Job Tag: Law/Policy

Whidbey Environmental Action Network (WEAN) is seeking a Program Director to support our mission of protecting ecosystems on Whidbey, Camano, and beyond through civic education, policy advocacy, and litigation. This full-time role will help us design and execute campaigns to shape land use policy outcomes that protect ecosystems in Island County and beyond.

Compensation: $85,000-$90,000 per year plus benefits

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: Hybrid, with an office at Bayview (Langley, WA)

Employment status: Permanent, full time, exempt

The Program Director is WEAN’s lead strategist for policy advocacy campaign design and execution. This role shapes how we understand the environmental advocacy landscape— carrying priority issues forward, analyzing data, identifying policy and enforcement gaps, and building mission-aligned campaigns that move people to act. A qualified applicant will have demonstrated expertise in environmental science, environmental policy, or land use planning; strong analytical and written communication skills; and experience designing and executing public engagement campaigns or civic education programs. Familiarity with Washington State environmental law and/or land use policy and the ability to work independently in a small-organization setting are essential.

This position involves a broad range of administrative and advocacy responsibilities in support of the Department. This role has responsibility for assuring the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced department, including staff attorneys with administrative and other support on legal cases; administering Defenders’ litigation docket, Conservation Law Department budgets and web content; handling information requests on legal program issues; representing the department in internal and external meetings on select issues; and coordinating office procedures to facilitate accomplishment of work plans. In addition, the coordinator regularly functions as the Vice President’s liaison to staff, environmental organizations, Defenders’ members and the general public.

This role is expected to develop strong knowledge of current legal cases and projects and provide general assistance to staff members on various matter relating to those projects. This position requires substantial discretion in determining how to meet assigned goals and competing deadlines.

The coordinator must be extremely well-organized and have excellent administrative skills; possess strong oral and written communication skills; be capable of articulating Defenders’ position on complex issues; and possess a commitment to natural resource conservation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative:

Manage the budget and the administration for the legal department, including processing invoices, expense reports, and assisting with travel arrangements for staff attending outside meetings or conferences;
Compile and edit documents; schedule meetings; photocopy and fax documents; and assist department staff in understanding and complying with administrative procedures; manage and distribute information; attend all relevant internal staff meetings;
Coordinate scheduling, location, and the distribution of relevant materials and room or A/V set-up for select meetings, as needed. Take meeting notes and prepare formal or informal minutes as appropriate.
Program Support:

Maintain information for the legal department, including the compilation of quarterly board reports and the management of the litigation docket;
Edit briefs and assist with litigation filings; assist in the writing and research of comments; conduct factual and legal research; participate in meetings on behalf of legal staff;
Partner with HR for Legal Intern/Law Clerk hiring process;
Respond to information requests from members and other interested parties and distribute Defenders’ published reports;
Assure effective internal communication with other Defenders’ staff and departments and coordinate logistics for responding to letter sign-on requests from other organizations, etc.
Troubleshoot problems with computers in conjunction with the IT department; create and maintain relevant databases;
Facilitate and promote the integration of inclusion & belonging into Defenders’ work; act as office liaison to Headquarters, field staff, and third parties;
Perform all other related duties as assigned and be an energetic, enthusiastic, and committed advocate for all Defenders’ programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 2 years of relevant experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Salary Range: $28.85 To $31.25 Hourly

The State Affairs program of the Political Affairs department leads EDF’s efforts to achieve our policy goals through legislative, regulatory, and political engagement at the state and local levels. Our lobbyists, communicators, organizers and experts work together to achieve progress on our priority issues.
Overall Function

The Senior Manager, California State Affairs will lead the development and implementation of key aspects of EDF’s California-based work. Reporting to Senior Director, California, the Senior Manager’s responsibilities will include leading the collaborative design and implementation of effective education and policy advocacy campaigns to support EDF’s major workstream priorities in California. This work will entail managing consultants, coordinating among multiple EDF workstreams and experts, coordinating with partner organizations, owning relationships with key stakeholders, influential decisionmakers and/or government agencies, and representing EDF and organizational positions to external stakeholders. The Senior Manager will be a key “on the ground” presence for EDF and EDF Action in Sacramento, representing the organization and its priorities.

Flexibility and willingness to learn and develop functional subject matter expertise in the areas of climate change, clean energy, forestry, water, and/or clean transportation is required. The Senior Manager will take responsibility for tracking policy for specific subject areas and coordinating with the relevant EDF experts, external stakeholders and policymakers.

The Senior Manager will manage 1-2 junior staff members, will independently guide and manage specific projects, and serve as the main point of internal and external contact for discrete projects or campaigns. Independent judgement is required to plan, prioritize, and organize workload. Ideal candidates are driven self-starters with the ability to learn new subject matter, with demonstrated success in California government or government relations.

Qualifications

Minimum of eight years’ experience working to effect change in California, including a demonstrated history of success in state environmental policy through engagement with industry, regulators, elected officials and other public-interest stakeholders.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, in science, policy, economics or law in areas related to the environment. Master’s degree or equivalent may substitute for up to two years of work experience.
Experience with California legislative process and politics, and solid understanding of the political dynamics surrounding a broad range of environmental issues and the wider political context in which they operate; understanding of state and federal policy making and political processes.
Demonstrable people and project management skills.
Ability to represent and speak for EDF in public and with the press.
Demonstrable written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrable negotiation skills with the ability to garner consensus between disparate groups with conflicting priorities.
Capable of working with a variety of concerned parties, including government agencies, grassroots organizations and private firms, within strategic coalitions.
Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to travel for in-state meetings (10-25%, depending on candidate location) with occasional out-of-state travel required.

Salary: $110,000 – $120,000 USD/Yr.

Position Summary

Manages and coordinates the Association’s policy development and advocacy efforts related to wildlife resource policy, including wildlife management and conservation, hunting, trapping, and recreational shooting in accordance with the Association’s strategic plan and member priorities. Develop strategies and sound wildlife related policies in close coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies to advance state fish and wildlife agency priorities and their conservation objectives. Stays abreast of federal rules, regulations, policies, and legislation related to wildlife resource policy. Staffs and manages several of the Association’s committees including the Hunting and Shooting Sports Participation Committee and the Wildlife Resources Policy Committee.

Works collaboratively with AFWA committees, state agencies, AFWA staff, and conservation partners to develop sound wildlife policy recommendations, briefing materials, and correspondence in accordance with Association member priorities. Responsible for coordinating monthly updates for state fish and wildlife agency wildlife program administrators. Develops strategies to work effectively with Congress and actively engages with Congressional offices to leverage existing relationships and foster new collaborative relationships to further Association and state fish and wildlife agency priorities to advance the state fish and wildlife agencies’ priorities and other Association strategic priorities. Fosters trusted, collaborative and productive working relationships with AFWA’s non-profit conservation partners and Federal agency staff to advance and advocate for AFWA priorities and positions.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in fish and wildlife management or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in political science with a focus on natural resource conservation or environmental studies; and at least 2-4 years’ experience in a natural resources related field, with an emphasis on policy development and the legislative process preferred.

Working knowledge of the congressional legislative, and federal budget and regulatory processes.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills, work effectively with others, be self-motivated, commitment to learning, manage long-term and short-term deadlines, manage scheduling and numerous projects at one time, and have strong organizational skills. Strategic and critical thinker.

Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain collaborative and trusted relationships with state fish and wildlife agency leaders and staff, AFWA members, Congressional staff, Federal agency partners, and members of conservation organizations.

Documented ability to work effectively with others, be self‐motivated, work independently, able to look long‐term and plan strategically as well as handle short‐term deadlines, demonstrate sharp policy analytical ability, and manage multiple projects/issues simultaneously. Experience with planning and facilitating meetings.

The Association utilizes Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office products. Proficiency with these products is required. Additionally, possess the ability to navigate computer software that supports government affairs operations, and Microsoft office products.

Demonstrated commitment to AFWA staff values including a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

Experience working for a state, federal, territorial, or provincial fish and wildlife agency or a demonstrated understanding of the role of state fish and wildlife agencies preferred.

Experience working in or with Congressional offices in Washington, DC is preferred.

Ability to travel 10- 15% of the time. Salary: $75,0000/yr.

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working toward a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable. Our mission is to build the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet.

About the Position

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council seeks a visionary leader to advance change at the intersection of clean energy, equity, and inclusion. You will lead IREC’s Regulatory Team and attorneys as they develop and execute a multi-state strategy to advance distributed energy resource (DER) regulatory best practices. The Vice President contributes as a member of IREC’s Executive team, shaping strategies and direction to reach bold clean energy and energy equity goals to mitigate the climate emergency. You will be responsible for partnership and funding development. You should be a self-motivated, passionate thought leader to provide strategic direction and oversight of the organization’s regulatory program.

The successful candidate will bring the following qualities to our organization:

Required

8+ years of work experience and familiarity with public utility regulation, distributed energy resource policy and technology, and state policy and advocacy
Graduate degree in one or more energy/environmental policy-related fields, including public policy, environmental science, sustainability, law, engineering, or other relevant clean energy field
Deep understanding of the electricity grid and U.S. energy system, including the technical, procedural, and legal challenges and related opportunities to accelerate the grid integration of DERs and a just transition to sustainable energy
Expertise in DER interconnection policy and an understanding of the range of regulatory frameworks and key stakeholders across different states that impact clean energy adoption
Demonstrated proficiency in project management as well as experience managing staff
Strong fundraising and development skills, including proposal preparation and the ability to develop and oversee budgets
Superb written and spoken communication skills
Intellectually curious and self-disciplined fast learner with the ability to independently operate in a virtual environment and provide needed self-direction
Demonstrated passion to mitigate the climate crisis and be part of the clean energy future
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Preferred

Experience and expertise in distribution system planning and/or energization of EV charging infrastructure
Experience leading multi-state regulatory efforts

Salary range: $145,000 – $175,000, depending on experience

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a highly organized, proactive Program Assistant to support its Climate & Energy team in advancing critical environmental and public health advocacy across New England. This is a central administrative role that serves as the team’s operational backbone, ensuring that legal, advocacy, and administrative work runs smoothly, efficiently, and on time.

The Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting attorneys and advocates by managing the day-to-day administrative, financial, and logistical functions that enable high impact environmental litigation, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

This position can be based in any of CLF’s six regional offices (Montpelier, VT; Concord, NH; Portland, ME; Providence, RI; New Haven, CT; or Boston, MA), with a strong preference for Boston. This is a benefit-eligible, 30-hour-per-week position, with flexibility for some remote work within New England. The 30 hours can be worked over 4 or 5 working days between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

What you’ll need

We are looking for a reliable, adaptable, and detail-oriented self-starter who enjoys being a resource and thrives in a dynamic, mission driven environment. To be successful in this role, you will bring:

· Up to three years of professional work experience or equivalent.

· Strong administrative capabilities, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Office 365).

· The ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and solve problems effectively.

· Excellent attention to detail and follow-through.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and locations.

· Comfort supporting a wide range of tasks and shifting priorities as program needs evolve.

· A commitment to learning new skills and taking on increasing responsibility over time.

· Passion for CLF’s mission and commitment to environmental protection and public interest work.

· Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience.

· A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Salary: The starting salary range for this 30-hour per week position is $42,000 – $46,000 if based in Boston and $40,000 – $43,000 if based from a CLF office outside of Boston; actual salary will reflect experience and qualifications.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of AZA’s conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals
Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff
Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings
Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts
Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception
Participate in relevant policy coalitions
Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group
Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.
Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

Education and Experience

5+ years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or with a member service association
2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives
Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred
Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus

Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and political processes
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and non-governmental organization representatives
Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills
Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written
Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and to serve as a voice to external audiences
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members
Ability to travel required

The hiring target for this role is $76,000. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is open for consideration in the following locations in the Americas, with preference for candidates based in time zones that can accommodate calls with colleagues in Europe and Africa: Arlington-US, Brazil(remote), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, Suriname, Peru

Over the last 10 years, CI has developed a comprehensive Blue Climate program spanning over 20 countries dedicated to identifying and addressing science and policy priorities for oceans and climate globally. The Blue Climate program within the Center for Oceans at CI works closely with our field programs across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa to design and implement innovative approaches to (1) implement nature-based climate adaptation solutions that improve coastal and marine communities’ livelihoods and resilience while also conserving ecosystems and biodiversity; and (2) conserve and restore coastal blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows) for climate change mitigation. The Blue Climate program also has key leadership roles in advancing climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into national and regional coastal management and science through the International Blue Carbon Institute, Blue Carbon Initiative, the International Partnership for Blue Carbon, the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Global Green-Gray Community of Practice, and policy with the Center for Policy and Incentives.

Under the supervision of the Director, Ocean Policy, the Senior Manager, Ocean Policy, is a self-motivated, creative team member integral to the long-term growth and success of CI’s Blue Climate program and Ocean Policy team. The Senior Manager, Ocean Policy will support the development, implementation and management of strategic international policy-based approaches and programs to achieve CI’s Ocean Policy goals spanning coastal resilience, climate mitigation, green-gray infrastructure, blue carbon ecosystems and ocean-climate integration. Together with the Director, Ocean Policy, they will work with CI’s Center for Policy and Incentives to ensure alignment with CI’s larger international and national policy programs and priorities, including providing technical inputs and guidance on ocean-climate issues. The position will also work closely with teams across CI including other programs within the Center for Oceans and the Moore Center for Science and Solutions to ensure alignment and integration of ocean policy priorities with all related CI programs and topic areas, including biodiversity, finance, and community fisheries.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree
5 to 7 years of experience working in international climate and/or ocean policy mechanisms and fora.
Understanding of government processes and the overall policy engagement environment.
Strong organization, project management, and prioritization skills.
Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, international team.
Experience partnering with, and influencing, key stakeholders and building strong partnerships across public and private sectors and civil society.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to effectively communicate complex information to a diverse audience.
Enthusiasm and capacity for learning scientific and related basis for specific conservation outcomes as needed to support policy priorities and processes.
Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred

Bi-lingual or multilingual in official UN languages.
Expertise in coastal blue carbon and marine ecosystems, climate change science, and/or nature-based solutions
Master’s degree or other advanced degree in environmental policy or related field.
Experience working globally in a range of cultural settings.

The External Affairs Associate supports the Nature Conservancy’s conservation and advocacy goals by serving as a liaison and informational contact between the organization and external partners/stakeholders. They will support the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team in amplifying conservation and climate policies that support TNC’s national and state chapter advocacy platform and will be primarily responsible for serving as a contact and resource for Ohio’s Congressional delegation and other federal contacts. The External Affairs Associate coordinates and implements internal initiatives such as organizational knowledge management, administrative procedures, internal networks and project coordination. The External Affairs Associate serves as a main point of contact for Ohio conservation policy issues with Ohio’s legislature and state agencies; therefore, the ideal candidate will be located in the Columbus metro region. Come join TNC and apply today!

Responsibilities include:

Advocating for statewide conservation and climate issues through engagement with stakeholders including conservation organizations, community-based organizations, and elected officials.

Supporting state conservation and climate advocacy goals by actively participating in coalitions and work groups.

Building and maintaining relationships with key partners and policymakers who are involved in efforts to tackle climate change, protect lands, waters, and wildlife.

Managing legislative engagement, including state or federal contract lobbying efforts, local, state and federal elected official outreach and communications campaigns. Collaborating with national, regional, and Ohio Chapter colleagues on shared projects, identifying cross cutting connections with legislative priorities.

Under direction of supervisor, drafting testimony, action alerts, letters, and other materials as needed to support the advocacy goals of the Ohio Chapter.

Presenting policy priorities to potential donors, supporters, and stakeholders.

Providing research and policy analysis and assists with outreach in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities at the state and federal level.

Sharing information and coordinates strategy with TNC in other states, regional, and Worldwide Office programs.

Preparing program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.

Providing administrative, research, organizing and general office support to the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team.

Working independently, working with supervisor on complex matters as needed.

Making independent decisions within the scope of work assignments.

Traveling to the Ohio Statehouse and Washington DC for advocacy on TNC priorities.

Financial responsibility which may include developing and working within a budget, and completing expense reports.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.

Experience writing and editing persuasive and informational material.

Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.

Experience building and maintaining professional relationships and working with partners and government agencies.

Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.

Desired Qualifications:

Understanding of State of Ohio and federal legislative processes.

Awareness of conservation and climate issues impacting the State of Ohio and the United States.

Knowledge of State of Ohio and federal lobbying laws and regulations, and the ability to monitor changes in county and local lobbying requirements.

Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.

Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.

Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, federal, state, county, or municipal.

Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability.

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

Self-starting, independent worker who can collaborate effectively in a team, and thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

Salary: The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 – $63,500.