Montana Legislative and Program Assistant

Position Summary: The Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) is a non-partisan, non-profit environmental advocate dedicated to ensuring clean air and water for Montana’s present and future generations. One of MEIC’s most important activities is lobbying the State Legislature on Montana environmental issues, and this position will work in a supportive capacity to prepare for and assist during the 2025 Legislative Session, which runs from January through early May. After the session, the Assistant will transition to a program support role for our climate action and defense of water campaigns. This is a great opportunity for an individual looking to gain experience in environmental advocacy and policy research.

Type: Temporary, full time, exempt position. Start date is as soon as possible but no later than November or December 2024, and position lasts through December 2025. Potential for position to be extended after one year, depending on performance and funding.

Location: Helena, Montana.

Reports to: Policy & Legislative Director

Travel: Some overnight travel, mostly in-state. 

Compensation: $45,000-$50,000 annually, depending on experience. (Academic credit may be available depending on the requirements of your educational institution).

Responsibilities: 

1) Assist MEIC’s lobbying and communications teams in defending and passing progressive energy and environmental policies, and help defend Montana’s constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment, both within and outside the Capitol. This will involve tracking legislation for lobbyists, testifying at hearings, producing fact sheets, helping organize rallies and events, helping to manage our online bill tracking system, updating the website, and other duties as they arise.

2) Help conduct research on environmental policies and statistics related to energy and industrial projects, land use planning, and development, and other environmental issues.

3) Help MEIC conduct outreach to its members, legislators, and the public through a variety of electronic, telephone, and social media communication tools.

4) Assist with the development of newsletters, fact sheets, and alerts.

5) Assist with production and implementation of online webinars and in-person meetings.

Essential Qualifications:

• A commitment to protect Montana’s natural environment.
• Two or more years of related professional experience and/or a relevant undergraduate degree.
• Proven research skills and ability to synthesize complex information.
• The ability to work well with little supervision with a fast-paced collaborative team.
• Highly organized
• A willingness to take the initiative on tasks and projects. 
• The ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Mastery of basic computer skills, including familiarity with Google Workspace applications, Microsoft Office, and Zoom. Experience with WordPress, Canva, and InDesign or willingness to learn would be beneficial. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and justice and an understanding of how these values intersect with environmental issues. 

 Desired Qualifications:

• A familiarity with environmental issues in Montana
• Political, community advocacy, and/or environmental communications experience

To Apply: Please combine a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample into a single PDF file and e-mail to [email protected]. The writing sample should demonstrate the candidate’s research skills. We will begin reviewing applications on October 4, 2024. The position is open until filled, preferred start date in November 2024.

About MEIC: 

MEIC is a 501(c)(3), member-supported non-profit organization. We work to protect and improve the quality of life for the people of Montana by defending the land, air, water, and life-sustaining climate. 

A core value of MEIC is creation of a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and humane workplace. The work environment is friendly, fun, cooperative, and fast-paced. Staff members need to be able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities. MEIC is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage people of color, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized community members to apply.