IEC Policy Positions

About the Organization

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF), and its affiliate the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), promote sound environmental laws and policies, provide a forum for environmentalists and facilitate a statewide activist network. IECEF engages in legislative monitoring and analysis; outreach, organizing and coalition building; and communication and education. IEC performs legislative advocacy and builds power for people and the environment.

About the Opportunities

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is frequently hiring to supplement our policy work on matters related to energy, conservation, clean water, sustainable agriculture, or waste reduction. While we may not currently have vacancies (vacancies for specific positions would be posted separately, referencing job titles, when open), we encourage qualified applicants to submit their applications at any time to ensure a resume is on file for us to review when a vacancy should arise.

Previous experience with policy or organizing in one or more of these issue areas is strongly preferred. Previous professional work experience is required.

Our positions are located in either Chicago, IL or Springfield, IL, with the option of hybrid work to accommodate partial work from home. Most positions are full-time and may include evening and weekend work, and travel within the Chicagoland and/or Springfield area.

About You

We’re looking for self-motivated individuals excited by the challenge of addressing the biggest challenges facing Illinois by bringing together diverse stakeholders. You should be a hard working individual that is excited to take on any task.

We are a small, dynamic team that rely on each other to produce high quality work.
You are excited about the opportunity to help implement the recently passed Climate & Equitable Jobs Act and to make Illinois a global leader on climate change. You are excited to help pass progressive policy proposals for clean energy, equitable energy jobs, conservation, clean water, waste reduction and sustainable agriculture. You like to work collaboratively with other organizations and community leaders.

We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to further diversify our company. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Responsibilities

• Track, analyze and support the implementation of legislation specific to IEC core issues areas of energy, conservation, clean water, sustainable agriculture, or waste reduction (including the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act).  
• Track and analyze environmental ordinances and activities at the Chicago City Council, other areas of City government, and throughout the state of Illinois.  Work with our partners to draft, negotiate, and pass new environmental ordinances and support new environmental initiatives.
• Help increase the organization’s position as a thought- and action-leader on all policies areas.
• Build relationships with decision makers.
• Bring and develop expertise on key policy areas.
• Review policies from other states, and develop position and strategy analyses on how they could be adopted in Illinois.
• Review policies from other cities, and develop position and strategy analyses on how they  could be adopted in the city of Chicago.
• Develop relationships with and help support environmental justice and community-based organizations.
• Convene and coordinate meetings, take notes, and otherwise provide administrative support to any coalitions or other convenings related to our policies.
• Participate in stakeholder working groups and meetings.

Qualifications

• Previous work experience required
• Degree in public policy, public administration, environmental issues, or political science preferred
• Expertise on key policy issues (clean energy, equitable jobs, clean water, waste reduction, sustainable agriculture and climate issues)
• Experience working with Chicago City Council, the Illinois State Legislature, or any government agencies that deal with IEC issues
• Experience working in and with frontline and/or environmental justice organizations
• Excellent written communication skills
• Proficiency using both the Microsoft and Google software suites
• Ability to work with diverse groups and people
• Highly organized
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently
• Interest in environmental issues and policies

About Our Pay and Benefits

At IEC, our pay is commensurate with experience and prevailing market wages. Full time positions include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Equity, Allyship and Powerbuilding Values

IEC/IECEF is working always to ensure that everyone on our team feels engaged and supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multi-cultural and anti-racist organization.

We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.

How to Apply

Introduce yourself to us as a colleague. Show us your future here and let us know what you’d bring to our organization! We value great writers, so be yourself and be creative!

To apply please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to: iec@ilenviro.org