Job opening: Executive assistant & operations coordinator

About MEC

Our mission is to champion lasting protections for Michigan’s air, our water, and the places we love.

Created in 1980 to lead Michigan’s environmental movement, the Michigan Environmental Council is a coalition of more than 100 environmental and conservation organizations from across Michigan working to tackle our most pressing issues. We combine deep environmental policy expertise, close connections to state and federal decision-makers, and relationships with broad alliances to move bold ideas to action.

Position

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Operations Coordinator helps ensure that the organization is running smoothly and efficiently. The position works one on one with the CEO on complex organizational development issues. This is an excellent role for a talented nonprofit leader looking to expand their management skills. The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The Operations Coordinator supports a variety of functions across multiple departments, including facilities support, financial administration, executive team function, HR assistance, and CRM data-entry. Its responsibilities fall into two broad categories: administrative support and executive support.

Responsibilities

Administrative Support:

• Financial Reporting
  • Support accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring accurate tracking in internal systems and accounting software.
  • Help reconcile bank statements and credit card transactions.
  • Assist with preparing and submitting fiscal sponsor reports.
• Facility Management
  • Assist with building maintenance, telecommunications and tenant management
  • Serve as on-site contract for vendor
• Development
  • Support donation tracking and CRM data-entry to ensure accuracy
  • Provide administrative and logistical support for fundraising campaigns and donor events
• Human Resources
  • Track and maintain accurate records of PTO.
  • Assist with the onboarding and offboarding processes.
  • Help develop and update staff policies and procedures.

Executive Support:

• Executive Team
  • Act as a strategic liaison for the Executive Team, facilitating workflow and providing the necessary follow-up to ensure organizational milestones and team commitments are met
  • Synthesize CEO communications and strategic ideas into actionable plans, ensuring ‘big picture’ visions are translated into operational reality,
  • Support the CEO, performing administrative tasks including scheduling, email-management, note taking, meeting follow-up, and correspondence.
  • Meet regularly with the CEO to assist with planning.
  • Manage calendars for the Executive Team, as requested, including scheduling, ordering meals, and booking travel arrangements.
  • Support the strategic planning process.
• Board of Directors
  • Prepare board packets and draft quarterly board meeting minutes.
  • Organize the maintenance and implementation of operational procedures.
  • Provide support for governance tasks, ensuring legal compliance and proper documentation.

Supervisory responsibilities: none

Certificates, licenses, or registrations: none

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit operations, administration, or bookkeeping

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently

• Interest in using CRM systems and accounting software

• Ability to collaborate across teams and work on multiple projects simultaneously

• Professional proficiency using Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides); ability to effectively use spreadsheet software is essential

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

• Aptitude to learn new applications

• Passion for MEC’s mission, members, and partners

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field
• Direct experience with Salesforce and Sage Intacct (or other high level CRM and accounting software);
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted confidant to executive leadership, navigating complex internal dynamics while maintaining absolute integrity and confidentiality.

Other Position Notes

The Environmental Council offers a flexible hybrid working environment with physical offices located in Lansing and Detroit. This position is offered as primarily remote, with the option to work in-person as desired and minimal required in-person time for select meetings, special content collection opportunities, etc. This position requires a strong internet connection, as we depend on virtual meetings, Google Team Drive and many internet-based tools to conduct our work. All Environmental Council employees must be based in, or willing to relocate to, the state of Michigan. 

Compensation Package

The Environmental Council provides staff with an industry-leading compensation package. The Communications Coordinator position includes a salary of $61,000 – $70,000 commensurate with experience; full medical, dental and vision benefits; organizational matching to a 403(b) retirement program and unlimited paid time off. 

Application Process

Submit a single PDF with 1) a strong, detailed cover letter, 2) a resume and 3) at least three references (minimum two professional) to jobs@environmentalcouncil.org. Include “Operations Coordinator” in the subject line. Please direct questions about the job description to Operations Director Krista Mickelson Beachnau at krista@environmentalcouncil.org. Anticipated start date is the end of February 2026 or sooner. Application review is underway and continues until the position is filled.

Michigan Environmental Council is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the Michigan citizens we serve. MEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities are encouraged to apply.