What are the responsibilities and job description for the MHC Fellow position at City of Benton Harbor?
MI Healthy Climate Fellow Position Description
Position Title: MHC Fellow
Position Type: In-Person
Host Site: City of Benton Harbor / Site Supervisor: Alexandre Little
Slot Type: 11 months
Hours: Full-time placement - 40 hours/wk
Dates of Service: 1/21/2026 - 12/18/2026
Salary: $45,000
MI Healthy Climate Fellows:
Join the MI Healthy Climate Fellows (MHC Fellows) and make a lasting impact on Michigan’s carbon-neutral future! The MHC Fellows program accelerates Michigan’s climate action through capacity building and leadership development. Fellows serve across the state to advance the MI Healthy Climate Plan’s (MHCP) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan, unveiled by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in April 2022, aims to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis; create good-paying jobs; position Michigan as a climate action leader; and build a healthier and more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Michigan for all Michiganders.
About the Host Partner: Benton Harbor is a city of around 9,100 people which lies on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has a long history of industrial contamination from companies that have long since left the area. Over 44% percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Unemployment and disability rates are higher than the state and national average. However, the City has recently seen significant private development to address the housing shortages. The City has obtained funding to support the restoration of the Ox Creek Corridor which runs over four miles through the City. The City has also worked hard to obtain grant funding to support solar installation that will reduce the cost of energy for the city as well as low-income residents. Some of that funding has been paused by the federal government. The City is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for its residents.
MHC Fellow Role and Responsibilities
Join the MI Healthy Climate Fellows (MHC Fellows) and make a lasting impact on Michigan’s carbon-neutral future! The MHC Fellows program accelerates Michigan’s climate action through capacity building and leadership development. Fellows serve across the state to advance the MI Healthy Climate Plan’s (MHCP) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan, unveiled by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in April 2022, aims to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis; create good-paying jobs; position Michigan as a climate action leader; and build a healthier and more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Michigan for all Michiganders.
About the Host Partner: Benton Harbor is a city of around 9,100 people which lies on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has a long history of industrial contamination from companies that have long since left the area. Over 44% percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Unemployment and disability rates are higher than the state and national average. However, the City has recently seen significant private development to address the housing shortages. The City has obtained funding to support the restoration of the Ox Creek Corridor which runs over four miles through the City. The City has also worked hard to obtain grant funding to support solar installation that will reduce the cost of energy for the city as well as low-income residents. Some of that funding has been paused by the federal government. The City is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for its residents.
MHC Fellow Role and Responsibilities
- Empower the community to access climate resources by planning meetings, educational programs, and/or other activities to consistently share information.
- Participate in MHC Fellows development shared learning and collaboration activities including four MHC Fellow in-person convenings and, MHC Fellows monthly virtual trainings (refer to calendar attachment).
- Fellows will host a community input session with their host site to collect community feedback and advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Evaluation and Reporting
- Fellows will complete a mid-year survey during the term.
- Fellows will complete a preservice baseline capacity assessment and post service capacity evaluation.
- Other reporting requirements (e.g. bi-weekly timesheets, monthly progress reports, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
The appropriate candidate will have a strong interest and/or background in environmental issues, coalition building and/or community organizing, and communications or a combination of such interests. The appropriate candidate must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work within a team or as an individual and be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and Google Applications. Fellows are required to work the standard office hours of their host communities.
No specific background or education is required to join the MHC Fellow! But a minimum of 2 years of experience in these types of situations is essential for success:
The appropriate candidate will have a strong interest and/or background in environmental issues, coalition building and/or community organizing, and communications or a combination of such interests. The appropriate candidate must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work within a team or as an individual and be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and Google Applications. Fellows are required to work the standard office hours of their host communities.
No specific background or education is required to join the MHC Fellow! But a minimum of 2 years of experience in these types of situations is essential for success:
- Experience facilitating a meeting with people who have more experience than them
- Complete their work without someone reminding them to do it
- Experience overcoming obstacles in work situations in the past
- Experience managing multiple professional relationships
- Comfortable working outside of the typical 9:00am - 5:00pm to attend community events
- Ability to use or teach oneself new software in a fast-paced role with little oversight
Minimum Qualifications:
- Live in Michigan during the duration of their service.
- Ability to travel to four in-person MHC Fellow convenings around the state. Carpools will be available and encouraged.
- Be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or be working toward the completion of one.
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
- Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan)
Compensation:
Fellows will receive a salary of $45,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Fellows will receive health care benefits and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service, a program completion bonus in the amount of $2,000.
The MI Healthy Climate Fellows program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interviews and service as needed.
Apply Here.
Fellows will receive a salary of $45,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Fellows will receive health care benefits and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service, a program completion bonus in the amount of $2,000.
The MI Healthy Climate Fellows program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interviews and service as needed.
Apply Here.
Salary : $45,000