Policy & Communications Associate

Michigan Advocacy Program • Ypsilanti Charter Township, MI

5d • $45,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven communicator who can blend traditional communications skills with content creation expertise to amplify MIRC’s voice across digital platforms in order to inform, empower, and uplift immigrant communities. The Policy and Communications Associate will carry out a variety of duties supporting our public policy, communications, and community engagement efforts. This is a chance to join a passionate team doing important and challenging work at a critical time. The Policy and Communications Associate can be based in our Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo office with the potential for a hybrid in-office/remote schedule. The Communications Associate will support the work of MIRC’s Policy, Engagement, and Communications Manager This position works primarily during traditional office hours but, due to the nature of communications work, may require work in the evening or on the weekend.

MIRC is a statewide legal resource center for immigrant communities and works to build a thriving Michigan where immigrant communities experience equity and belonging. The three pillars of our work are: 1) direct legal services; 2) systemic advocacy; and 3) community education and engagement. MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to individuals and families with low-income and senior persons through several statewide programs.
MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. MAP is committed to anti-racism in all aspects of our work and has an active Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Visit michiganimmigrant.org and miadvocacy.org for more information.

Requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to MIRC’s mission and goals and a history of interest or engagement in social justice and immigrant rights issues.
• A bachelor’s degree or commensurate professional experience is required.
• Candidates must have 1-3 years of communications and/or digital content experience.
• Candidates must possess excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex issues to diverse audiences.
• Applicants should be collaborative and flexible, able to work effectively with staff and movement partners in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, while also able to work independently with supervision.
• A strong understanding of racial equity is required, along with excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Applicants must be proficient with major software and web-based applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Workspace, Constant Contact, Canva, and social media platforms.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants with Spanish, Arabic, or other relevant language skills will receive priority.
• Applicants with relevant lived personal and community experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Execute digital content strategy across social media, email, and website platforms to inform and engage audiences
• Draft press releases, media advisories, statements, and other communications materials to support rapid response and earned media efforts
• Create compelling multimedia materials including videos, graphics, testimonials, and explainers that respond to the needs of multilingual client communities and stakeholders
• Support clients and partners with digital storytelling to advance community advocacy priorities
• Collaborate with Policy, Engagement, and Communications Manager to ensure consistent messaging and brand identity across content calendar and digital campaigns
• Track digital metrics and analyze performance to optimize content strategy and impact
• Stay current on communications trends and tools, and identify opportunities to strengthen MIRC’s digital presence and reach

Benefits

• MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental, and flexible spending accounts.
• If staff do not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year.
• MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays (need to check 2026 #s with HR), as well as a 401(k) retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment.
• MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level