Job Opening: Operations Specialist

Job Opening: Operations Specialist

About MEC

Our mission is to champion lasting protections for Michigan’s air, 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 organizations with offices in Lansing and Detroit. The Environmental Council combines deep environmental policy expertise, close connections to state and federal decision-makers and relationships with broad alliances to achieve positive public policy solutions to our most challenging environmental issues.

Position

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Operations Specialist helps ensure that the organization is running smoothly and efficiently. This is an excellent role for a talented early-career leader looking to grow nonprofit management skills or a veteran administrator eager to do good in the world.

The Operations Specialist is a key role that supports a variety of operational functions across multiple departments, including facilities support, financial administration, executive team support, HR assistance, and CRM management. The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. If you’re passionate about optimizing operations to support the growth and efficiency of a meaningful organization, we encourage you to apply.

Facilities & Operations Support

• Assist with building maintenance, telecommunications, and tenant management.
• Serve as on-site contact for vendors.
• Coordinate office space scheduling and manage conference room bookings for meetings and events.
• Organize the maintenance and implementation of operational procedures.
• Provide support for governance tasks, ensuring legal compliance and proper documentation.
• Support contract of and serve as staff liaison to information technology providers, provide IT support, and handle and other IT needs.

Administrative and Finance Support

• 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 to ensure compliance and timely delivery.
• Open, process, and sort all mail.
• Draft quarterly Board meeting minutes for the Board Secretary.

Executive Team Support:

• Schedule and prepare agendas for meetings of the organization’s three-person Executive Team; follow up on tasks from those meetings.
• Manage calendars for the Executive Team, as requested, including scheduling and travel arrangements.
• Schedule Board committee meetings and internal staff meetings.
• Serve as the point of the contact for the CEO.
• Support the CEO with other administrative tasks including note taking, meeting follow-up, and correspondence.

Human Resources:

• Promote a positive work environment by supporting staff development.
• Track and maintain accurate records of PTO.
• Assist with the onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Help develop, update, and communicate staff policies and procedures.

Development:

• Assist with drafting, signing, and mailing thank-you notes to donors, ensuring timely acknowledgment.
• Support donation tracking and CRM data management to ensure accuracy.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for fundraising campaigns and donor events.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in nonprofit operations, administration, or bookkeeping
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field
• Proficiency in using CRM systems and accounting software (preferred)
• 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
• Experience working with diverse constituents, teams, and colleagues
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Aptitude to learn new applications
• Passion for MEC’s mission, members, and partners

Other Position Notes

This position is based in Lansing, and the expectation is that this position will be in the Lansing office 3-5 days a week.

Compensation Package

MEC offers an industry-leading compensation package. The Operations Specialist position includes a salary of $45,000-54,000 commensurate with experience; full medical, dental and vision benefits; organizational matching to a 403(b) retirement program, and a flexible schedule with 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 Specialist” in the subject line. Please direct questions about the job description to Operations Manager, Krista Mickelson Beachnau at krista@environmentalcouncil.org. 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.