President/CEO’s signature. 
  • Serve as a liaison between the President/CEO and staff for purposes of contracts, agreements, and other official documents. 
  • Prepare expense reports and assist with time entry as needed. 
  • Compose correspondence. 
  • Serve as the primary staff liaison with the Alliance’s external administrative legal counsel, ensuring that staff needs are effectively prioritized and advanced with the Alliance’s law firm and track the established retainer.  
  • Manage the registration and reporting requirements for the Alliance’s staff lobbyists, including assessing registration and reporting requirements and advising on any new or changing needs. 
  • Other projects/duties as assigned by the President/CEO and COO. 

Board Liaison 

  • Coordinate meetings and special events logistics for board members.  
  • Take minutes for meetings on calls and in person. 
  • Coordinate with the President/CEO to assemble and distribute communications to Board of Directors members prior to each of the quarterly board meetings and retreats. 
  • Maintain board SharePoint site and ensure accurate record keeping. 
  • Assist with logistics for new board member orientation process and details related to exiting board members. 
  • Administer the Board Nominating Committee recruitment process in collaboration with the President & CEO and Nominating Committee Chair, including the process for board members to recommend potential new directors and tracking candidate interactions and follow-ups.    

Knowledge/Skills  

  • Minimum of 5 years in administrative assistance or office management at the executive level.  
  • Experience working for senior leaders of the organization and Board members is preferred.  
  • Exceptional planning and organization skills.  
  • Ability to compose, edit, and organize documents and presentations using professional, clear, and succinct language and structure.   
  • A demonstrated commitment to timely and accurate performance.  
  • Attention to detail and ability to anticipate and proactively solve problems is critical.  
  • Willingness and desire to provide customized service for individual board members and leadership staff based on work style and needs.  
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint emphasized). 
  • Ability to learn new software applications quickly. 
  • Experience with SharePoint and Asana is helpful but not required.  
  • The Alliance for the Great Lakes values community, relationships, courage, integrity, optimism, and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our work.   

Job Parameters 

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. The salary range begins at $75,000, with a starting salary determined commensurate with experience. 
  • Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, and Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary, eligible after 30 days. 
  • This is a primarily remote position with a strong preference for location in the Chicago area. The EA may work mostly from their home and should expect to be in the Alliance’s Chicago office once per week on average. 

Application Process 

Please email a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org

Include job title in the subject line. 

Writing Sample: As part of our evaluation process, we kindly request that you provide a writing sample showcasing your ability to communicate with clarity and professionalism. This sample can be in the form of a memo, an email to board members, or any relevant work from your portfolio.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by email, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please. 

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.  

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes 

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The missionof the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes, ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.   

To achieve our vision and mission, everyone in our organization will live our values of Community, Relationships, Courage, Integrity and Optimism and weave the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into all our work. Each value and principle is backed by measurable goals and expectations for our Board of Directors and staff.  

The post Executive Assistant  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/10/executive-assistant-2/

Michelle Farley

Summary 

Title: Director, Clean Water & Equity  

Status: Full-time, Exempt  

Location: This position is remote and will be located within the Great Lakes states or Washington D.C., with a preference for proximity to a major airport. 

Role: The Director of Clean Water and Equity will develop and execute campaigns to advance the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ (Alliance) water infrastructure program goals as guided by our strategic plan. The Director leads these campaigns across the Great Lakes region with an initial focus on Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. The Director is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with partner organizations, stakeholders representing a variety of interests, and decision-makers. The Director identifies and pursues opportunities to advance and improve water policies, programs, and funding across the region. The Director works closely with the water infrastructure team and other program staff working on our water infrastructure goals at the local, state, and federal levels to integrate this work. 

Structure: The Clean Water and Equity Director reports to the COO / VP of Programs. They collaborate with other directors and VPs as a team leading the Alliance’s program work. The Director supports media and communications staff to advance strategic media campaigns, public education, and constituency growth in support of our goals. The Director supervises a Water Policy Analyst and Senior Program Manager, with the potential for a third team member to be added in 2024. 

Compensation and Benefits: Salary range begins at $100,000, with the starting salary determined commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary.  

Work Environment: Fully remote with some travel required. Overnight travel within the Great Lakes region is required, with an average of once per month. A driver’s license and comfort with solo travel by car is required. If the candidate is located in the Chicago area, the Alliance’s downtown headquarters office is available for in-office work. 

_________________________________________________________________________________  

Overview 

The Alliance seeks its next Director, Clean Water & Equity to lead the Alliance’s work to advance drinking water, wastewater and stormwater policy goals in the Great Lakes states. The Director develops and implements advocacy strategies supporting equitable access to clean water, increased water infrastructure investment, and engagement of public officials, organizations, and businesses in service of these priorities. The Director serves as a strategist, convener and relationship builder.  They work collaboratively with Alliance staff and external partners to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of written policy analysis and recommendations, advocacy actions, and grant and partnership deliverables in support of the Clean Water & Equity portfolio. 

Current core projects include 1) the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Advocates’ Forum, a national network supporting organizations advocating for equitable and just delivery of federal and state water infrastructure funds 2) state-level efforts to reform and improve SRF programs with an emphasis on advocacy around Intended Use Plans. The Director will set direction for and implement organizational clean water goals related to water infrastructure investment, drinking water safety, including lead service line replacement, nature-based solutions, and water services affordability across the region with a near-term emphasis on Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. They identify and strengthen relationships with diverse allies across the Great Lakes region to advance program and policy priorities.

The Director is a public figure for the organization who speaks with authority and diplomacy, is regarded as a regional thought leader on water issues and cultivates extensive partner relationships that further the Alliance’s clean water & equity goals. The Director manages relationships with state decision-makers, agency staff, businesses, partners, and other individuals across the Great Lakes region. The Director provides counsel to the Alliance’s senior staff on meaningful community engagement and works as a team with our local and federal policy staff. 

The Director will start work from a position of strength. Our staff of 26 and 18-member Board of Directors include some of the country’s leading Great Lakes advocates, experts and communicators. Our organization has a well-regarded record of recent and historic successes dating to 1970. The Alliance’s capacity stands tall among state and regional environmental advocacy organizations across the country, with more than $10 million in assets, of which more than 70% is unrestricted. The Alliance is growing toward an operating budget of $5 million by the end of 2024. 

The  goals of this position  are to: 

By the end of 2024: 

  • Play a lead role in the State Revolving Fund Advocates Forum, a national network of  organizations focused on ensuring that federal water infrastructure funds are allocated to communities that need it most 
  • Ensure Great Lakes states, particularly Illinois and Michigan, are doing a better job of directing water infrastructure funding to disadvantaged communities 
  • Partner with organizations in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio to advance one piece of high-priority water infrastructure legislation in each state  
  • Recommend  water infrastructure policy goals for the Alliance’s next strategic plan 

Within five years: 

  • The Alliance is recognized as a leader in the Great Lakes region on drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure policy and funding 
  • Multiple Great Lakes states have made substantial progress since 2024 in advancing water infrastructure restoration projects that protect public and lake health 
  • The Alliance has clear policy goals and sufficient staff capacity and structure to deliver on those goals 

A typical week for the Director might begin with a meeting with the Water Infrastructure team to ensure everyone is clear on their goals for the week and any obstacles or opportunities are identified and decisions are made regarding next steps. You touch base with the Media Director about a report on where water infrastructure funding is being directed in Michigan to ensure that the release and talking points are solid, and that external partners feel well-prepared to share their stories and provide supportive comments. Midweek, you have a call from an Ohio legislator who wants to introduce legislation to ban water shut-offs in the state. You commit to helping get bipartisan cosponsor signed onto the bill and, organizing a lobby day with partners in Ohio, and sharing a quick update with your Ohio coalition. There is an upcoming water week in Washington, so on Friday, you book a flight to go to DC a month from now to meet with Great Lakes members of Congress along with our Director of Federal Affairs to highlight the importance of federal water infrastructure funding to their constituents. You review the most recent quarter’s work plan metrics and prepare a brief to present to the Leadership Team the following week. 

Responsibilities 

Strategy 

  • Set direction for organizational clean water and equity goals related to water infrastructure investment, drinking water safety, nature-based solutions, and water services affordability across the region with a near-term emphasis on Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. 
  • Works with Alliance staff to align and integrate policy and funding campaigns across local, state and federal levels of government 
  • Builds and sustains a strong and diverse set of trusted relationships with advocates, decision-makers and other stakeholders that informs organizational strategy and tactics 
  • Maintains expertise in relevant funding mechanisms, regulations and administrative programs, and uses that knowledge to inform Alliance strategy 
  • Designs and executes multi-year policy reform campaigns in Great Lakes states to implement Alliance strategic plan water infrastructure priorities. 
  • Recommends future long-term strategic options for the Alliance to fill gaps in water infrastructure advocacy across the region, and to center our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice principles through the program. 

Advocate 

  • Accountable for delivering policy change for the Alliance’s Clean Water & Equity work across the region. 
  • Creates regular short-term policy, organizing and communication successes as we advance toward our long-term goals. 
  • Ensures policy goals are connected to real-world outcomes that have an impact on the lives of people 
  • Ensures Alliance advocacy agendas are supportive of the needs of our partner organizations. 
  • Collaborates with Alliance staff and external partners to create work products including reports, stories, and media placements to advance thought leadership of Alliance with decision makers. 
  • Builds and leverages relationships outside of the traditional environmental community, including with environmental justice leaders, labor leaders, municipalities, and businesses. 
  • Collaborates with NGO partners and community organizations for decision maker education on water issues (e.g., lobby days, legislative briefings, advocacy workshops, etc.) 
  • Supports Alliance media and communication staff in development of mass advocacy campaigns, supporter activation, conference presentations and media engagement on policy priorities.  

Manager & Institutional Leader 

  • Ensures this work contributes to the Alliance’s role as a collaborative and contributing member of the environmental community in the Great Lakes region 
  • Presents and reports on the Alliance’s Clean Water & Equity work to Alliance leadership, including to the Board of Directors 
  • Manages a team of policy analysts and advocates 
  • Supports the Development Team in building and maintaining critical personal relationships with institutional and individual donors that support this work 
  • Serves as a voice of authority and insight to traditional media, social networks and to the Alliance’s supporters.  
  • Actively engages in organizational discussions to help steer the direction and culture of the Alliance. 
  • Expands the Alliance’s regional network of NGO and community-based organizations. 
  • Motivates and mentors staff that work in multiple locations to execute campaigns as team members, peers and collaborators. 

Knowledge/Skills  

  • Leadership ability and experience as demonstrated by a track record of successful problem identification, mentorship, relationship and partnership building, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making both internal and external to an organization.  
  • Demonstrated success at motivating key influencers to act in a coordinated and strategic manner. 
  • Strong existing network of relevant and influential leaders in one or more areas of geographic focus for the Alliance, i.e., Illinois, Ohio, or Michigan. 
  • Prior demonstrated success at managing multiple closely aligned and well-coordinated priorities at the same time. 
  • Fundamental commitment to socioeconomic and racial equity in clean water outcomes and demonstrated skills in identifying the policy options that advance equity. 
  • Top echelon skills at writing and speaking to motivate powerful people. 
  • Staff management and/or mentoring experience. 
  • Experience with and commitment to use of project management software. 
  • Driven by a strong commitment to public interest work and the values of the organization. 
  • Optimistic outlook both internally and externally 
  • Committed to a big-tent approach to water advocacy that bring together science, data, relationships, stories and winning strategy 
  • Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred. Leadership of significant past successful campaigns may substitute for advanced degree. 
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience culminating in proven leadership of state, regional or national scale advocacy, political or marketing campaigns. 

Job Parameters 

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. The salary range begins at $100,000 with a starting salary determined commensurate with experience. 
  • Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, and Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary, eligible after 30 days. 
  • This position is remote and will be located within the Great Lakes watershed, with a preference for the southern part of the region and proximity to a major airport, with occasional travel required. If located in Chicago, an office is available downtown for use.

Application Process 

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references, and writing or work sample that demonstrates relevant qualifications to: hr@greatlakes.org. Include the job title in the subject line. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please. 

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.  

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The missionof the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes, ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.   

To achieve our vision and mission, everyone in our organization will live our values of Community, Relationships, Courage, Integrity and Optimism and weave the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into all our work. Each value and principle is backed by measurable goals and expectations for our Board of Directors and staff.  

The post Director, Clean Water & Equity  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/09/director-clean-water-equity/

Michelle Farley

Summary 

Title: Media Director  

Status: Full-time, Exempt  

Location: Great Lakes State or Washington, D.C.    

Role: The Media Director (Director) will develop and execute communications and media campaigns to advance our program and advocacy goals as guided by our strategic plan. The Director leads these campaigns across program areas and across the Great Lakes region. The Director is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local, state, regional and national media outlets. The Director identifies and pursues opportunities to place stories about the Alliance’s program work that reach the media, decision-makers and influential voices and segments of the public. The Director works closely with program staff to develop strategic communication materials and prepare staff for media and other public speaking opportunities. The Director coordinates tightly with the staff leading engagement of our donor, volunteer and advocate constituents to ensure all our supporters receive consistent and targeted information about the Alliance’s work. 

Structure: The Director reports to the COO and works closely with other senior program staff leaders. 

Compensation and Benefits: Salary range begins at $100,000, with starting salary determined commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary.  

Work Environment: Fully remote with some travel required. If based in Chicago, an office is available downtown for use. 

_________________________________________________________________________________  

Overview 

The Alliance seeks its next Media Director to lead communications and media campaigns to advance our program priorities. The Director works collaboratively with program teams to ensure our work is successfully communicated across relevant channels to reach decision-makers and those with the ability to influence our goals. This work is critical to the success of our policy campaigns. The Director also supports program staff in their role as public communicators for the Alliance. This includes identifying and creating press-worthy stories and narratives from Alliance program work, ensuring the quality of public-facing products such as reports and presentations, and preparing staff for media interviews and for other public speaking engagements. The Director has a solid understanding of the Alliance’s programs, can speak with authority and clarity on our issues, and can field and direct media requests related to basic program work. The Director will also provide strategic support to Alliance partners in need of media relations capacity while working on shared goals. They work closely with the staff team that advances Alliance brand awareness and constituent engagement, which uses our media campaign materials and content to support outreach and storytelling to all of our supporters. The Director manages relationships with local, state, regional and national media outlets. The Director works as part of a team of senior program staff leaders across the Alliance’s issue areas. 

The Director will start work from a position of strength. Our staff of 26 and 18-member Board of Directors include some of the country’s leading Great Lakes advocates, experts and communicators. Our organization has a well-regarded record of recent and historic successes dating to 1970. The Alliance’s capacity stands tall among state and regional environmental advocacy organizations across the country, with more than $10 million in assets of which more than 70% is unrestricted. The Alliance is growing toward an operating budget of $5 million by the end of 2024. 

The long-term Development goals of the Alliance are: 

By the end of 2024: 

  • Develop narratives for each of our programs that can be used along with specific pitches for media. 
  • Ensure communications strategies are built into all appropriate campaigns under the new strategic plan. 
  • Establish the Alliance as a leading voice for the Great Lakes with media across the Great Lakes region. 

Within five years: 

  • The Alliance’s work and related issues are getting regular national coverage due to our media campaigns in ways that resonate with decision makers. 
  • Key partner and constituent voices and stories are regularly woven into all relevant program campaigns. 

A typical week for the Director might begin by helping staff chart out a communications strategy for a new report we are releasing. Staff are hoping we can get supportive endorsements from elected officials and a business partner prior to release. Later you field a call from an Ohio reporter who wants to talk about the harmful algal bloom in Lake Erie. They are new to the beat and need some extensive background before working on their first story. The next day you set up a public radio interview for one of our Michigan staff. You work with staff to develop talking points and ensure they are prepared to answer tough questions. Concurrently, you also are working with other staff to help prepare a PowerPoint presentation highlighting our policy work to Congressional staff. You review the most recent quarter’s metrics and prepare a brief to present to the Leadership Team the following week. 

Responsibilities 

Strategy 

The Director leads the media strategy that supports the Alliance’s current strategic plan and positions the organization for its next phase of growth.  

  • Develop and implement strategic communications and media plans for the Alliance to forward its programmatic, policy and advocacy goals. 
  • Identify, translate and synthesize technical and policy information to tell compelling stories to the media, influencers and decision makers. 
  • Manage external media relations and outreach. This includes the development and distribution of media pitches, press releases, op-eds, briefings, talking points, and messaging, while also responding to incoming media queries.  
  • Serve as a spokesperson for the Alliance with the media 
  • Contribute to the development of communications strategies for major Alliance announcements, priorities, and events. This includes the creation of strategy documents, spokesperson messages, written materials, pitch letters, etc. that elevate the thought leadership of the Alliance, its staff and its Board of Directors. 
  • Monitor and share daily news clips with staff to identify emerging trends, track favorable and unfavorable coverage of our issues and other Great Lakes issues, and identify key reporters. 
  • Oversee management and growth of media lists and database.  
  • Advance the Alliance’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles in alignment with department and organization goals 

Relationships 

The Director is the primary connector between the Alliance’s programs and those with the ability to reach audiences that advance our advocacy. 

  • Develop relationships with top-tier national, regional, and policy news outlets across all relevant media channels (including print, broadcast, and online). 
  • Support media training sessions for Alliance spokespeople, including the development of messaging and guidance for media opportunities and interviews. 
  • Work closely with the COO and other members of the Management Team on media campaigns, storytelling and message development.  
  • Collaborate with Development and Marketing staff on messaging to our donor, volunteer and advocacy constituents. 
  • Identify opportunities to elevate partner organizations and support collaborative media outreach efforts. 
  • Help develop content for Alliance staff speaking at conferences and events. 
  • Contribute to Alliance publications and website such as through reports and newsletters.  
  • Represent the Alliance at meetings and conferences as appropriate. 
  • Align all constituent communications with our organizational brand and values 
  • Create a culture of listening and responsiveness to constituent and supporter voices 

Accountability 

The Director has primary responsibility for setting and reporting on the key performance indicators that demonstrate progress toward our media campaign goals. 

  • Set metrics and KPIs for successful implementation of the media strategy and relevant annual targets, including the impact of Alliance press coverage 
  • Consistently ensures all team members are appropriately informed on statuses of relevant work. 
  • Identify key opportunities to align and collaborate on Alliance marketing communications and implement strategies to achieve both programmatic and marketing goals. 
  • Report regularly to Leadership staff 
  • Identify and recommend timely strategic and tactical changes to address shortfalls and missed opportunities 

Management 

The Director is responsible for the attentive management of media strategy workplans and budgets. 

  • Create and track the annual budget and workplan 
  • Ensure productive management and utilization of vendor services.  
  • Mentor and coach staff to effectively represent the Alliance in support of their work’s media strategy 
  • Illustrate the impact of our media efforts to staff. 

_________________________________________________________________ 

Knowledge/Skills  

  • Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of experience at increasing levels of responsibility 
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills   
  • Demonstrated experience working across internal program teams and with specific program staff to develop and implement strategic communications and media plans that advance advocacy campaigns   
  • Demonstrated experience identifying, translating and synthesizing technical and policy information to tell compelling stories to the media, influencers and decision makers, and supporting external partners to tell these stories to the media and other audiences  
  • Experience managing external media relations and outreach. This includes the development and distribution of media pitches, press releases, talking points, and messaging, while also responding to incoming media queries.   
  • Relationships with top-tier national, regional, and policy news outlets across all relevant media channels (including print, broadcast, and online)    
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range or partners on media strategy and delivery   
  • Experience developing content for speakers at conferences and events 
  • Prior demonstrated success at managing multiple projects covering a broad range of issues 
  • Ability to approach challenges with an optimistic attitude and work with team members to resolve them. 
  • Can comfortably and candidly assess strengths and weaknesses in their work.  
  • Eagerness to work at both the “nuts and bolts” and strategic levels to help advance our policy work.  
  • Passion for mission-driven public interest work related to clean water, climate adaptation, the Great Lakes, and the role of water in community and regional resilience and revitalization.  
  • Unwavering commitment to diversity, justice, equity and inclusion.  
  • Collaborative, collegial, with a good sense of humor and ability to adapt to diverse work styles; adept at working in teams and independently in both virtual and in-person settings. 

Job Parameters 

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. Salary range begins at $100,000 with starting salary determined commensurate with experience. 
  • Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO, and Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary, eligible after 30 days. 
  • This is a remote position for candidates living in a Great Lakes state or in Washington, D.C., with occasional travel required. If located in Chicago, an office is available downtown for use.  

Application Process 

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references, and writing or work sample that demonstrates relevant qualifications to: hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries, please. 

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes 

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.  

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters. 

The missionof the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.   

To achieve our vision and mission, everyone in our organization will live our values of Community, Relationships, Courage, Integrity and Optimism, and weave the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into all our work. Each value and principle is backed by measurable goals and expectations for our Board of Directors and staff. 

The post Media Director appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/07/media-director/

Michelle Farley

Summary

Title: Senior Agriculture Policy Manager 

Status: Full-time, Exempt  

Location: Ohio preferred  

Role: The Senior Agriculture Policy Manager (Manager) plans and executes policy analysis, advocacy, and project implementation under the Agriculture & Water Restoration sections of the Alliance’s strategy. 

Structure: The Manager reports to the Agriculture & Restoration Policy Director and works with other program, fundraising, and communications staff.  

Compensation and Benefits: Salary range starts at $75,000. Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30, 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO; Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary.  

Work Environment: Remote; occasional travel required. 

Overview

The Senior Agriculture Policy Manager (Manager) plans and executes policy analysis, advocacy, and project implementation under the Agriculture & Water Restoration sections of the Alliance’s strategy. The Manager implements work across the Basin – with a particular emphasis in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin – to achieve the Alliance’s agriculture and water goals. They are the lead liaison to state and local decision-makers, project partners, and stakeholders in Ohio and will grow and nurture similar relationships in other Alliance focus states. The Manager maintains a working knowledge of Ohio agriculture and source water programs and policies as they affect the Great Lakes and uses that knowledge to recommend new opportunities within the Alliance’s programs. The Manager ensures timely and high-quality execution of relevant Alliance strategic plan deliverables and partners with a variety of other staff members to support internal work planning, external communications, and grant proposals and reports. 

A typical day at the Alliance is often self-directed and is based on balancing immediate tasks – tracking the status of a relevant bill in the Ohio Legislature– and longer-term projects within the Agriculture and Restoration Program, like quantifying the costs to meet water quality targets in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. These short-term and longer-ranging projects and tasks are developed in close coordination with the Director based on the goals under the Alliance’s strategic plan, but the Manager is afforded the flexibility and autonomy to develop their own approach to advance these goals on a day-to-day basis. Our policy work is highly collaborative, and the Manager should feel comfortable engaging – independently – with legislative offices and agency staff as well as facilitating meetings with stakeholders and partners on a regular basis. 

Responsibilities

Planning & Policy 

  • Work in collaboration with the Agriculture and Restoration Policy Director (Director), to assist with the implementation of policy, governance, and funding mechanisms to support the reduction of agricultural pollution across the Great Lakes region.   
  • Manage relationships with the state of Ohio Administration, lawmakers, and regulatory agencies. Including tracking relevant legislation and administrative programs. 
  • Track the implementation of the Maumee River (OH) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and the overall changes in water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin. 
  • Identify emerging issues and programmatic reform opportunities to improve surface and groundwater quality in Ohio and Michigan 
  • In coordination with the Director, assist in advancing policy and advocacy efforts in Ohio and Michigan with an emphasis on the Western Lake Erie Basin.  
  • Identify trends in mission areas, create fundable concepts and leverage work and ideas for increased organizational impact related to agricultural pollution reduction. 

Outreach 

  • Build issue-focused networks of key stakeholders with a focus in Ohio. 
  • Be a leadership voice for the Alliance and for the Great Lakes in Ohio and across the region. 
  • Create and conduct external outreach opportunities, such as public speaking, conferences, and presentations. 
  • Serve as an Alliance liaison to the Ohio environmental community, identifying advocacy and partnership opportunities and engaging other Alliance staff as appropriate. 
  • Work with Communications and Engagement team to determine and take advantage of opportunities to communicate to the media and Alliance supporters about the Alliance’s work in the Basin. 

Administrative 

  • Create and keep current Alliance case statement supporting engagement in Ohio. 
  • Assist in the development of short- and long-term work plans for Ohio and Michigan  
  • Create opportunities to add strategic capacity to Alliance work through affiliate programs, fellowships, and staff recruitment when possible. 
  • Contribute content to grant proposals and reports 

Knowledge/Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree, graduate degree preferred, with at least seven years of increasingly responsible professional experience in managing natural resource stewardship, environmental organizing and coalition building, community-based planning or similar field. 
  • Specific knowledge on state and federal agricultural and water quality policies and programs. 
  • Familiarity with the process of policy development and advocacy, as well as addressing the barriers and opportunities for policy implementation to be successful.    
  • Established network and relationship portfolio including stakeholders, experts, influencers, and decision-makers in Ohio and around the Great Lakes region 
  • Excellent diplomacy skills – the ability to read and respond productively to the needs of different stakeholders at any time is essential. 
  • Unwavering commitment to diversity, justice, equity and inclusion. Adhere to and exemplify these principles in addition to our values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, and optimism.  
  • Ability to communicate a working knowledge of Great Lakes issues with confidence to diverse audiences. 
  • Excellent listening, writing, and speaking skills. Must be able to speak publicly in a clear, compelling, and engaging manner. 
  • Able to identify and engage target constituencies that are most likely to have an affinity for the Great Lakes and motivate them to act on that affinity.  
  • Desire and ability to both lead and work as part of a staff team located in different offices with varying types of expertise and priorities. 
  • Ability to pivot strategies and tactics to an ever-changing policy landscape 

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy.  Salary range starts at $75,000 annually. 
  • Benefits include medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook). Employees start with 3 weeks vacation annually + PTO; Fidelity 401(k) with a match of up to 6% of salary after one month of employment. 
  • The Manager position can be based in any of the Great Lakes states, but a preference is given to those candidates based within the state of Ohio. 

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume and references to: 

hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line. 

Applications will be accepted until (Date) or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries, please. 

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors. 

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters. 

  

The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities by building the research, analysis, and partnerships that motivate action and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.   

To achieve our vision and mission, everyone in our organization will live our values of Community, Relationships, Courage, Integrity, and Optimism and weave the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into all our work. Each value and principle is backed by measurable goals and expectations for our Board of Directors and staff.  

 For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org

The post Senior Agriculture Policy Manager  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/05/senior-agriculture-policy-manager/

Michelle Farley

Note: This blog is part of a periodic series of updates from Don Jodrey, the Alliance’s Director of Federal Government Relations, with his view on Great Lakes policy from Washington, DC.

Donald Jodrey headshot.
Don Jodrey, Director of Federal Government Relations

Early this year, we published our list of federal priorities for 2023, and chief among them was the need to increase funding for water infrastructure. We believe that clean water is a basic need.  No one should be without clean, safe, affordable drinking water or worried about sewage back-ups in their homes or community flooding that damages property. With communities across the Great Lakes grappling with antiquated drinking water and sewer systems, we have called on Congress to more than double current annual levels of funding for both the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds from $2.5 billion to $8.7 billion, which is the authorized level of funding for those programs that Congress established in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. 

New data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) shows the urgent need for water infrastructure funding. The agency just released its 7th Drinking Water Information Needs Survey and Assessment (DWINSA), which estimates that there is a $625 billion backlog in drinking water systems nationwide. Based upon more than 3,500 individual survey responses from public drinking water systems around the country, the 7th DWINSA represents drinking water infrastructure projects that are necessary over the next 20 years for public water systems to be able to provide safe drinking water to the public. For the first time, information on lead service line needs is included, and it is worth noting that the backlog represents a 32% increase since the last survey was completed about five years ago.

Given that water infrastructure needs are growing, it is gratifying to see that some Members of Congress are taking up the charge. One of our newest Great Lakes members, first-term Representative Emilia Sykes from Ohio’s 13th congressional district, is leading the way.  Representative Sykes, along with Representative Grace Napolitano from California’s 31st congressional district, both recently submitted a letter to the House Appropriations Committee signed by 31 other members of Congress calling for increased funding for water infrastructure.  Representatives Sykes and Napolitano, both members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, noted the importance that access to clean water has for both public health and economic benefits and requested increased funding for both the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Municipal Grant Program, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, and numerous other smaller programs that support water infrastructure workforce development and environmental justice.  We appreciate their leadership and know that increasing federal appropriations for water infrastructure will be a tough sell this year in Congress, but given the unrelenting need, it is an issue that deserves our continued attention.  

 

Protect the Great Lakes & Our Communities

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Visit our Action Center and learn how you can take action.

Take Action

The post DC Update: House water champions emerge amidst rising national backlog of water infrastructure projects appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/04/dc-update-house-water-champions-emerge-amidst-rising-national-backlog-of-water-infrastructure-projects/

Michelle Farley

This week marks national volunteer appreciation week, and on this Lakes Chat episode, we’re chatting about volunteering to help the Great Lakes.

Guests included:

Olivia Reda – the Alliance for the Great Lakes Volunteer Engagement Manager.

Eileen Ryan is a long-time Alliance Ambassador and an Adopt-a-Beach volunteer.

Novem Cheng, a volunteer with the Alliance Ambassador and Adopt-a-Beach programs.

Resources:

Become an Adopt-a-Beach™ Team Leader – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Adopt-a-Beach™ – Alliance for the Great Lakes


Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Celebration of National Volunteer Week: Adopt-a-Beach Volunteers Season 2, Episode 15 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/04/celebration-of-national-volunteer-week-adopt-a-beach-volunteers-season-2-episode-15/

Michelle Farley

Andrea Densham is a Senior Strategic Advisor to the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Resources: Take Action


Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Plastic Pollution Season 2, Episode 14 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/04/plastic-pollution-season-2-episode-14/

Michelle Farley

Note: This blog is part of a periodic series of updates from Don Jodrey, the Alliance’s Director of Federal Government Relations, with his view on Great Lakes policy from Washington, DC.

Donald Jodrey headshot.
Don Jodrey, Director of Federal Government Relations

The first week of March was a busy time in Washington, DC, as Great Lakes advocates from around the region, including the Alliance, gathered for the annual “Great Lakes Days” to lobby Congress for funding and laws to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The event, organized by the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes coalition, brought hundreds of Great Lakes advocates to Washington, DC, to meet with Members of Congress.

The Alliance was tapped to lead the Illinois delegation and brought together allies from several Illinois-based organizations, including Friends of the Chicago River, the Illinois Environmental Council, and Stantec. Our group met with over 10 Illinois congressional offices on March 9 to discuss Great Lakes policy priorities.  Overall, we believe we had a productive and frank dialogue, especially noting the difficulty of achieving some of our funding and legislative priorities this year with a divided Congress.

We couldn’t have timed our advocacy better as the White House released the FY 2024 President’s Budget the same day of our congressional visits.  While we did not see the increases we had hoped for in all of the programs targeting the Great Lakes, the budget does have some good news. We appreciate that the Administration proposed a $1.9 billion (19%) increase for US EPA’s budget, with the majority of these funds targeting programs supporting water infrastructure improvements for rural and underserved communities. In addition, US EPA’s budget includes increases for programs that reduce lead in schools and support actions to address PFAS, including EPA’s first-ever draft rule to regulate PFAS in drinking water.

The budget debate now moves to Congress, and it is going to be contentious as House Republicans are determined to reduce federal spending. Overall, House Republicans have vowed to cut federal non-defense programs back to FY 2022 levels or lower. With the Senate in Democratic hands, it is unclear how top-line spending policy will ultimately be worked out, but we will continue to advocate for programs that protect our water resources.

In addition to the release of the President’s Budget, the House considered and passed a Congressional Review Act resolution to disapprove the Biden Administration’s recently released “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) Clean Water Act rule that sets forth protections for the nation’s lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. We supported the development of the “Waters of the United States” rule and opposed the congressional resolution to disapprove the rule as the rule provides important Clean Water Act protections to the region’s water resources. The Senate is anticipated to take up the resolution soon, although the final vote is unclear, and the Biden Administration is expected to veto the resolution if it passes. 

With all of these events occurring during Great Lakes Days, it gave us a great opportunity to talk about our federal priorities to our congressional representatives and to build a foundation upon which to continue the dialogue as we move forward in the legislative process.  We will keep you informed of how developments in Washington, DC, this year and appreciate your support for programs that protect and restore the Great Lakes.

Protect the Great Lakes & Our Communities

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Visit our Action Center and learn how you can take action.

Take Action

The post DC Update: Great Lakes Advocates Head to Washington, President’s Budget Released appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/03/dc-update-great-lakes-advocates-head-to-washington-presidents-budget-released/

Michelle Farley

James Kessler is a scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. His educational background comprises an engineering degree in Earth Systems Science and a Master’s of Science from the University of Michigan. He has dedicated his research efforts to understanding the intricate physical processes of large lakes and creating numerical models of ice and hydrodynamics.

Resources:

Great Lakes Products

Great Lakes Ice Cover


Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Great Lakes Ice Cover Season 2, Episode 26 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/03/great-lakes-ice-cover-season-2-episode-26/

Michelle Farley

Summary

Title: Vice President of Development  

Status: Full-time, Exempt  

Location: Chicago preferred  

Role: The Vice President of Development (VPD) will lead our strategic fundraising growth and donor relations efforts for the next five years and beyond. The VPD establishes and leads implementation of long-range fundraising strategy and will be a key advisor informing future organizational strategy.  

Structure: The VPD reports to the President & CEO, manages the Development Team, and works closely with other senior staff leaders. They serve as liaison to our Board of Directors Vice-Chair for Development.  

Compensation and Benefits: Starting range is $120,000-140,000, commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO; Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary.  

Work Environment: Flexible hybrid in-person downtown Chicago office and remote TBD; travel required.  

Overview

The Alliance for the Great Lakes seeks its next Vice President of Development (VPD) to lead our strategic fundraising growth and donor relations efforts for the next five years and beyond. The VPD establishes and leads implementation of the organization’s long-range fundraising strategy to support organizational growth during and beyond the current strategic plan. They will be a key advisor informing the Alliance’s next program strategy. They lead the Alliance’s effort to connect donors and resources to our strategy and organization and ensure that Alliance leaders are positioned to create opportunities for revenue growth. They build the networks, narratives and opportunities that energize and engage the Alliance’s individual donors, family foundations, and business partners.  

The VPD is part of the organizational Leadership Team. They work closely with the Finance and Operations Team, which leads on revenue & expense accounting, grant budgeting, Salesforce administration and reporting, and project management. The VPD also works collaboratively with the VP of Communication and Engagement and their team, which markets the Alliance’s lower-dollar donor program. They partner with the COO on management of foundation grant fundraising, which requires extensive collaboration with program staff.  

The VPD manages the Development Team, comprising the Foundation & Corporate Giving Manager, Individual Giving Manager and Development Associate. The team is responsible for day-to-day execution of institutional, family, and mid- to high-level individual fundraising. They are accountable for delivery of annual and multiyear revenue objectives, and for achieving growth and retention targets.  

The VPD will start work from a position of strength. Our staff of 26 and 18-member Board of Directors include some of the country’s leading Great Lakes advocates, experts and communicators. Our organization has a well-regarded record of recent and historic successes dating to 1970. The Alliance’s capacity stands tall among state and regional environmental advocacy organizations across the country, with more than $10 million in assets of which more than 70% is unrestricted. We draw more than $1 million in support from individual and family donors each year. Combined with a sterling reputation among private foundations and businesses, the Alliance generates more than $4 million in revenue annually from a diverse base of donors. 

The long-term goals of this position are: 

By the end of 2024, the Alliance can raise $5MM+ in annual sustainable revenue. 

Within five years, the Alliance is sustaining sufficient annual sustainable revenue to support completion of our 2025 strategic plan, with a likely target of at least $7MM, with most growth coming from individuals, families and businesses. 

A typical week for the VPD might begin with a round of donor follow-ups to secure meetings. After that, you meet with the CEO and Board Vice-Chair for Development to outline needs for a Board fundraising strategy planning session happening next month. Tuesday is major donor meeting day and you’ve been able to secure two appointments in the same day in the Chicago suburbs, but they are far apart so you are on the road and chatting with our supporters. Wednesday kicks off in the office with a full team meeting to confirm highest priorities for the next week. Later that day, you have individual check-ins with each of your staff. Last week at an event you attended, a current Alliance donor offered to meet to discuss a potential new six-figure gift, so Thursday you work with the CEO to decide how to frame the next conversation. Friday, one of your team members brings over marketing content from the Communications and Engagement team to figure out how to use it to reach our higher-level donors. You update changes in Salesforce for the week and get yourself ready to start follow ups again on Monday. 

Responsibilities

Strategy 

The VPD creates and leads the development strategy that supports the Alliance’s current strategic plan and positions the organization for its next phase of growth.    

  • Create a fundraising strategy and action plan aligned to and integrated with the organization’s current objectives and long-term vision  
  • Design program narratives, descriptions of needs, and success stories in ways that engage and excite the donors with the ability to grow the Alliance’s revenue  
  • Set the annual revenue objectives with Alliance leadership, and design the tactical plans that will ensure progress toward the fundraising strategy goal  
  • Create and lead an intentional moves management strategy that reflects a multi-year pipeline of donor upgrades, growth and retention  
  • Provide guidance and recommendations on future organizational strategy in collaboration with the CEO and board leaders   
  • Advance the Alliance’s diversity, equity, inclusion and justice principles in alignment with development goals. 

Relationships 

The VPD is the primary connector between the Alliance’s programs and those with the ability to support our work. 

  • Maintain and grow a portfolio of primary donor relationships that provide a substantial annual foundation for the Alliance’s work 
  • Lead creation of communications that energize and engage mid- and high-level individual, family and business donors 
  • Activate the President & CEO, board members and other Alliance leaders on external donor relations, public relations and influence building, and specific gift ask opportunities 
  • Design points of engagement throughout the year and across the region between mid-to-high level individual, family, foundation and business donors and the Alliance board and staff  
  • Use convening and events to build and nurture relationships and philanthropic influence 
  • Advise on creation of digital and print materials to ensure fundraising relevance of Alliance image and brand  

Accountability 

The VPD has primary responsibility for setting and reporting on the key performance indicators that demonstrate progress toward fundraising strategy goals. 

  • Set metrics and KPIs for successful implementation of the fundraising strategy and relevant annual targets. 
  • Partner with the Finance and Operations team to ensure revenue and donor data captured in Salesforce supports robust and transparent analysis of progress 
  • Report regularly to Leadership staff and Board of Directors 
  • Identify and recommend timely strategic and tactical changes to address shortfalls and missed opportunities. 

Management 

The VPD leads and supervises a team of staff and administers the Development department.  

  • Manage development staff charged with tactical implementation of annual fundraising plans for mid- and high-level individual and family donors, institutional foundations, and businesses. 
  • Create and track annual budget and workplan for department 
  • Evaluate staff performance comprehensively, including for progress toward annual objectives and fulfillment of organizational values  
  • Mentor and coach staff to listen to and partner with program staff to advance the fundraising strategy 
  • Manage fundraising engagement of the Board of Directors through the Development Committee in partnership with the Vice-Chair for Development 
  • Illustrate the impact of philanthropy to our full staff 
  • Nurture, grow and develop a passionate, inspired and accountable staff team aligned to the Alliance’s values and principles

Knowledge/Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience in fundraising at increasing levels of responsibility, with a preference for a focus in major individual, family and corporate giving 
  • Demonstrated success building and implementing multiyear fundraising strategy to grow a portfolio of mid and high level ($1000 – $100K+) individual/family and corporate/business ($25K – $100K+) gifts 
  • Track record of building trusted relationships with individual donors, with intuitive ability to understand and communicate organizational programs, priorities and motivations 
  • Demonstrated skill at crafting narratives and stories that amplify organizational success and create compelling cases for future giving 
  • Expert ability to develop donor pipelines, and establish KPIs that inform efficient and smart tactical fundraising choices 
  • Keen understanding of real-world fundraising environment, with demonstrated ability to adapt both to immediate external disruptions and  long-term trends 
  • Staff supervision experience 
  • Actively engaged in professional development and ongoing learning networks within philanthropy sector 
  • Familiarity and comfort with policy advocacy as a primary organizational mission 
  • Strong network and relationship portfolio in one or more of the Alliance’s priority revenue growth streams including mid-level individual, major individual/family, and corporate donors 
  • Strong networks within the philanthropic community, especially in Chicago. Access to other networks in the Great Lakes region desired, particularly in northern Ohio, Michigan, and eastern Wisconsin 
  • Innate sense of diplomacy, tact and poise around all kinds of people 
  • Experience diversifying an individual donor base, with a priority of building relationships with donors across generational, geographic and cultural boundaries 
  • Experience coordinating with mass marketing acquisition and stewardship that drives small donor giving and generates new leads 
  • Experience motivating members of a board of directors to engage on fundraising strategy and relationship building 
  • Unwavering commitment to building, managing and mentoring inclusive teams that cut across diversities of race, gender, culture, socioeconomic class, and geography. 
  • Commitment to and passion for mission-driven public interest work related to the Great Lakes, clean water, climate adaptation, and the role of water in community and regional resilience and revitalization.  
  • Commitment to Alliance values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, and optimism  
  • Collaborative, collegial, with a good sense of humor and ability to adapt to diverse work styles; adept at working in teams and independently in both virtual and in-person settings. 
  • Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software 
  • Familiarity with Salesforce and commitment to using the system as the Alliance’s repository of all donor data and relational knowledge 

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy.  The starting salary range is $120,000-140,000 commensurate with experience. 
  • Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation to start + PTO; and Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary, eligible after 30 days. 
  • The preference is for the VPD to be in the Chicago/southern Lake Michigan area due to proximity of donor base and staff team. Open to discussion of location with qualified candidates. Travel within the Lake Michigan region is required, with occasional travel elsewhere in the Great Lakes region. 

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: 

hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please. 

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.  

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters. 

The missionof the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.   

To achieve our vision and mission, everyone in our organization will live our values of Community, Relationships, Courage, Integrity and Optimism, and weave the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into all our work. Each value and principle is backed by measurable goals and expectations for our Board of Directors and staff.  

The post Vice President of Development  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/03/vice-president-of-development/

Michelle Farley

As the Alliance’s Agricultural & Restoration Policy Director, Tom leads work in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio to achieve the Alliance’s agriculture and water goals and implements regional restoration initiatives. In addition, he serves as a convener, organizer, and relationship builder at all levels of government and stakeholders, emphasizing state-level agriculture water policy.

Resources:

Bold Action Needed to Meaningfully Reduce Algal Blooms in Western Lake Erie


Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post The Cost to Meet Water Quality Goals in the Western Basin of Lake Erie Season 2, Episode 12 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/03/the-cost-to-meet-water-quality-goals-in-the-western-basin-of-lake-erie-season-2-episode-12/

Michelle Farley

Speakers include Alliance for the Great Lakes policy experts:
Joel Brammeier, President & CEO
Crystal M.C. Davis, Vice President for Policy and Strategic Engagement
Don Jodrey, Director of Federal Relations
Jennifer Caddick, Vice President, Communications & Engagement (Moderator)

Resources:

Top 5 Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities for 2023 – Alliance for the Great Lakes


Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Ask Us Anything! Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities Q&A (Webinar) Season 2, Episode 11 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/02/ask-us-anything-great-lakes-federal-policy-priorities-qa-webinar-season-2-episode-11/

Michelle Farley

Summary

We seek a highly motivated individual to support the Alliance’s volunteer programs, which involve thousands of people each year across all five Great Lakes. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, a collaborator who is comfortable connecting with different types of people, and an energetic motivator with a passion for helping others make a positive change in the world. 

The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (the Coordinator) is on the front lines of supporting and engaging volunteers across the Great Lakes region. They will support the Adopt-a-Beach program, which includes the Alliance’s flagship volunteer program that involves about 9,000 volunteers per year on all five Great Lakes and all eight Great Lakes states, and the Ambassador program, a growing “speakers bureau”-type program that currently involves about 100 volunteers per year.  

The Coordinator will provide day-to-day logistical support to the Adopt-a-Beach and Ambassador programs, including managing program data and reports, sending program supplies, and event planning and coordination. They will be a key resource for new and returning Adopt-a-Beach volunteers throughout the year, working with volunteers both one-on-one and in group settings to ensure they have the information and tools necessary to host successful events. They will represent the Alliance at cleanups and other community events, expanding the Alliance’s presence in the communities in which we work, with a special emphasis on program expansion and new volunteer recruitment. Additionally, they will support program evaluation and annual program planning. 

The Coordinator reports to the Volunteer Engagement Manager and is a member of the Communications and Engagement Team.

Responsibilities

The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator works on two distinct volunteer programs – Adopt-a-Beach and Alliance Ambassadors – in the below capacities. 

Logistics 

  • Provide logistical support to the Adopt-a-Beach program including data entry and reporting; managing and shipping supplies; assisting with program and communications development; and supporting trainings and volunteer appreciation events 
  • Assist with implementation of Adopt-a-Beach business partnership program by supporting the coordination of sponsored cleanup events  
  • Provide logistical support of Alliance Ambassador attendance at community events  
  • Assist with internal tracking of volunteer actions and program participation 
  • Support expansion and maintenance of the Adopt-a-Beach website, helping to test new features and to troubleshoot issues encountered by volunteers 

Communication and Training 

  • Coordinate and support volunteers in executing Adopt-a-Beach events throughout the year by answering questions and providing technical assistance to current and prospective volunteers (includes managing the Adopt-a-Beach email inbox) 
  • Support in-person and online trainings for Adopt-a-Beach volunteers and Alliance Ambassadors 
  • Assist with virtual and in-person monthly engagement activities for Alliance Ambassadors  
  • Field inquiries from potential volunteers and connect them to the most appropriate volunteer program 
  • Conduct onboarding, recruitment, and retention activities for Alliance Ambassadors 

Outreach 

  • Attend and lead Adopt-a-Beach events, primarily in southern Lake Michigan communities, but occasionally elsewhere throughout the Great Lakes region 
  • Support volunteer recruitment efforts through direct outreach to new and returning volunteers, attending community events, tabling, giving presentations, etc.  
  • Occasionally attend community events to assist or fill in for Alliance Ambassadors 
  • Assist with the planning and hosting of other events, student interviews, or presentations as needed 

Evaluation and Strategy 

  • Assist with the creation, delivery and analysis of regular program evaluations and reflections 
  • Collaborate with other Communications and Engagement staff to ensure volunteer program objectives are met or exceeded 
  • Confer with Volunteer Engagement Manager throughout annual program and strategic planning processes to shape goals, outcomes, and recruitment strategies 

Knowledge/Skills

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in social sciences, environmental sciences, or communications preferred. 
  • One to three years of experience in volunteer coordination and training, community outreach, or developing stakeholder partnerships in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. 
  • Experience motivating and working persuasively with a wide variety of stakeholders of all ages and backgrounds. 
  • Ability to manage volunteers with a positive and nurturing attitude to produce measurable results. 
  • Excellent listening, writing, and speaking skills. Must be able to speak publicly in a clear, compelling, and engaging manner.  
  • Ability to translate complex issues to diverse lay audiences and inspire passion and excitement in volunteers.   
  • Spanish-speaking and writing skills desirable. 
  • Attraction to mission-driven public interest work. Knowledge and proficiency in Great Lakes, water or environmental water issues desirable. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite. 
  • Data entry and/or database management skills desirable; Experience with Salesforce a plus.  
  • Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
  • Adhere to and exemplify the Alliance for the Great Lakes values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, optimism and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our work

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy.  The salary range is between $42,000-$47,000 to be commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent benefits include health insurance, Paid Time Off, FSA, 401k enrollment after 30-days and much more.
  • This position is based in the greater Chicagoland region. Applicants must be able to work from, access supplies, and host meetings at the Alliance’s downtown Chicago office, on average once a week (or more frequently if preferred).  

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org.

Include job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2023 – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

AGL Operating Principles and Core Values Statement

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities by building the research, analysis, and partnerships that motivate action and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes. 

For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.

The post Volunteer Engagement Coordinator appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/02/volunteer-engagement-coordinator/

Michelle Farley

Harmful algal blooms plague western Lake Erie each summer, threatening drinking water supplies, recreation, and the regional economy. Nutrient pollution, specifically phosphorous, flowing off agricultural lands is the largest unchecked source of pollution driving these massive algal blooms.

In 2015, the Governors of Ohio and Michigan and the Premier of Ontario committed to reducing phosphorus inputs to Lake Erie by 40% by 2025. Interim targets set for 2020 were not met. Data consistently shows that it is unlikely the 2025 goal will be met.

On February 14, 2023, the Alliance for the Great Lakes and Ohio Environmental Council released a new study – The Cost to Meet Water Quality Goals in the Western Basin of Lake Erie .

Project partners examined the additional agricultural conservation practices needed and associated costs for Michigan and Ohio to implement them in the Western Basin of Lake Erie to meet water quality goals.

The study found:

  • Current investments in Ohio and Michigan aimed at reducing phosphorous runoff from agricultural lands are woefully inadequate.
  • If funding and conservation practice adoption continue as they currently are, the study found that there is no pathway for Michigan and Ohio to meet the 40% nonpoint source phosphorus reduction goal.
  • Meeting the 40% phosphorus reduction goal is possible. But it will require significant, sustained additional funding, by several orders of magnitude annually, along with major increases in conservation practice adoption, also by orders of magnitude annually, and in some cases shifting the types of conservation practices.

Bold action is needed to meaningfully reduce western Lake Erie’s harmful algal bloom problem that threatens our drinking water, recreation, and regional economy.

If Ohio, Michigan, and the federal government are truly committed to protecting the health of our communities and the lake, elected leaders and agency officials must recognize the scale of the problem and what it will take to solve it.

The study highlights shortcomings in current practices and funding and provides insights into what is needed in Michigan and Ohio to reduce phosphorus inputs to Lake Erie by 40%.

Major shifts needed in the types of conservation practices utilized

Annual, in-field conservation practices are not sufficient to meet water quality objectives – even when implemented on 100% of agricultural acres in the western Lake Erie basin. The study suggests that annual in-field practices, such as cover crops, no-till, and crop rotation, cannot be scaled sufficiently to meet the water quality goals of the western basin.

Changes are needed in the types of conservation practices funded as part of this effort. State and federal agencies must invest sustainably in edge-of-field structural practices like constructed wetlands and two-stage ditches to meet water quality goals in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. These practices deliver more consistent phosphorus reductions year-over-year and are not easily abandoned like annual in-field practices.

The study finds that Michigan and Ohio will need to increase the number of acres using annual in-field and edge-of-field structural conservation practices to meet water quality goals. In-field practices like cover crops and crop rotation will need to be increased by up to 8 times. Edge-of-field structural practices, such as wetlands and two-stage ditches, will need to be increased by up to as much as 25 times current levels.

Significant, sustained new investments needed

The study found that state and federal agencies currently are underinvesting by several orders of magnitude. Michigan will need to increase funding by $40-65 million over current spending, a more than six-fold annual increase from current levels. Ohio will need to roughly double current annual funding levels by $170-250 million over current spending.

Funding should be prioritized for practices that make quantifiable, meaningful reductions in phosphorus flowing off agricultural lands. For instance, the H2Ohio program, initiated by Governor DeWine in 2019, has significantly invested in solutions to phosphorus nutrient pollution. H2Ohio dollars have funded wetland construction and incentivized in-field practices. But to truly implement these practices at the scale needed to make meaningful phosphorus reductions, programs like H2Ohio will need to be funded at much higher levels and, over the long term, beyond the biennial budget cycle.

Elected leaders and agency officials must acknowledge the scale of the problem, appropriate adequate funding, and develop strong plans for meeting nonpoint source phosphorus reductions.

For more information, download the full report and fact sheet.

The study, led by Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Ohio Environmental Council, with technical support from LimnoTech and Delta Institute, used readily available, peer-reviewed information, data, and literature to create modeling scenarios.

The project team designed a process to estimate needed agricultural conservation practices in the western basin of Lake Erie and the associated costs for both Michigan and Ohio to implement these needed practices.

Protect the Great Lakes & Our Communities

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Visit our Action Center and learn how you can take action.

Take Action

The post Bold Action Needed to Meaningfully Reduce Algal Blooms in Western Lake Erie appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/02/bold-action-needed-to-meaningfully-reduce-algal-blooms-in-western-lake-erie/

Michelle Farley

As the Director of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C., Don Jodrey represents the Alliance and its federal priorities while building upon and maintaining its relationships with members of Congress, their staff, and federal agencies.

Resources:

Top 5 Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities for 2023 – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Webinar Registration – Great Lakes Priorities in Washington, DC – Ask Us Anything!


Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Top 5 Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities for 2023 Season 2, Episode 10 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/02/top-5-great-lakes-federal-policy-priorities-for-2023-season-2-episode-10/

Michelle Farley

As Alliance for the Great Lakes president and CEO, Joel Brammeier oversees all aspects of the organization, leads a team of professionals across five locations, along with a base of more than 15,000 volunteers around the region dedicated to protecting clean water and building a sustainable future for the Great Lakes. Since joining the Alliance in 2001, Joel has become a leading voice on invasive species and water protection issues across the Great Lakes region. He has testified before Congress on invasive species solutions and advises state governors and Canadian provincial premiers on the implementation of the Great Lakes Compact, a binational agreement that ensures Great Lakes water stays in the basin.

As the Director of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C., Don Jodrey represents the Alliance and its federal priorities while building upon and maintaining its relationships with members of Congress, their staff, and federal agencies.


Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post 2022 Post Midterm Election Recap – What It Means for the Great Lakes Region appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/11/2022-post-midterm-election-recap-what-it-means-for-the-great-lakes-region/

Michelle Farley

Fred Stonehouse is a maritime historian, author, and lecturer. He’s the author of over thirty books on maritime history, many focusing on the Great Lakes.

Carl Lindquist, founder and executive director of the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy, a local nonprofit working on the Upper Peninsula dedicated to helping local communities adapt to climate change. 


Resources

Superior Watershed Partnership & Land Conservancy – Dedicated to the protection of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Stannard Lighthouse/Lake Superior Watershed Partnership appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/11/stannard-lighthouse-lake-superior-watershed-partnership/

Michelle Farley

Drew Youngedyke

Drew Youngedyke; a native Michigander with a deep love for the lakes and a volunteer with the Northern Michigan Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. In his day job, Drew is Director of Conservation Partnerships for the National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center. 


Resources

Surfrider Foundation of Northern Michigan

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Great Lakes Surfing & the Mission of the Surfrider Foundation appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/11/great-lakes-surfing-the-mission-of-the-surfrider-foundation/

Michelle Farley

Joel Brammeier headshot.
Joel Brammeier, ​President & CEO

Molly Flanagan joined the Alliance for the Great Lakes staff in April 2015 as Vice President for Policy after seven years as senior program officer at the Joyce Foundation. Molly is responsible for leading all aspects of the Alliance’s strategic policy, advocacy, and reform efforts to protect and restore the Great Lakes.

As the Alliance’s Cleveland Local Partnerships Manager, Jennifer Lumpkin leads the local partnerships work in Cleveland, focusing on cultivating relationships with decision makers and local leaders to advance water affordability and lead service line replacement campaigns.


Resources

The Great Lakes Should Not Leave Anyone Behind – Alliance for the Great Lakes

4 Ways Climate Change Is Challenging the Great Lakes – Alliance for the Great Lake

The Great Lakes Compact and Climate Change – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Great Lakes Forum and Clean Water Act Anniversary appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/10/great-lakes-forum-and-clean-water-act-anniversary/

Michelle Farley

Joel Brammeier headshot.
Joel Brammeier, ​President & CEO

Nothing beats a road trip after a long hiatus from travel. Covering ground by car gives me an opportunity to reconnect with places around the Great Lakes that I have not been to in years. At the end of September, I drove from Chicago to Niagara Falls, Ontario, for the triennial Great Lakes Public Forum – more on that in a moment.  

In three days, I saw and sometimes touched two Great Lakes (Michigan and Ontario), one really excellent lake (St. Clair), three mighty rivers (St. Clair, Detroit, and Niagara), and of course, the majestic Niagara Falls. 500 miles from end to end, and every drop of the water is shared. I missed Lake Erie only because I ran out of time for another detour.  

Seeing all this connected water in just a few days reminded me how urgent it is for us all to expand the vision of what it means to restore our Great Lakes. While we are making great strides in cleaning up the sins of the past, the lakes are changing before our eyes. Many communities still won’t enjoy the benefits of living so close to such immense fresh water even if we achieve current restoration goals. 

The trip would be worthwhile even with no destination, but I was bound to and from the Great Lakes Public Forum. The Forum happens every three years as a follow-up to the triennial “State of the Great Lakes” report issued by the United States and Canada. The report and the Forum are requirements under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the two countries. This year the Agreement celebrated its 50th anniversary. Many of the attendees are government officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada, and the state and provincial levels. The idea is that the governments review and discuss the findings with advocates, scientists, and, more generally, the people of the Great Lakes. I want to share a bit of what I saw and heard because it tells part of the story of what’s needed for a restored and protected Great Lakes in the future. 

Credit where it’s due. We are making admirable progress toward cleaning up the Great Lakes “Areas of Concern,” which are highly contaminated waters designated in 1987. In the U.S, much of the pollution in these “AOCs” lingered until the creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Congress appropriated an additional $1 billion in 2021 to fast-track cleanup of most of these sites by 2030. Advocates in Canada continue to seek a larger federal investment in Great Lakes restoration. Beach health continues to improve with reductions in chronic sewage overflows and increases in cleaning up stormwater with natural solutions and better infrastructure design, operations, and management. 

Not all the news is good. Invasive species already in the Great Lakes continue to devastate the ecology and economy of the region, requiring ongoing vigilance and spending. Nutrient pollution hotspots, largely fed by agriculture, plague large watersheds like Green Bay, Saginaw Bay, and Lake Erie. Algal blooms are showing up in cold Lake Superior. Our waters and lands are showing the impacts of a changing climate. While some fish consumption advisories are improving, emerging pollutants like PFAS and plastics are less “emerging” and more “present.”  

Disconnects abound. Sometimes government agencies are having one conversation while advocates are demanding another. Take drinking water.  The report gives Great Lakes drinking water a “good” or “green” score because the lakes can serve as a reliable source of drinking water when treated. But for someone who gets their water from Lake Erie, where the intakes have alert systems to detect the presence of toxic algae, that doesn’t feel right. And hundreds of communities that rely on lake water but distribute it through lead pipes don’t see their drinking water as “good.”  

Algal blooms and nutrient pollution is another searing hot example. While most of the presentations focused on understanding blooms and the investment being made in voluntary cleanups, questions from the audience were much more pointed. Are you going to regulate farms and animal feedlots to reduce pollution? Why are people bearing the cost and health burden of this pollution when we know what the problem is and what would solve it? Are people in those communities going to have a say in deciding how cleanup happens? And over and over – why is this taking so long? 

Many people, myself included, want answers from our elected officials who have the power to change policy and get more forceful in cleaning up farms and ensuring safe drinking water. It was clear those answers were not in that room. There were not many U.S. advocates in the room either, and I think that’s partially because people know the Forum is not where critical water decisions are made. 

Reflecting the people of the Great Lakes. Indigenous voices and advocates had a strong presence at the event. Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare gave opening comments on day two, describing the personal and tragic impacts on families that lack of access to clean water is having on Ontario First Nations communities. It echoed stories I have listened to from residents in American Great Lakes cities. After Chief Hare’s remarks, he sat with U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore and Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault for an armchair conversation. Having seats at the table for more voices at high government decision-making levels is vital for sovereign Indigenous nations and all people and communities directly impacted by pollution. The U.S. has a long way to go to demonstrate that our governments are listening and taking the advice and direction of communities on the front lines of Great Lakes challenges. 

What’s next? Water is water, and we need it to be safe and plentiful in all its forms for all forms of life. But it’s clear that current policies and practices rooted in decades of history are not keeping up with our changing climate or addressing the reality that many lower-income communities and communities of color still do not enjoy the benefits of a safe and clean Great Lakes. We need a “whole system” approach to restoring and protecting the Great Lakes. One that is rooted in the science of the lakes as they are today and will be in the future. An approach that shows how decisions are made with the people impacted by those decisions fully at the table. One that makes sure the lakes and their waters are there for all life, when and how we need them.  

The Great Lakes should not leave anyone behind. That’s why the Alliance and I are building these ideas and principles into the critical programs that make a change on the ground. It’s a long road, and I’m glad you are on it with me.  

Act Now to Keep Plastic Out of the Great Lakes

Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes is going to get worse unless we do something about it. Add your name to the Plastic Free Great Lakes Pledge now.

Take the Pledge

The post The Great Lakes Should Not Leave Anyone Behind appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/10/the-great-lakes-should-not-leave-anyone-behind/

Michelle Farley

At the Alliance for the Great Lakes Board of Directors meeting on September 16 in Chicago, the Board welcomed two new directors for a three-year term.

David Hackett

David Hackett is Senior Counsel at Baker McKenzie, LLP in Chicago, Illinois. He advises senior management, legal departments, and boards of major corporations and nonprofits on compliance, risk, environmental, and sustainability matters. Following his tenure with the Environmental Enforcement Division of the US Department of Justice, David joined the Firm, where he has played a formative role in establishing the Firm’s compliance, environmental, climate, and ESG practices. At Baker McKenzie, David has served as the managing partner of North America, a member of the Global Executive Committee, and a Chicago office managing partner. He has also been the North America Chair of the Compliance Practice Group and the Banking, Finance, and Major Projects Practice Group.

He advises or sits on the Board of numerous nonprofits, including  Alliance for the Great Lakes, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, National Parks Conservation Association Midwest Advisory Board, Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation Accounting for Sustainability, Chicago Civic Consulting Alliance, Chicago Academy of Science/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago CRED, and the UN Global Compact US Board.

He is a graduate of Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Alan D. Steinman, Ph.D.

Alan (Al) Steinman is the Allen and Helen Hunting Research Professor at Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI). He was the Director of AWRI from 2001 until 2022. Previously, he was Director of the Lake Okeechobee Restoration Program at the South Florida Water Management District. He has published over 190 scientific articles, book chapters, and books; has been awarded over $60 million in grants for scientific and engineering projects and over $5 million in private fund-raising, and has testified before the U.S. Congress and the Michigan and Florida state legislatures.

Some of Dr. Steinman’s professional service activities include membership on the National Academy of Sciences Committee to Review Everglades Restoration and science advisory boards/committees for the Great Lakes Advisory Board of the U.S. EPA, the International Joint Commission, and the University of Michigan’s Water Center. His community service includes serving on the Boards of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, The Nature Conservancy (MI chapter), Congregation B’Nai Israel, Goodwill International of West Michigan, West Michigan Symphony, and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.

Dr. Steinman holds a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a Ph.D. in Botany/Aquatic Ecology from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Botany from the University of Rhode Island, and a B.S. in Botany from the University of Vermont (Phi Beta Kappa). Steinman’s research interests include aquatic ecosystem restoration, harmful algal blooms, phosphorus cycling, and water policy.

For a complete listing of Alliance for the Great Lakes directors and officers, visit our Board of Directors page.

The post Alliance for the Great Lakes Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Members appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/10/alliance-for-the-great-lakes-board-of-directors-welcomes-two-new-members-2/

Michelle Farley

Molly Flanagan joined the Alliance for the Great Lakes staff in April 2015 as Vice President for Policy after seven years as senior program officer at the Joyce Foundation. Molly is responsible for leading all aspects of the Alliance’s strategic policy, advocacy, and reform efforts to protect and restore the Great Lakes.

As the Alliance’s Cleveland Local Partnerships Manager, Jennifer Lumpkin leads the local partnerships work in Cleveland, focusing on cultivating relationships with decision makers and local leaders to advance water affordability and lead service line replacement campaigns.


Resources

2022 Midterm Elections: How to Get Involved

Great Lakes Voter Information Center 

Nonpartisan Cleveland Environmental Resident Engagement Toolkit

Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Election Year & The Great Lakes appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/10/election-year-the-great-lakes/

Michelle Farley

Juliann Krupa headshot.

Juliann Krupa is the Volunteer Engagement Manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. In this role, Juliann utilizes her passion for aquatic science and conservation to oversee over 15,000 Adopt-a-Beach program participants throughout the Great Lakes region and to inspire appreciation, conservation, and restoration of the world’s largest freshwater resource.


Resources

Adopt-a-Beach™ – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Adopt-a-Beach Spring Kickoff 2022 – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Plastic Free Great Lakes Pledge

Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Juliann Krupa: September Adopt a Beach Cleanup & Half a Million Pounds Goal appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/09/juliann-krupa-september-adopt-a-beach-cleanup-half-a-million-pounds-goal/

Michelle Farley

Crystal M.C. Davis headshot.
Crystal M.C. Davis, Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement

Crystal M.C. Davis leads the Alliance’s policy and advocacy efforts related to Lake Erie and manages the organization’s Ohio office. She has played an integral role in the Alliance’s emerging work around drinking water and developing a people-centered model for protecting the Great Lakes.

Tom Zimnicki headshot.
Tom Zimnicki, Agriculture & Restoration Policy Director

As the Alliance’s Agricultural & Restoration Policy Director, Tom leads work in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio to achieve the Alliance’s agriculture and water goals and implements regional restoration initiatives. In addition, he serves as a convener, organizer, and relationship builder at all levels of government and stakeholders, emphasizing state-level agriculture water policy.


Resources
New Study: Downstream Water Users Bear Financial Burden of Upstream Pollution – Alliance for the Great Lake

Five Years Later: Lessons From the Toledo Water Crisis – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Tom Zimnicki, Agricultural Pollution in the Great Lakes – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Alliance Statement on the 2022 Western Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Lakes Chat Podcast

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Crystal M.C. Davis and Tom Zimnicki – Harmful Algal Blooms and Downstream Costs appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/09/crystal-m-c-davis-and-tom-zimnicki-harmful-algal-blooms-and-downstream-costs/

Michelle Farley

Follow Ed

Ed Verhamme is the Principal and Senior Engineer with LimnoTech. He oversees a network of buoys and sensors around the Great Lakes that support boaters, fishermen, search and rescue crews, weather forecasters, drinking water treatment plant operators, and nuclear power plants to understand weather, waves, and water quality conditions on the lakes. He’s also the past president of the International Association of Great Lakes Researchers. He’s been involved in dozens of Great Lakes and other large lake projects that push the limits of technology and innovative research and development. 

Lakes Chat Podcast

Resources
How Buoys Help

Two Yellow Buoys

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Ed Verhamme – Great Lakes Buoys & Science appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/09/ed-verhamme-great-lakes-buoys-science/

Michelle Farley

This summer Juliann Krupa, Volunteer Engagement Manager, and Oliva Reda, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, set out to clean beaches and meet volunteers around the Great Lakes region. They cleaned up trash, heard from communities, and built new connections. We chatted with the Volunteer team to hear some of the highlights of their travels so far, the program’s goal to collect a half million pounds of litter, and what’s next for the Adopt-a-Beach program. 

Alliance: What was the catalyst for taking a cleanup road trip this summer?  

Juliann: After two years of the pandemic, Olivia and I wanted to make an intentional effort to get out and connect face-to-face with people and groups around the region. The Alliance for the Great Lakes works to represent the entire Great Lakes region. So that means all the way from New York to Minnesota. We felt it was essential to get on the ground in many places, reconnect with partners old and new, and hear directly what issues people are talking about in various regions.  

Olivia: It was helpful for us to see a lot of the locations that we may send different Adopt-a-Beach groups that cleanups happen at, or a lot of times, volunteers will reach out wanting some recommendations in a particular area. So, it’s helpful for us to see some of these locations and help potential volunteers as they’re also seeking out participation in programs. 

Alliance: Were you able to ask the volunteers questions about why they got involved? 

Olivia  Yes, we did. It’s super helpful to speak to volunteers on the ground in their areas. We learned a lot about what volunteers care about in each area. So, it’s beneficial to see the locations ourselves and hear from local communities and volunteers about what’s most pressing for them in those areas.  

Alliance: Were there any interesting volunteer stories or volunteer adventures this summer?  

Juliann: We had one experience in Rochester, NY, where we met a volunteer at a cleanup. Afterward, they offered and were willing to show us around some sites where they had seen a lot of plastic pollution build-up.  

Olivia: For our first Spring Kick-Off cleanup this year, we had one of our corporate cleanups with Merz Pharma at Racine Zoo Beach. It was pouring rain, and it was not the warmest either, but they were real troopers. Moments like those emphasize how awesome our volunteers are and how they’re willing to help rain or shine.  

Alliance: Let’s talk about September Adopt–a–Beach a little bit. The date is approaching. Are there any specific goals you hope to achieve this year? 

Juliann: September Adopt-a-Beach is the most important day of action for the Great Lakes. Thousands of Adopt-a-Beach volunteers will clean and celebrate Great Lakes shorelines as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which is held on the third Saturday of September each year.  

The Alliance is the Great Lakes coordinator for this effort. We hope to have around 5000 volunteers across the Great Lakes on September 17th working to keep their coastlines clean and collecting data on what they find that goes back into our regional coastal litter dataset.  

This year we’re working to reach our goal of collecting half a million pounds of litter from Great Lakes shorelines. So, we’re close, and hoping September Adopt–a–Beach will bring us over that number.  

Olivia: We’re hoping to reach this goal and will shine a powerful spotlight on the magnitude of plastic pollution and continue to educate and inspire people to take action on this issue.  

Alliance: For people who are thinking about volunteering for cleanups like September Adopt-a-Beach to do their part to keep our beaches and shorelines clean, how can they get involved? 

Olivia: It’s super easy to get started with us. There are a couple of different options to get involved with September Adopt–a–Beach; you can find a cleanup to attend in your area. So, you can go to adopt.greatlakes.org and find a cleanup near you to attend and register. 

Juliann: You can also become a team leader by hosting a cleanup with us. So, you can choose a date and beach location where you would like to lead a cleanup and invite your community members to attend. We have a lot of resources available to support you. 

Olivia: We also have a virtual team leader training coming up that you can attend and get some tips on the process of being a team leader and leading a cleanup. 

Alliance: What is the biggest takeaway from your summer road trip experience? 

Juliann: It was a great learning experience for both of us. We learned a lot more about the Lakes, and it was great to make new connections and rekindle old relationships. We’re inspired by how much advocacy and action there is for the Lakes and how many people care about this resource and human health. 

Juliann and Olivia are not done touring the Great Lakes region. They have additional stops planned for the rest of August and September and look forward to keeping the conversations going over the winter. 

The post To the Beach: Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup Road Trip Recap  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/08/to-the-beach-adopt-a-beach-cleanup-road-trip-recap/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Campaign Manager (Manager) is a convener, organizer and policy advocate who works closely with other members of the Alliance’s policy team and our coalition partners to advance equitable investments in clean water and drinking water infrastructure. Water infrastructure in the United States is failing too many communities; estimates suggest water utilities must invest nearly $1 trillion to maintain their systems over the next 25 years. New federal funding for water infrastructure will help close this gap.  However, the communities with the greatest need still face several barriers to accessing the federal funds needed to restore clean water.  Done right, this historic investment could remove millions of toxic lead drinking water pipes, strengthen community resilience in the face of climate change, and alleviate our nation’s growing water affordability crisis.

The Manager will address these challenges through two primary streams of work:

  1. Organizing a state-based advocacy campaign around State Revolving Fund (SRF) reform to improve equity and climate resilience. The Manager will lead the Alliance’s state reform efforts in Michigan, working closely with a network of Michigan-based partners that represent diverse bodies of work and varying degrees of engagement on and approaches to SRFs reforms. The Manager will play a support role, along with other Alliance staff and external partners, in Illinois and Ohio to share lessons learned and support partners in identifying and advancing strategic priorities in these key states.
  2. Co-lead advocacy activities and strategy sessions that grow out of the SRF Advocates Forum (Forum), which the Alliance co-convenes with its partners, Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), PolicyLink, and River Network. The Forum of clean water and drinking water advocates works to track federal investment in water infrastructure and advocate for state and federal reforms to improve equity and climate resilience in those investment policies and programs. The Manager will work closely with co-conveners and participants to identify and meet policy education and advocacy needs and facilitate the development of regional cohorts in which advocates can connect and learn from each other across state lines.

A typical week for the Manager…might begin with a quick check-in with the Policy Director for Clean Water and Equity to discuss progress on priority projects and coordinate tasks. You start drafting a grant report, but then a partner texts to let you know they heard that the meeting with [Agency Official X] has been scheduled for tomorrow. You set the grant report aside and start texting, emailing, and calling partners who need to be at this meeting, developing strategic talking points and making sure they have the fact sheets and other resources that you worked with them to develop. You attend the meeting, take notes, and help facilitate. After the meeting, you schedule a debrief meeting with partners to discuss what was learned and decide on next steps. In the debrief meeting, partners decide next steps are to develop materials designed to educate decision-makers about needed SRF reforms, meet with relevant agency and legislative staff to better understand the challenges and barriers they have in trying to implement these reforms, and identify existing case studies from other geographies. You begin to draft an action plan and develop budgets to ensure external partners and Alliance colleagues are on the same page. You set up a Google folder to share all docs with external partners, and flag for the Director that you’ll need her feedback, edits, and approval by the end of the month. You check your Outlook calendar and are reminded that your grant report is due. You finish your report and email it to the Foundation & Corporate Giving Manager. It has been a hectic week, so you take time for yourself to relax and recharge.

The Manager reports to the Policy Director for Clean Water & Equity

Responsibilities

Organize Advocacy Campaigns

  • As an advocate and organizer, leverage research, advocacy tools, and networks of supporters to build political will for and secure changes to the administration of the SRF programs in Michigan to improve equity in distribution of funds and achievement of clean water outcomes by 2024. This is a permanent position; the Manager will lead Michigan campaign work and may go on to support campaigns in other Great Lakes states in coming years.
  • Support state and local leaders in the Great Lakes region to advance policy reforms that ensure equitable investment in and administration of water infrastructure that supports water affordability, lead-free drinking water, and improved public health and quality of life 
  • Engage and mobilize impacted stakeholders, educate decision makers, connect with agency staff and media outlets to build shared analysis and political will around policy priorities

Convene Advocacy Networks

  • Convene a network of water equity and climate resilience advocates as part of the SRF Advocates Forum, collaborating closely with national partners and co-conveners: EPIC, which supplies technical expertise and analysis along with advocacy and direct support to communities on water infrastructure issues;  River Network, a membership-based capacity building organization; and PolicyLink, which supports community-led research and policy advocacy through its co-leadership of the Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus

Relationship Building

  • Steward strong working relationships with external partners, including stakeholders from community and faith-based organizations, NGOs, labor, business, health, research, water utilities, state government, and other sectors to support and advance policy goals

Create Data-Informed Policy Priorities

  • Establish a baseline understanding of the Alliance’s water infrastructure and access policy priorities – focusing on lead service line replacement, water affordability, and stormwater/urban flooding management – and how these issues relate to infrastructure investment policies and programs, such as the State Revolving Funds
  • Working with the Alliance’s Water Policy Analyst, other team members, and external partners, stay current on policy developments, analysis, and research to inform organizing efforts and provide feedback on what information and communication support is needed to support campaign work

Program Development

  • Contribute to annual and multi-year work and campaign plans
  • Recruit and manage interns, fellows, and engage campaign staff as needed
  • Track and report on grant deliverables, project budgets and expenses

Knowledge/Skills

  • Experience organizing, building consensus and coalition, and driving collective action to advance policy change
  • Experience facilitating coalitions and building consensus to collectively advance policies that advance environmental equity
  • Existing network of working relationships within the Michigan advocacy and policy-making environment
  • Ability to analyze complex environmental policies and make strategic recommendations
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, experience leveraging research, data, and storytelling to support policy recommendations, and convey a persuasive message in concise and compelling ways to diverse audiences
  • Demonstrated success at project or campaign management across a multidisciplinary team that includes a process for listening and responding to the needs and demands of diverse groups of individuals and partner organizations
  • Bachelor’s degree plus 4+ years of relevant experience in public policy or administration, labor or community organizing, issue-based campaigns, or related field
  • Commitment to and passion for mission-driven public interest work related to clean water, climate adaptation, the Great Lakes, and the role of water in community resilience and revitalization
  • Adept with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software
  • Adhere to and exemplify the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, optimism and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our work

Additional Skills / Pluses

  • Spanish language skills a plus
  • Collaborative, collegial, with a good sense of humor and ability to adapt to diverse work styles; adept at working in teams and independently in both virtual and in-person settings
  • Experience working in diverse teams, including with people from various educational, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds; ability to navigate community, labor, and policy spaces
  • Commitment to and passion for mission-driven public interest work related to clean water, climate adaptation, the Great Lakes, and the role of water in community resilience and revitalization

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy.  Salary range is 62,000-70,000, commensurate with experience
  • Excellent benefits, including health, dental, FSA and vacation
  • Eligibility to enroll in a retirement plan after 1 year of employment
  • This position is to be located in lower Michigan. While fully remote, this position requires travel around Michigan to meet with partners (up to 2-4 times per month) and within the Great Lakes region (about 2-4 times per year).

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to:

hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

AGL Operating Principles and Core Values Statement

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.  

For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.

The post Campaign Manager, Clean Water & Equity appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/07/campaign-manager-clean-water-equity/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Water Policy Analyst (Analyst) is an integral part of the Alliance’s policy team, supplying research and analysis to advance priority policy campaigns across clean water & equity, agriculture, and restoration. The Analyst has a deep commitment to equity and environmental justice and is driven to support the delivery of safe, clean, and affordable water for people and wildlife in the Great Lakes basin. The Analyst understands how the regulatory environment, public demand, and funding and financing options interplay to shape clean water outcomes. They work closely with an Alliance staff team including planners, government affairs, and communications professionals, to ensure effective delivery and uptake of research and recommendations.

The Analyst works internally to track, analyze, and synthesize information about policy developments in key geographies to support Alliance campaigns (starting at roughly 50% time on drinking water, stormwater and wastewater investment, access, and regulation; 25% on agriculture and water pollution; and 25% on aquatic invasive species prevention). The Analyst has strong policy literacy and expert ability to track, interpret, and communicate policy developments and recommendations in written and visual forms to support issue-based policy campaigns. The Analyst employs data visualization, graphic organizers, and innovative policy analysis, education, and communication tools to elevate policy insights and share recommendations with diverse audiences.

A typical day for the Analyst…might start with a check-in with Policy Director for Clean Water & Equity to discuss progress on projects and coordinate tasks. You’re finalizing a report with talking points and graphics to support policy recommendations for the lead-free water campaign when a teammate emails with a semi-urgent request for an update on water affordability legislation in Michigan ahead of an afternoon meeting with agency staff. You quickly reach out to a partner in Michigan to confirm your understanding of the political landscape and get back to your colleague with any updates. You finish edits to the report on lead-free drinking water to share with Alliance campaign staff and communications team before joining the weekly Ohio legislative briefing led by a state environmental non-profit partner. You do not have a speaking role on the call this week, so you can relax or multitask while listening for updates related to Alliance campaign priorities. Then, you wrap up your afternoon by updating your team’s policy tracking document and jotting down a quick note on an agriculture policy development from the Ohio call to share with Agriculture & Restoration Policy Director at your next check-in. It has been a busy day, so you log off and unwind.

The Analyst reports to Policy Director for Clean Water & Equity. 

Responsibilities

Track, Synthesize and Analyze Policy Priorities

  • Ability to track policy developments across multiple jurisdictions, conduct independent policy and legislative analysis to quickly identify critical provisions of policies on the Alliance’s agenda and recommend action (support, oppose, abstain or other engagement)
  • Collaborate effectively with multiple internal staff members working on a variety of policy issues to refine the analysis of key projects for use in developing communication materials to advance campaign priorities

Communicate Policy Recommendations 

  • Prepare compelling reports and visualizations of information tailored to diverse audiences of decision makers, impacted stakeholders, agency staff, media outlets and Alliance supporters
  • Identify and describe opportunities to shift existing approaches to delivering water services, restoration efforts, and regulatory practices to advance water equity and ecological improvement with a focus on state and federal policy developments that shape the pace, efficacy, and equity of water infrastructure implementation

Relationship Building 

  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal staff who have diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and who work remotely across several states and multiple time zones
  • Be able to understand political landscape and develop analyses and recommendations that account for dynamics between external partners and experts, including stakeholders from the utility, NGO, labor, business, health, research, and other sectors

Program Development

  • Contribute to annual and multi-year work and campaign plans
  • Recruit and manage temporary research assistants from time to time as needed
  • Track and report on grant deliverables, project budgets, and expenses

Additional Duties

  • Actively contribute to public dialogues in the fields of water infrastructure and water equity through conferences, roundtables, and workshops that reach beyond the environmental NGO community
  • Contribute to the creation of proposals for philanthropic funding to support the work, including doing so in collaboration with complementary partners where possible

Knowledge/Skills

  • Ability to translate multiple perspectives on policies into analysis that supports effective external communication to key targets and stakeholders
  • Bachelor’s degree required and 3+ years of relevant experience in public policy, research or communication for labor or community organizing projects, economics, public administration, engineering, or related field. Advanced degree or demonstrated additional experience preferred
  • Strong research, data analysis and visualization skills, ability to interpret and analyze data, convert analysis to different types of communication materials (e.g. talking points, blog posts, data visualization and graphics) that can be used as effective policy communication and storytelling tools that engage the media, Alliance supporters and public officials
  • Demonstrated experience tracking state legislation and administrative policy and identifying how those policies advance or impede policy advocacy
  • Ability to convey recommendations in concise, precise, and compelling written and data visualization work products
  • Willingness to listen and respond to the needs and demands of diverse groups of individuals and partner organizations
  • Excellent listening, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Motivated to work primarily internally and behind the scenes with Alliance staff
  • Adept with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software
  • Adhere to and exemplify the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, optimism and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our work

Additional Skills / Pluses

  • Fundamental commitment to socioeconomic and racial equity and demonstrated skills in identifying policy options that advance environmental equity
  • Collaborative, collegial, with a good sense of humor and ability to adapt to diverse work styles; adept at working in teams and independently in both virtual and in-person settings
  • Keen understanding of the dynamics of project and policy implementation within public agencies, ability to navigate complex political and fiscal landscapes and adapt accordingly
  • Commitment to and passion for mission-driven public interest work related to clean water, climate adaptation, the Great Lakes, and the role of water in community resilience and revitalization

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. The salary range is $62,000-70,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent benefits, including health, dental, FSA and vacation.
  • Eligibility to enroll in a retirement plan after 1 year of employment.
  • This is a remote position. The Alliance is open to candidates working from anywhere, with a preference for northern Ohio, southern Michigan or Lake Michigan basin.  Occasional travel within the Great Lakes region is required (starting at about 2-4 times per year).

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to:hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

AGL Operating Principles and Core Values Statement

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.  

For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.

The post Water Policy Analyst appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/07/water-policy-analyst/

Michelle Farley

Tim Frick - Headshot - Mightybytes

At the June Board of Directors meeting of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the board elected  Tim Frick to a three-year term.  

Tim Frick is the founder and president of Mightybytes, a digital agency located in Chicago. He started the company in 1998 to help nonprofits, social enterprises, and purpose-driven companies solve problems, amplify their impact, and drive measurable business results.

Mightybytes is a Certified B Corp that uses business for good. Certified B Corps meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. In 2012, Tim co-founded B Local Illinois, a place-based group of business leaders working to grow and strengthen the B Corp community in Illinois. 

Tim is the author of four books, including “Designing for Sustainability: A Guide to Building Greener Digital Products and Services.” A seasoned public speaker, he regularly presents at conferences and offers workshops on sustainable design, measuring impact, and problem-solving in the digital economy. He has also served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.

For a full listing of Alliance for the Great Lakes directors and officers, visit our Board of Directors page.

The post New Member Welcomed to Alliance Board of Directors appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/06/new-member-welcomed-to-alliance-board-of-directors/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Data Manager (Manager) oversees the Alliance’s Salesforce database system, its integration with other tools from which information flows, administers all database-related projects, and ensures the integrity of the data in our systems. These systems manage contacts, data and metrics for fundraising, constituent engagement, volunteer management, and other data needs. The Manager will support all staff by leveraging our data to achieve our strategic goals, and train staff to be competent users of our database system. Considering both organizational and team member needs, the Manager will find opportunities for improvement in data management systems, processes, and best practices. The Manager also leads special data-related projects and assists teams in developing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), reports, and dashboards. Applicants should have demonstrated passion for and experience with data, data systems, and analytics. They will create actionable insights that enable Alliance teams to improve the motivation and experiences of our supporters and track progress toward strategic program and fundraising goals.

A sample week for the Manager might start with reviewing to-dos in Asana, planning out tasks for the week, and meeting with Development and Communications staff to spec the needs for a new Salesforce functionality so you can get proposals from vendors on a custom build. You spend several hours merging duplicate records in Salesforce and note an integration that may be the source of the duplicates so you can troubleshoot next week. You help the Development Associate figure out an error they’re getting while entering donations in Salesforce. Later in the week, you meet with the Finance & Operations director to review quarterly progress metrics for our strategic plan and work on updating a dashboard for our board of directors. While updating the dashboard, you suspect there’s a better way to convey some of the KPIs. You note your thoughts and carve out some time to bounce ideas off some colleagues next week. You learn the financials are done, so you move some lower priority to-dos to next week and work with the Finance Manager to begin updating our quarterly financial dashboards. On Friday morning you meet with the Office Manager and our IT provider to discuss the status of our document file migration from the physical server to a cloud-based system and weigh in on a new file management strategy.  It has been a hectic week, so you take time for yourself to relax and recharge.

The Manager reports to the Finance & Operations Director as part of our four-person Operations team. They work closely with the Development and Communications & Engagement teams which are the primary users of Salesforce and other Alliance data systems.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee all data management projects including adding/deleting/merging records in Salesforce, integrating data across multiple platforms, performing routine database maintenance/upgrades, and using existing data to achieve strategic goals
  • Lead all Salesforce builds and adjustments, including work with contractors when necessary
  • Translate data into easy-to-read spreadsheets, dashboards, and visualizations to provide ongoing analysis and insights
  • Work with staff to understand their data needs and make recommendations on how our tools can address those needs
  • Review current processes and develop new ones to minimize duplication and create, maintain, and enforce data integrity standards in collaboration with colleagues
  • Monitor tools/systems to make sure standards are being followed, dive in to clean or upload data when needed, and troubleshoot errors
  • Provide training on and serve as the staff resource for these tools
  • Balance competing priorities in a cross-functional workspace
  • Help lead ad hoc special projects that relate to operational efficiency, institutional knowledge management, streamlined information sharing, and improving data practices

Knowledge/Skills

Required:

  • Advanced proficiency in Salesforce and Excel
  • Strong database skills and working experience interacting with and managing vendors
  • 5+ years related experience and project management experience
  • Demonstrated next-level communication skills in person, writing, and virtually
  • Impeccable attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects, establish workload priorities
  • Positive attitude, self-directed and a team player
  • Adhere to and exemplify the Alliance for the Great Lakes values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, optimism and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our work

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy.
  • The salary range is between $62,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent benefits, including health and vacation are included.
  • Eligibility to enroll in a retirement plan after 1 year of employment.
  • This position is based in the greater Cleveland metro-region. Applicants must be able to work remotely from home. Applicants should expect a combination of sitting at a desk and computer workstation, off-site meetings with partners, city staff and elected officials, and hosting meetings and events in communities. Regular local car travel of less than 40 miles round trip may be required.
  • Opportunity for professional development such as conferences, webinars, association membership, etc.

Preferred:

  • Experience integrating Salesforce NPSP with tools such as Campaign Monitor, Phone2Action, Classy, Drawloop and Apsona
  • Experience with desktop QuickBooks integrations
  • Experience with Asana for project management

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. Salary range is 62,000-70,000, commensurate with experience.
  •  Excellent benefits, including health, dental, FSA and vacation
  •  Eligibility to enroll in a retirement plan after 1 year of employment
  • This position can work remotely based within the Great Lakes region. Occasional travel within the region is required, in keeping with anticipated COVID-19 safety protocols.

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org.

Include the job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

AGL Operating Principles and Core Values Statement

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.  

For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.

The post Data Manager appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/05/data-manager/

Michelle Farley

Our Adopt-a-Beach Program has grown tremendously over the past 30 years. That’s due to community members of all ages coming together to keep our beaches and shorelines clean. As we continue to celebrate National Volunteer Week, we wanted to highlight how our Adopt-a-Beach program allows everyone to get involved no matter their age. Read how one community member, Nicole Hutchins in her own words reflects on how the Adopt-a-Beach program has impacted her and a group of students, who have been cleaning beaches since 2007 to do their part in supporting the Great Lakes.

Nicole Hutchins and the

Growing up in Central Lake, I have always loved the beautiful lakes around us and a passion for protecting them. I returned to the area and quickly realized that recycling and community trash pick-ups were not established. This was shocking because recycling was everywhere I traveled/lived while in the army. So rather than accept it, I started to look for ways that I could make a change that involved the community. Lucky for me, I stumbled across the Alliance for the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach program while browsing the internet. This was just what I was looking for. I could not wait to get started, and who better to start with than the young people of our community (My daughter’s sixth-grade class).

“I’ve always been compelled by nature, and the beach cleanup provides a great opportunity to help the planet and socialize with my friends!”

-Aubrey

I shared my idea with Central Lake Public School, and they jumped on board as it was a terrific opportunity to teach about protecting our Great Lakes and our environment. I was invited into the classroom to present to the kids, and to my surprise, they were all extremely excited to participate in Adopt-a-Beach!

“I enjoy our annual trash cleanup; not only is it fun, it shows us how to respect nature.” –

-Quintin

The spring of 2007 was our first beach cleanup event. The kids successfully removed over 100lbs of trash from the Antrim Creek Natural Area in Ellsworth, on Lake Michigan. The area had always seemed clean to the kids, so they were amazed at how fast a wrapper here, a plastic cup there, could add up to so much trash.

“The beach cleanup has been such an amazing opportunity for us to get out and explore. Also, learning about cleaning the environment and clean water is extremely important for younger generations, and I’m glad we had the experience of being involved in it for six years!

-Journey

They loved it so much that we have kept it up every year since 2007. This year will be the group’s last cleanup – they are graduating high school – but I know what they have learned will go with them wherever they go.

Central Lake Class of 2023

Help Keep Our Beaches Beautiful

Love the Great Lakes? Keep in touch with us to hear more about the Alliance’s work and how you can get involved.

Become A Volunteer

The post Learning Outside the Classroom: Volunteer Spotlight appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/04/learning-outside-the-classroom-volunteer-spotlight/

Michelle Farley

“Volunteers are visible. People notice what they’re doing. And that visibility is important to the Great Lakes. When one person steps up, the people around them pay attention, and more of those folks step up. Even elected officials and businesses pay attention when they see people working on behalf of the Great Lakes.” 

Joel Brammeier, ​President & CEO

Our volunteers do amazing things for the Great Lakes. Whether they’re an Adopt-a-Beach volunteer that helps remove thousands of pounds of trash from Great Lakes shorelines or an Ambassador who connects with community members across the region, they make an impactful difference.

In honor of all volunteers and in recognition of National Volunteer Week, we want to thank you. No matter where you live, work or play in the region, one thing is for sure – the Great Lakes connect us all. Every day, we are reminded that there is power in numbers, which is especially true when a tremendous unifier like the Great Lakes can bring amazing people together to make a difference.

Last month, we asked some of our community members and partners to share the impact our volunteers make, and their responses did not disappoint. Read a few below.

“I would like to tell you what a privilege it is to work with the Alliance for the Great Lakes Ambassador volunteers. I have had the honor of working with them for several years as they present to my Great Lakes Ecosystems class. For each presentation, they are poised, prepared, very knowledgeable, and very enthused about their work with the Alliance. They bring new information to my graduate students in an engaging manner. They are a highlight of the class. Thank you for sharing your talent and love of the Lakes with us.”

A. Kovacs, Senior Manager of Graduate Programs and Partnerships at Chicago Zoological Society 

“The partnership we have with Alliance for the Great Lakes allows us to engage even more community members in our Lake Erie conservation efforts. Thank you, Adopt-a-Beach volunteers, for taking action and protecting our shoreline!”

L. Lisner, Director of Volunteer Services, Cleveland, OH

“Volunteers with the Alliance’s Adopt-a-Beach program are crucial partners of the Chicago Park District in our combined efforts to combat the effects of human-caused pollution in the Great Lakes. In 2021 alone, there were 100 cleanup events at Chicago’s public beaches that contributed to approximately 8,000 pounds of litter diverted from entering Lake Michigan. As we look to the future and explore new ways to keep garbage out of our Great Lake, Adopt-a-Beach and its volunteers will continue to play an essential role in improving water quality. Thank you for being part of the solution – your efforts are greatly appreciated.”

K. Anderson, Project Manager at Chicago Park District – Chicago, IL

“Harbor City International School is proud to participate in the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach cleanups. About 145 students and staff have participated in these beach cleanups over the past 7 school years. Each event usually consists of Adopt-a-Beach student veterans completing their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th beach cleanup and students who are participating in their first. This past fall, I reached out to Love Creamery, a local ice cream shop that makes delicious treats from scratch in their store, to see if they would be willing to donate gift cards as a fun treat for the students who participated in the Adopt-a-Beach cleanup. Nicole Wilde, Love Creamery’s founder, and owner, donated gift cards so that each student participant would be rewarded with a delicious ice cream treat for their hard work on the beach. Another important aspect of this event is speaking with students about how the data we collect, as we meticulously count each cigarette butt or piece of microplastic, is gathered, analyzed, and used to advocate for policies and legislation that help protect our Great Lakes. We are looking forward to participating in our next Adopt-a-Beach cleanup this May!”

B. Scott, Harbor City International School, Duluth, MN 

“Having Alliance Ambassador volunteers at our Great Lakes Experience event was a great opportunity to broadly share information about Alliance for the Great Lakes and ways in which actions can contribute to protecting Lake Erie and the Great Lakes. The event got huge attendance (thousands!!) of citizens of all ages, and it was a fantastic way to bring these citizens on our journey.”

M. Jabot, Alliance Ambassador, Dunkirk, NY.

These and many other poignant, personal memories remind us how shared experiences help strengthen connections and draw support. It’s clear that Great Lakes residents, just like you, are passionate about protecting our lakes.

Our volunteers’ commitment and belief in our work keep us fired up and focused on stopping plastic pollution, protecting nature, and ensuring everyone has access to Great Lakes water for generations to come. Today, and every day, thank you for the selfless giving of your time and talents to a cause greater than your own. Thank you for the ownership you take in making our volunteer programs what they are, and most importantly, thank you for using the Alliance as your avenue to be a beacon of change.

The post Celebrating our Volunteers – Testimonials from Around the Region appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/04/celebrating-our-volunteers-testimonials-from-around-the-region/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Development Associate (Associate) supports the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ fundraising from individual donors through gift and data entry, producing acknowledgment letters, and preparing correspondence. They also provide general administrative support related to individual and institutional donors and prospects and may work directly with individual and institutional donors in an administrative capacity.

The Associate’s work is a vital part of stewardship of the Alliance’s individual donor base, which generates more than $1 million annually to support the organization’s program strategies. This part-time position is a member of our four-person Development Team.

The Associate reports to the Vice President of Development. They work closely with the Finance and Operations Team, which includes a full-time data manager who oversees the Salesforce environment and other Alliance data systems.

The Associate will make a minimum 20-hour per week commitment to the Alliance, with the potential for additional seasonal hours especially during the months of November, December and January. When hired, we will develop a mutually agreeable weekly schedule that balances the needs for consistency and flexibility.

Our mission is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes. Learn more about the Alliance at www.greatlakes.org.

Responsibilities

  • Implement gift processing, including timely gift entry and printed acknowledgments
  • Help ensure integrity of data in fundraising database (Salesforce) through accurate data entry/coding and clean up
  • Assist data manager with pulling data for internal reports
  • Maintain library of acknowledgment letters, updated annually
  • Support fundraising events through tracking guest registrations and gifts, preparing attendee lists, and day/night-of administrative support
  • Be alert to donor trends or variations in giving (upgrading, downgrading, recaptured) and alert Development Team
  • Create mailing data files for print vendors

Knowledge/Skills

Required:

  • Minimum two (2) years’ work experience in administrative office support or project coordination
  • 1-2 years of experience working with Salesforce or other CRM database(s)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Rigorous attention to detail with minimal errors when entering donor data
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task, and meet weekly deadlines
  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with diplomacy and tact to donors based on individual donor needs
  • Strong listening, written, and verbal communications skills
  • Solid interpersonal skills in working with an internal team that has clear delineation of responsibilities along the path of effective donor stewardship
  • Understands and upholds Alliance for the Great Lakes values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, and optimism
  • Aligned to our external and internal operating principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Independent worker capable of making decisions on their own; ability to be diplomatic, self-motivated, resourceful, tactful, and flexible
  • Proven background and willingness to work in an atmosphere requiring flexibility and change
  • Must pass background check and be at least 18 years old

Preferred:

  • Proficient in Salesforce NPSP (Nonprofit Success Pack) Lightning Experience
  • Nonprofit experience in fundraising or event planning/management
  • Proficient in Microsoft SharePoint application
  • Experience processing donations and preparing acknowledgment letters
  • Experience reconciling donations with Finance Department
  • Experience building donation and/or event pages using Classy or similar giving platform

Job Parameters

  • This position is part-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy; hourly wage is $25 per hour
  • Prorated vacation time is offered based on the number of hours worked
  • This position is located in Chicago, IL
  • Hybrid work environment with a minimum of one (1) day/week required in the office and the remainder working remotely from home

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org.

Include the job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.

The post Development Associate (Part-Time) appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/04/development-associate-part-time/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Cleveland Local Partnerships Manager (Manager) executes the Alliance’s water advocacy work in Cleveland. The Manager’s primary goal is to strengthen and sustain the power of community partners to achieve safe, clean and accessible Lake Erie water. They will do this with a strong focus on addressing systemic water issues reinforced by racial and economic inequities and exacerbated by climate change. The Manager will deploy locally relevant tactics to elevate local leaders’ expertise in municipal and state policy decisions. The Manager will develop and strengthen partnerships and networks through collaborative, locally-led decision-making grounded in lived experiences and quantitative data. The Manager will support partners in implementation of water infrastructure policies, projects and programs, with a focus on water infrastructure funding, financing, and affordability, and accountability for elected officials and city staff for equitable governance. Execution of shared advocacy strategies will include deployment of Alliance resources to local partners and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including environmental justice advocates, networks of non-profits, city and county staff, and elected officials. The Manager primarily serves as a convener, facilitator, organizer, and relationship builder, with an emphasis on advancing municipal and state water policy issues prioritized by community partners.

The Manager reports to the Director of Planning to develop and implement the Alliance’s community advocacy strategy. They work closely with the Director of Policy and Equity and the Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement, along with a team of water planning, advocacy, and communication leaders at the Alliance to shape state, regional and federal policy and practices that help protect the Great Lakes.

A typical week begins with a quick check-in with the Director of Planning and the Director of Clean Water Policy and Equity to discuss and coordinate tasks. You start drafting a grant report, but then a partner texts to let you know they heard that the meeting with Commissioner John Doe has been scheduled for tomorrow. You set the grant report aside, and start texting, emailing, and calling partners who need to be at this meeting, making sure they have the fact sheets that you worked with them and the Alliance’s communication team to develop. You attend the meeting, take notes, and help facilitate. After the meeting you schedule a debrief meeting with partners to discuss what was learned and the next steps. In the debrief meeting partners decide next steps are to develop materials designed to educate residents about their water bills, meet with relevant agency and legislative staff to better understand the challenges and barriers they have in trying to implement a comprehensive water affordability program, and identify existing water affordability case studies from other cities. You begin to draft an action plan and develop budgets to ensure external partners and Alliance colleagues are on the same page. You set up a Google folder to share all docs with external partners, and flag for the Director of Planning that you’ll need her feedback, edits, and approval by the end of the month. You check your Outlook calendar and are reminded that your grant report is due. You finish your report and email it to the Foundation & Corporate Giving Manager. It has been a hectic week, so you take time for yourself to relax and recharge.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes sets a protection agenda for the Great Lakes, a resource of global significance and the world’s largest source of surface freshwater. The Alliance seeks to protect the Great Lakes from their greatest threats, build a resilient future for communities and instill the value of clean water throughout the region. Learn more at www.greatlakes.org.

Responsibilities

Community Advocacy Capacity

  • Support coalitions of environmental justice leaders and environmental non-profits to advance shared policy priorities in Cleveland by providing tools and resources such as, event and meeting coordination, work planning, facilitation, navigating technical and policy decision-making, data and policy analysis, and fundraising.
  • Co-create and coordinate events, workshops, and training to strengthen advocacy networks, build broad-based support, and elevate local leaders.
  • Develop scopes of work, work plans, logistics and budgets for all partners and consultants. Maintain regular communication with partners and consultants on progress, deadlines, barriers, anticipated outcomes, etc.
  • Build support for the implementation of water priorities identified in the Cleveland Comprehensive Policy Platform and Residential Education Toolkit through local coalitions and partnerships.
  • Serves as a local authority and resource on water infrastructure policies, projects and programs, with a focus on water infrastructure funding, financing, and affordability, and accountability for elected officials and city staff for equitable governance.

Policy and Decision-Making Process

  • Navigate the technical and political decision-making process for water infrastructure policies in Cleveland.
  • Make public presentations to a wide array of audiences to advance Alliance policy and community engagement priorities.
  • Internal and external thought leader that helps set the organization’s policy positions, actions and strategic relationship building.

Data-Informed Campaigns

  • Based on feedback from local partners, identify data gaps and utilize internal and external resources to gather information needed with a focus on data that elevates lived experiences (e.g., focus groups, interviews, surveys).
  • Co-develop a campaign strategy that identifies communication tools (e.g., fact sheets, media, videos, slide decks) needed to reach target audiences. 

Program Development

  • Assist with the development of grant proposals for new work that facilitates program growth and supports strategic partnerships.
  • Track and report on grant deliverables, project budgets and expenses.
  • Inform the Alliance’s strategic direction in Chicago/Illinois, Detroit/Michigan, and Cleveland/Ohio in coordination with Local Partnerships staff across the region.

Knowledge/Skills

  • Strong existing relationships in Cleveland.
  • Plan and execute virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, training, or events to build support for policies, elevate the expertise of local leaders, and advance collective action.
  • Research, write and verbally communicate wonky policy information in easy-to-understand language that provides everyone from elected officials to community leaders with actions they can take.
  • Work independently to support community leaders and advocates, especially in communities of color or communities impacted by failing water infrastructure and racial and health inequities.
  • Facilitate collaborative processes that allow a range of stakeholders, especially those with lived experiences, to meaningfully participate in the co-creation of advocacy strategy and materials.
  • Familiarity with policies and programs related to water affordability, water shut offs, lead service line replacement, green stormwater infrastructure, non-point source pollution, equitable land use, and equitable development.
  • Provide content needed for communication materials (e.g., videos, factsheets, events) that allow complex information to be easily understood and shared.
  • Creative thinker with the ability to quickly translate ideas into on-the-ground actions, test for success and shift tactics as needed.
  • Fundamental commitment to socioeconomic and racial equity in water services and demonstrated skills in identifying policy options that advance equity.
  • Ability to create short-term wins that also build lasting and unifying long-term power.
  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant 5-7 years of experience in advocacy, urban planning, public health, economic development, political science, or related field.
  • Project management experience is a plus.
  • Spanish-speaking fluency is a plus.
  • Valid driver’s license required.

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy.
  • The salary range is between $62,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent benefits, including health and vacation are included.
  • Eligibility to enroll in a retirement plan after 1 year of employment.
  • This positionis based in the greater Cleveland metro-region. Applicants must be able to work remotely from home. Applicants should expect acombination of sitting at a desk and computer workstation, off-site meetings with partners, city staff and elected officials, and hosting meetings and events in communities. Regular local car travel of less than 40 miles round trip may be required.
  • Opportunity for professional development such as conferences, webinars, association membership, etc.

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org.

Include job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

AGL Operating Principles and Core Values Statement

Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.  

For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.

The post Cleveland Local Partnership Manager appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/03/cleveland-local-partnership-manager/

Michelle Farley

Chicago, IL (March 08, 2022) – Earlier today, US EPA released new details on how money from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law should be used by states via the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). In response, Alliance for the Great Lakes Vice President for Policy & Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis released the following statement:

“We applaud the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for directing states to invest nearly half of new water infrastructure funding in historically disadvantaged communities with their new memo on how money from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is to be used via the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

“The Great Lakes region is home to seven of the ten states with the greatest number of toxic lead pipes still in use, with Illinois, Ohio and Michigan at the top of the list. Historically, SRF money has not always reached communities with the most need. We hope that EPA’s new implementation memo will ensure that funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, particularly the $15 billion in dedicated funding for lead pipe removal, will be equitably deployed. 

“Today’s memo — with its focus on ensuring increased investment in disadvantaged communities, the need for rapid progress on full lead service line replacement, and flexibility to address local water needs  — is an important step in beginning to counteract historic environmental injustices. We look forward to continuing our work with the U.S. EPA and the states, which will implement these infrastructure investment programs to ensure all communities have equal access to clean, affordable drinking water.”

###

Media Contact: Jennifer Caddick, jcaddick@acastlegreatlakes-org

The post Statement: Alliance Applauds US EPA Efforts to Ensure Water Infrastructure Funding Reaches Communities Most in Need appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/03/statement-alliance-applauds-us-epa-efforts-to-ensure-water-infrastructure-funding-reaches-communities-most-in-need/

Michelle Farley

Don Jodrey, Director of Federal Government Relations

Note: This blog is part of a periodic series of updates from Don Jodrey, the Alliance’s Director of Federal Government Relations, with his view on Great Lakes policy from Washington, DC.

Increasing funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure was a key item on our list of Great Lakes legislative priorities for the Biden administration and Congress this year. After months of negotiations, Congress delivered with a vote on November 5  to approve the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 – a $1.2 trillion funding package. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

The bipartisan bill sets the stage for sorely needed new investments in water infrastructure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the Great Lakes states will need approximately $188 billion in additional water infrastructure investment over the next twenty years. And communities around the lakes continue to struggle with contamination from aging lead service lines. Benton Harbor, Michigan, is just the latest Great Lakes community experiencing a significant water emergency caused by lead in their drinking water from the lead pipes bringing drinking water into homes.

Fortunately, the infrastructure bill makes a solid down payment on our water infrastructure needs, including the long-overdue replacement of lead service lines. Although not perfect, the bill includes an additional $62.2 billion in supplemental funding for nationwide investments in water infrastructure over the next five years, including:

  • an additional $19.9 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund,
  • $17.3 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund,
  • $15 billion to replace harmful lead service lines, and,
  • $10 billion to address PFAS (or forever chemicals) contamination.

This is a significant bump in funding for programs used by communities to pay for repairs and upgrades to replace lead service lines, upgrade water pipes and treatment plants, and other water and sewer needs.

An additional $1 billion for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is also included in the bill. These funds will support on-the-ground projects around the lakes to clean up toxic pollutants, restore habitat, reduce pollution from nutrient runoff, and combat invasive species.

Congress listened to advocates from around the Great Lakes region who wrote letters and called their representatives in Washington, DC, and spoke out about the critical need for funding to fix our region’s antiquated water infrastructure. And we applaud the bipartisan efforts in Congress that led to the passage of this bill, which restores and protects our Great Lakes and provides significant environmental, human health, and economic benefits for our citizens.

The post Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act To Become Law appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/11/infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act-to-become-law/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Executive Assistant (EA) provides support to the President/CEO and COO to maximize the strategic use of their time, and assists the Operations team in the seamless integration of essential administrative work into the Alliance’s mission-driven culture and workplace. This position reports to the President/CEO and works closely with the Finance & Operations Director, COO and Office Manager on meeting logistics and scheduling, document creation and management, Board of Directors administrative support, as well as human resources, financial and office management matters. The Executive Assistant performs a wide variety of functions independently, exercising confidential discretion and sound judgment in the performance of these duties. Administrative services may be provided to other department staff as required. Additionally, this person will assist with special projects as assigned by the President and CEO.

A typical day might begin with sharing an overview of the day’s upcoming meetings, to-dos, and any supporting materials. Later, the EA may follow up with staff that still owe a response or deliverable to the COO and ensure a few contracts are fully executed by CEO or Director of Finance and Operations and saved appropriately. The CEO might ask the EA to prepare a PowerPoint to brief the board of directors on strategic plan progress, which would include the EA meeting with relevant staff to gather information. The Development team may need some extra help entering data into Salesforce during the busy year end giving season, and asks the EA to help for a couple hours this week. The EA wraps up the day with a brief recap email to the CEO and COO on pending items completed, upcoming deadlines, and who is waiting for follow up.

The Executive Assistant contributes to the successful execution of the Alliance’s strategic plan, both by supporting top leadership in their responsibilities across the organization and in directly contributing to the Operations team’s defined outcomes around administrative and board support.

Responsibilities

Executive Assistance

  • Maintain general knowledge of all activities and projects the President/CEO and COO is involved in and accurately respond to routine inquiries from staff.
  • Develop and implement systems to ensure needs and expectations of the President and CEO are met in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Plan, coordinate and ensure calendars for President/CEO and COO are managed effectively
  • Work closely with the President/CEO and COO to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities with appropriate follow up.
  • Schedule internal and external meetings, including preparing agendas, inviting attendees, scheduling meeting rooms, ordering equipment, taking and transcribing meeting minutes, monitoring action and follow-up items, and keeping permanent records as appropriate.
  • Arrange and schedule travel logistics for President/CEO, COO and other staff, as needed.
  • Proofread and ensure accurate formatting of all correspondence going out under President/CEO signature.
  • Serve as a liaison between President/CEO and staff for purposes of contracts, agreements, and other official documents.
  • Prepare expense reports and assist with time entry as needed.
  • Compose correspondence
  • Other projects/duties as assigned by the President/CEO and COO. Board Liaison
  • Coordinate meetings and special events logistics for board members.
  • Take minutes for meetings on calls and in person
  • Coordinate with the President/CEO to assemble and distribute communications to Board of Directors members prior to each of the quarterly board meetings and retreats.
  • Maintain board SharePoint site and ensure accurate record keeping.
  • Assist with logistics for new board member orientation process, and details related to exiting board members.

Knowledge/Skills

  • Minimum of 5 years in administrative assistance or office management at the executive level.
  • Experience working for senior leaders of the organization and Board members preferred.
  • Exceptional planning and organization skills.
  • Ability to compose, edit and organize documents and presentations using professional, clear and succinct language and structure.
  • A demonstrated commitment to timely and accurate performance.
  • Attention to detail and ability to anticipate and proactively solve problems is critical.
  • Willingness and desire to provide customized service for individual board members and leadership staff based on work style and needs.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint emphasized)
  • Ability to learn new software applications quickly.
  • Experience with SharePoint is helpful, but not required.
  • The Alliance for the Great Lakes values community, relationships, courage, integrity, optimism and the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all our work.

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. Salary range is 60,000-70,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent benefits, including health and vacation are included.
  • Eligibility to enroll in a retirement plan after 1 year of employment.
  • This position can work remotely based within the Great Lakes region. Occasional travel within the region is required, in keeping with anticipated COVID-19 safety protocols.

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries, please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

Our mission is to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes. Learn more about the Alliance at www.greatlakes.org.

The Alliance envisions a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future. We aspire to be a voice for the lakes, and to support the voices of the communities that depend on the lakes and their waters.

The post Executive Assistant appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/10/executive-assistant/

Michelle Farley

It’s hard to believe that 30 years ago in September, volunteers joined our first Adopt-a-Beach events on Lake Michigan. Today the program reaches across all 5 lakes and all 8 Great Lakes states. On Saturday, September 18th, thousands of dedicated volunteers took to the beaches with one goal in mind: To keep the Great Lakes healthy, beautiful, and free from plastic pollution.   

Each year, roughly 85% of the litter collected at beach cleanups is made up of plastic. Adopt-a-Beach volunteers are on the front lines of keeping plastic out of our lakes. Tackling litter and plastic pollution in the Great Lakes is no small task, but together we are able to make a difference. 

Our September Adopt-a-Beach event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup. We are still compiling beach cleanup data, but in the meantime, take a look at a few memorable moments shared by volunteers, highlighting cleanup events around the region. 

The post 30th Anniversary of September Adopt-a-Beach a Success!  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/09/30th-anniversary-of-september-adopt-a-beach-a-success/

Michelle Farley

By Anna-Lisa Castle, Water Policy Manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes 

Anna-Lisa

My Work. My Community
As a Water Policy Manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes and as a resident of the McKinley Park neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side, I wear two hats.

I am a water policy professional working to develop and advance policy solutions to complex water infrastructure and governance challenges, like safely removing toxic lead drinking water pipes without burdening households already struggling with water affordability and quality challenges. This is especially urgent as there is no safe level of lead in water, which can cause irreparable harm to neurological development in children and myriad other health impacts to people of all ages.

I am also part of an environmental justice community – McKinely Park – of about 15,000 people, plurality Latino and Asian with majority low- and moderate-income households in older housing stock served by lead service lines. We have heavy truck traffic and industrial activity and our neighborhood have increasingly been targeted for development.

When the ground literally shakes under semis and bulldozers, I think about the lead pipes delivering drinking water to all of us. I wonder if the corrosion treatment lining those pipes has been compromised or if toxic lead particles have shaken loose, leaching into the water we drink, cook with, and bathe our children in. I wonder if my multilingual neighbors are able to access information or resources to protect themselves against lead contamination. And I wonder how lead in water factors into the layers of other stressors on my neighborhood, including industrial pollution, rising housing and utility costs, and, recently, the havoc wreaked by the coronavirus pandemic. Cumulative impact is something my neighbors and I are deeply concerned about and work to address as part of our local, community-based organization, Neighbors for Environmental Justice. 

Illinois Taking Steps to Eliminate Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water
Aging lead service lines represent an unnecessary public health liability even when they sit undisturbed and largely invisible to the public, connecting millions of households to water mains around the country. The problem is national in scope, with an estimated 10+ million lead service lines in use, not to mention millions more made of “unknown materials”. Taken together, the Great Lakes – which provide drinking water to 30+ million people in the U.S. – are home to 7 of the top 10 states with the highest number of lead service lines.

Illinois is at the top of that list, with Chicago the epicenter of this national crisis.. The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (HB 3739), approved by the Illinois General Assembly earlier this year, is due for the governor’s signature within days. Illinois will become the second U.S. state to pass lead service line replacement legislation, following Michigan. Leaders at Metropolitan Planning Council, Illinois Environmental Council, Natural Resources Defense Council, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, and many others deserve a lot of credit in getting us here. Communities, water utilities, state agencies, and nonprofit partners will need to be diligent to ensure the law is implemented equitably.

Many states have required inventories to identify lead service lines, but more of our Great Lakes states should step up to support full replacement and safe, affordable, lead-free drinking water. Communities don’t have to wait for state legislation. We can look to cities like Cincinnati, Ohio, Madison, Wisconsin, and Denver, Colorado which has taken on full lead service line replacement with cost-sharing options or no cost to homeowners.

Congressional Action Needed
And Congress must step up, too. The Great Lakes Congressional delegation must continue to prioritize lead service line replacement in the federal infrastructure package and keep or increase proposed funding levels to address the multibillion-dollar backlog of drinking water infrastructure needs. According to the American Water Works Association, an estimated $1 trillion is needed to repair, replace, and expand drinking water systems over the next two decades. Water infrastructure funding must also include support for technical assistance to community water systems that most need it to develop robust, equitable lead service line replacement programs and strategies to engage the people they serve in that process.

US EPA Must Take Clear and Decisive Action
At the same time, the US Environmental Protection Agency must take a strong, science-backed, and health-based approach to revise and update the federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). A strong federal LCR is essential for driving action and setting a high bar for communities around the country, including my hometown of Chicago, where I have worked with valued colleagues on the city’s Lead Service Line Replacement Working Group. Even as US EPA continues to review and revise the LCR, the anticipated rule is already serving as an impetus for cities like Chicago to start on lead service line replacement and get ahead of federal action. Clear and decisive action by US EPA on the federal lead rule is needed to safeguard public health.

Looking to the Future
Safe, affordable, lead-free water is essential for everyone in the region, but too many are living without this basic water security. Public policy governing our drinking water must take a health-based, equity-driven approach that speeds up, not slows down, removal of toxins from our water. The Alliance looks forward to continuing to work with our partners, US EPA, and the Great Lakes Congressional delegation to ensure that communities have the tools they need to realize safe, clean affordable water for all.

Tell Congress: It’s Time To Fix Our Failing Water Infrastructure

No one should be without clean, affordable water in their home. No one should have to worry about sewage backing up into their basement or community flooding from failing wastewater systems.

Take Action

The post Illinois shows leadership for lead-free drinking water; further action is needed across the Great Lakes region appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/08/illinois-shows-leadership-for-lead-free-drinking-water-further-action-is-needed-across-the-great-lakes-region/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Local Partnerships and Advocacy, Manager (Manager) reports to the Director of Planning to develop and implement the Alliance’s community advocacy strategy. The Manager executes the Alliance’s community advocacy work in Chicago and Cook County, Illinois, with the goal of strengthening and sustaining the advocacy power of community partners who live or work in disproportionately impacted communities.  S/he will elevate local leaders expertise in municipal and state policy decisions to address water issues is disproportionally impacted communities. Local partnerships and networks will be developed and strengthened through collaborative, locally-led decision-making grounded in lived experiences. The Manager will support partners in implementation of climate-informed, water infrastructure policies, projects and programs designed to improve the health and quality of Great Lakes waters, address racial inequities in land use decisions, and strengthen the network of water advocates in water adjacent communities to achieve policy solutions to local water challenges. Execution of the shared advocacy strategy will include deployment of Alliance resources to local partners and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including environmental justice advocates, networks of non-profits, city and county staff, and elected officials. S/he works with a team of water planning, advocacy and communication leaders at the Alliance to shape policy and practices that help protect the Great Lakes.

A typical week for the Partnerships and Advocacy Manager might look like this – the week begins with a quick check-in video call with the Director of Planning and the Water Policy Manager to discuss and coordinate tasks for the week.  You start working on a grant report, but then a partner texts to let you know they finally heard back from Commissioner John Doe and the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. You set the grant report aside, and start texting, emailing and calling partners who needs to be at this meeting, making sure they have the fact sheets that you worked with them and the Communication & Engagement team to develop in anticipation of this meeting. You attend the meeting, take notes, and after the meeting you schedule a debrief meeting with partners to discuss what was learned and next steps. In the debrief meeting partners decide a next step is to talk with residents about their water bills because Commissioner Doe said he thought everyone in Chicago could pay if they wanted to. So, you set-up a meeting with the Water Policy Analysis, researchers from a Chicago area university and partners to develop a plan for collecting and analyzing data based on interviews with residents, and lay out a strategy for how this data can inform specific policy recommendations. You schedule a meeting the Communications & Engagement team and partners to discuss how the data and policy recommendations can be turned into communication materials. You begin to develop a campaign plan and related budgets, scopes of work and work plans, and share those with partners, Director of Planning, Water Policy Manager and Director of Operations for feedback and approval. It’s the end of the week, you check your Outlook calendar and are reminded that your grant report is due. You finish up your report and email it to the Foundation & Corporate Giving Manager. It’s been a hectic week, so you take a little time for yourself to relax and recuperate.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes sets a protection agenda for the Great Lakes, a resource of global significance and the world’s largest source of surface freshwater. The Alliance seeks to protect the Great Lakes from their greatest threats, build a resilient future for communities and instill the value of clean water throughout the region. The Alliance is a four-star Charity Navigator organization. Learn more at www.greatlakes.org.

Responsibilities

Community Advocacy Capacity

  • Co-develop and co-lead an advocacy strategy to advance water infrastructure policies that prioritize health equity through lead service line replacement and addressing flooding/basement backups as part of a neighborhood investment strategy in Chicago and Cook County.
  • Support coalitions of environmental justice leaders and environmental non-profits to advance shared policy priorities in Chicago and Cook County.
  • Co-create and coordinate events, workshops, and trainings to strengthen advocacy networks, build broad-based support, and elevate local leaders.

Manage Partnerships

  • Co-develop partners’ and consultants’ scopes of work that align with agreed upon goals and roles.
  • Co-develop and continually manage work plans, virtual work spaces, budgets/invoicing, and check-in meetings for all partners.
  • Co-facilitate and support the Calumet Connect Partnership with the Southeast Environmental Task Force.

Policy and Decision Making Process

  • Meet regularly with city staff and elected officials in Chicago and Cook County to build support for and pass water infrastructure policies.
  • Navigate the technical and political decision-making process for water infrastructure policies and land use in Chicago and Cook County.
  • Recommend processes that allow agency staff to meaningfully engage with community leaders on the development and implementation of policy and program priorities.

Data Informed Campaigns

  • Based on feedback from local partners, identify data gaps and utilize internal and external resources to gather information needed with a focus on data that elevates lived experiences (e.g. focus groups, interviews, surveys).
  • Co-develop a campaign strategy that identifies community tools (e.g. fact sheets, media, videos, slide decks) needed to reach target audiences.

Program Development

  • Assist with the development of grant proposals for new work that facilitates program growth and supports strategic partnerships.
  • Track and report on grant deliverables, project budgets and expenses.
  • Inform the Alliance’s strategic direction in Chicago/Illinois, Detroit/Michigan and Cleveland/Ohio.

Knowledge/Skills

  • Strong existing relationships in Chicago.
  • Plan and execute virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, trainings or events to build support for policies, elevate the expertise of local leaders, and advance collective action.
  • Research, write and verbally communicate wonky policy information in easy-to-understand language that provides everyone from elected officials to community leaders with actions they can take.
  • Work independently to support community leaders and advocates, especially in communities of color or communities impacted by failing water infrastructure and racial and health inequities.
  • Facilitate collaborative processes that allow a range of stakeholders, especially those with lived experiences, to meaningfully participate in the co-creation of advocacy strategy and materials.
  • Familiarity with policies and programs related to water affordability, water shut-offs, lead service line replacement, green stormwater infrastructure, non-point source pollution, equitable land use, and sustainable neighborhood development.
  • Provide content needed for communication materials (e.g. videos, factsheets, events) that allow complex information to be easily understood and shared.
  • Creative thinker with the ability to quickly translate ideas into on-the-ground actions, test for success and shift tactics as needed.
  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant 5-7 years of experience in advocacy, urban planning, public health, economic development, political science or related field.
  • Spanish-speaking fluency is a plus.
  • Valid driver’s license required.

Job Parameters

  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. Salary to be commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent benefits, including health and vacation, are included.
  • Eligibility to enroll in a retirement plan after 1 year of employment.
  • This position is based in the greater Chicagoland region, with a strong preference for applicants who live within the City of ChicagoApplicants must be able to occasionally (or more frequently if preferred) work from and host meetings at the Alliance’s downtown Chicago office when it is safe to resume normal office operationsApplicants should expect a combination of sitting at desk and computer workstation, off-site meetings with partners, city staff and elected officials, and hosting meetings and events in communities. Regular local car travel of less than 150 miles round trip from downtown Chicago is required.
  • Opportunity for professional development such as conferences, webinars, association membership, etc.
  • Great building amenities including a gym (must pay one-time fee to access), indoor locked bike storage, lots of places to eat and things to do nearby, and unlimited coffee in the office.

Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled – we are looking to fill immediately. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

The post Local Partnerships and Advocacy Manager appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/08/local-partnerships-and-advocacy-manager/

Michelle Farley

The Alliance is happy to announce our Lakes Chat Summer Series. Every Tuesday at 1 pm, we’ll Live stream our chat with a special guest about Great Lakes issues and what it all means for you and your community.

In June, we chatted about Washington, DC updates on infrastructure policy and funding, 50 Years of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Invasive Carp, and the Adopt-a-Beach program.

Want to join in on the conversation? Be sure to join our Linkedin registration event page to receive notifications about upcoming chats.

Or, you can tune into our Facebook page or Youtube channel.

So, dive into timely topics with The Alliance and special guests, and feel free to contribute questions to the live video discussion.

Upcoming Lakes Chat Episodes for July

July 13: Ships, Invasive Species & the Great Lakes
Special Guest: Molly Flanagan Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Programs

July 20: Environmental Justice
Special Guest: Crystal M.C. Davis Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement

July 27: Water Levels
Special Guest: Joel Brammeier President & CEO

If you can’t join live, no worries, we’ll share previously recorded episodes here.

The post Dive into Our Lakes Chat Summer Series appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/07/dive-into-our-lakes-chat-summer-series/

Michelle Farley

Summary

The Water Policy Fellow works with the Agriculture and Water team on a range of issues and activities related to the Alliance’s Great Lakes and agriculture nutrient policy priorities and research. The Fellow will support work across the Great Lakes region through research, writing, and policy analysis. The Fellow will work both independently and collaboratively on varying tasks to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables. Additionally, the Fellow may be asked to represent the Alliance in a public-facing capacity, attending community events, public hearings, and events hosted by partners and decision-makers. The Water Policy Fellow reports to the Senior Policy Manager. The Alliance for the Great Lakes sets a protection agenda for the Great Lakes, a resource of global significance and the world’s largest source of surface freshwater. The Alliance seeks to protect the Great Lakes from their greatest threats, build a resilient future for communities and instill the value of clean water throughout the region. Learn more about the Alliance at www.greatlakes.org.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Compile an agriculture and water governance and policy outline for the Great Lakes region to be shared internally with the Alliance and close partners
• Research and draft report detailing the cost of intervention for nutrients and algae blooms for water utilities in key geographies in the basin
• Assess and develop a process for tracking agriculture-related permits in key geographies in the basin
• Assess current information and processes for quantifying nutrient sources in the Lake Erie Watershed
• Research a prioritized lists of current and alternative funding and policy mechanisms for achieving nutrient reduction targets in Green Bay, conduct a gap analyses, and report on findings
• Review literature focused on agriculture and nutrient pollution management, policy, socioeconomic, and governance and contribute to an annotated bibliography and resource sharing process
• Support the Alliance’s policy positions through public-facing communications, including writing, attending community events, participating in public hearings and events hosted by partners and decision-makers as needed

Knowledge/Skills

  • The ideal candidate will have experience in water policy, law, and/or planning with some background related to agricultural impacts on water and communities preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of experience in policy research or a related field preferred (1 year of graduate-level school work would meet this preference)
  • Strong listening, written, and verbal communications skills
  • Ability to review multiple source documents (including peer-reviewed academic literature), filter important information, and summarize key points from research and meetings respectively
  • Ability to manage multiple pieces of work in a fast-paced environment and shift focus quickly from one priority to another
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a staff team located in different offices with varying types of expertise and priorities
  • Some knowledge of large-scale or watershed planning or water law is a bonus
  • Attraction to mission-driven public interest work
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Job Parameters/Expectations

  •  Work with Supervisor to design the plan of work with clearly defined outcomes and timelines subject to the Fellow’s abilities and the Fellowship’s aims
  •  Participate in regularly scheduled meetings virtually and possibly some in-person
  • This is a part-time, temporary, paid position for June – October 2021, with extension option pending performance and project development
  • Compensation is hourly with an average goal per week
  •  “Office hours” are expected but flexibility can be discussed, as needed, with supervisor’s prior approval

 Application Process

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line.

The application period may stay open until June 29 or the position is filled, whichever is earlier. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries, please.

 About the Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

The Alliance’s vision is a healthy Great Lakes for people and wildlife, forever. Its mission is to conserve and restore the world’s largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife.

 

The post We’re Hiring a Water Quality Policy Fellow appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/05/were-hiring-a-water-quality-policy-fellow/

Michelle Farley