Job Tag: Law/Policy

Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) is hiring a Staff Attorney for Native Nation Partnerships to focus on providing legal support to Native nations and other Indigenous partners.

MEA is a nonprofit law center that combines the power of law with the resolve of communities facing environmental injustice to secure and protect the rights of all people to healthy water, land and air. We provide legal services to communities with environmental concerns and seek to build their power.

MEA has stood alongside and provided legal representation to Native nations to help them achieve their goals. This is a new position that will continue that history by providing legal resources and services that support recognition of Native nation environmental sovereignty and self-determination.

The attorney will work on a variety of issues such as: oil pipelines, energy infrastructure, mining and other extractive industries; Clean Water Act implementation and Treatment as a State matters; wild rice stewardship and management; hydroelectric generation; and climate resilience and adaptation.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The attorney’s work will be guided by the needs and requests of Native nations and other Indigenous partners. The staff attorney will strive to maintain and strengthen relationships with Native nations, their officials, agencies and legal departments, demonstrating excellent communication, respect, responsiveness and trustworthiness. This position is responsible for coordinating with Tribal legal departments and developing mechanisms for Tribal governments to continually inform the work of the position.

Below are examples of the type of legal work the attorney may undertake.

Assisting Native nations to obtain recognition of their environmental standards by the Environmental Protection Agency and other non-Native governments.
Supporting Native nations when state and federal government agency decisions implicate Tribal environmental sovereignty or other environmental interests, including through legal representations when requested.
Providing legal information to facilitate Native nations’ participation in agency proceedings.
Upon request, representing Tribal governments in litigation.
Upon request, assisting with the drafting of Tribal laws and regulations to protect natural resources and to codify processes that direct private actors and other governments to engage with the Tribes as governments.
Advocating with state government to codify model Tribal consultation processes in administrative law and implementing other best practices for interacting with Tribes.

While this position has a particular focus and unique responsibilities, the attorney will share in general responsibilities with other MEA staff attorneys:

Be part of a dynamic legal team that values collaboration and collegiality.
Assist legal team with mentorship and feedback for legal interns and periodically supervise law students within MEA’s clerkship program.
Provide assistance with other MEA litigation and projects.
Appear at public events to professionally represent MEA.
Occasional travel required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Awareness of and respect for Native nations, their governments, cultures, histories and environmental interests.
Awareness of and respect for the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
Knowledge of or connection to communities that have historically been denied meaningful input into environmental decision-making.
A demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships and to facilitate collaborative and consultative processes that allow stakeholders significant say over project development and work planning.
A commitment to environmental stewardship and public interest law.
Ability to consider complex ethical issues and diligently conform one’s practice to rules of professional responsibility.
High-level organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently to manage multiple goals while effectively communicating and collaborating within a team structure.
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in the state of Wisconsin (or the willingness to become a member of the Wisconsin bar upon hire).
Neither previous environmental law experience nor post-law school legal experience is required to be considered for this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

At least four years of legal experience in the areas of environmental and administrative law, Federal Indian law or Tribal law. Other work with Native nations is a plus.
Litigation skills, including case investigation, brief writing, pre-trial preparation, oral advocacy and trials and settlement negotiations, showing a track record of success, increasing independence and responsibility.
Experience respectfully working with traditional Indigenous Knowledge Holders and applying that knowledge in regulatory, legal or policy contexts.
Scientific literacy and ability to work with scientific experts to digest complex issues.
Exceptional writing, research, analytic and public speaking skills.
Experience in policy development, analysis and review.

LOCATION

This can be a hybrid position, but it is not a fully remote position. Attorneys are expected to regularly work from MEA’s offices in Madison, Wisconsin.

MEA offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, long-term disability and a retirement plan with employer match.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and a legal or other writing sample (less than 20 pages) by email. If possible, please combine all documents into one file before submission. Your one-page cover letter should address how you satisfy the minimum qualifications listed above and highlight any key examples of how you meet the preferred qualifications.

Midwest Environmental Advocates

ATTN: Ry Carpenter, Administrative Manager (he/him/his)

612 W. Main St, Suite 302

Madison, WI 53703

rc********@**************es.org

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more information about MEA, visit www.midwestadvocates.org.

Vermont Land Trust unites land and lives for the benefit of people and the place we share. We protect farms, forests, and community places.

We are seeking a legal support professional with a passion for land conservation and protecting this home we share.

Our new Legal Project Manager will bring 1 to 3 years of legal experience, familiarity with real estate, and collaborative problem-solving skills to our fast-paced organization. Core areas of responsibility include:

Supporting our legal services team by managing all land transactions
Working collaboratively and independently, with keen attention to detail
Managing many priorities at once, and communicating effectively within, and across, teams

MEC seeks a Policy Coordinator to support our efforts to defend the health of Michigan’s residents and environment by shaping policy decisions made in the Michigan Capitol. This work will protect Michiganders from pollution and toxic substances in our communities, homes, drinking water, and air. This position will approach each of these policies through an environmental justice lens. The position will report directly to the Urban Land Use & Infrastructure Policy Director but will also work in a collaborative environment with MEC’s policy team.

An ideal candidate will utilize a range of skills and relationships to strengthen Michigan policies at the confluence of environment and public health, such as lead abatement in public infrastructure and individual residences; safe drinking water; air quality issues; chemicals, disease mitigation; adaptation to climate change; poorly maintained infrastructure; the general impact of pollutants on human and ecosystem health; and the disproportionate impact of environmental pollution and climate change on low-income residents and communities of color.

This hybrid position allows for a blend of remote and in-person work schedules. Working frequently from MEC’s Lansing headquarters is required, especially when the State Legislature is in session at the State Capitol. A significant portion of its workload involves directly interfacing with state elected officials and government staff.
Responsibilities:

Provide written and oral advocacy to further MEC’s public health and justice priorities at the Michigan Legislature, its executive branch, and its state agencies
Analyze environmental policy proposals and legislation and monitor their progress
Educate policymakers and staff about environmental public health concerns and priorities
Work with external consultants and partners to align strategies and goals
Represent MEC at various workgroup and stakeholder tables
Lead the Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Homes coalition
Generate research and advocacy reports
Strengthen, develop, and nurture relationships with state decision makers, elected officials, and a network of allies
Support the Urban Land Use and Infrastructure Director to design and execute program goals and campaigns
Monitor and engage on other policy areas as needed
Attend and testify in legislative committees and, as needed, public hearings
Work with the communications team to generate and provide content on public health topics for MEC’s newsletter, website, and other publications

Minimum Qualifications:

One to two years of experience in legislation, policy advocacy, or a related field
Some knowledge of Michigan legislative and administrative processes
Some familiarity with environmental health, public health, and environmental justice
Strong written and oral communications in advocacy, interpersonal relationship building, and teamwork skills
Self-motivated and organized
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google (GSuite)
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, to meet deadlines, and to balance multiple tasks
Experience or aptitude working in diverse coalitions, alliances, or other groups
Professional demeanor, sense of humor, and positive attitude

Preferred Qualifications:

Three years of experience in legislative analysis, policy, or political advocacy
Extensive understanding of, and familiarity with, Michigan’s legislative and political landscape
Extensive understanding and familiarity with environmental health, public health, and environmental justice policy issues
Aptitude for and interest in politics and environmental public policy

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

This position must register with the State of Michigan as a Lobbyist Agent of the Environmental Council.

The PIR will help the visiting Clinical Professor design, launch, and teach Suffolk’s new ELP Clinic, with an emphasis on the legislative/regulatory and policy components of the clinic. The ELP Clinic will be a full-year clinic offered for 10 credits (5 credits/semester) serving students in their last 2 years of law school. Students enrolled in the ELP Clinic will work on a variety of local, state, and/or federal environmental law matters, including potentially representing non-profits with legislative/regulatory environmental policy issues, as well as drafting legislative and regulatory proposals on pressing issues, and/or providing analysis and education as to the impacts of various legislative/regulatory initiatives related to environmental law. The PIR will focus on developing and managing a docket of cases or projects in the realm of environmental policy, legislation, and regulation. The precise design and docket of the ELP Clinic will be determined by the visiting Clinical Professor and PIR, in consultation with the Associate Dean for Experiential Learning, and will be responsive to needs of our students and the community.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Eligible candidates must possess a JD.
Admission to the Massachusetts Bar, or qualification to be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, is preferred.
Successful candidates will have at least 3-5 years of legal experience involving legislative and regulatory drafting and advocacy, including at least some experience in the realm of environmental law and policy, broadly defined.
A record of and/or demonstrated interest in intellectual engagement with legal policy is strongly preferred.
Experience working with diverse communities, clients, and other stakeholders is strongly preferred.
Experience mentoring and/or working with junior attorneys is preferred, as is experience having participated in a law school clinic.

New York State is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019, New York State codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation, including goals to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030; reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; and install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035.

These targets have been incorporated by the New York State Public Service Commission into the State’s Clean Energy Standard (CES), which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

NYSERDA is seeking a motivated, dynamic and resourceful attorney in its Office of the General Counsel to provide legal support for NYSERDA’s administration of the CES.

In this role, the attorney will be exposed to a wide range of issues, state policy initiatives and regulatory processes in a high-stakes environment. For example, administration of the CES, and particularly the offshore wind program, is increasingly intertwined with economic development, including the award and administration of substantial grant funding to offshore wind supply chain projects.

The ideal candidate should have experience in energy project development, financing and/or regulatory matters and be committed to NYSERDA’s mission and helping the organization continually improve and execute its work. The attorney should be a self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately within a high-pressure environment.

This role is a dynamic position utilizing the attorney’s knowledge and experience to both advise clients and to propose and execute upon creative strategies in line with the policy goals of NYSERDA and the State of New York.
Primary Responsibilities

Assist senior counsel and internal clients in developing, planning and executing on CES programs
Draft, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, and other documents needed to implement the CES and advise and assist with respect to such matters
Analyze legal and regulatory issues arising with respect to the CES
Drive projects forward by gathering and effectively organizing required information, communicating effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, developing and monitoring plans, and keeping track of responsibilities and commitments of the team members
Work closely with and manage outside counsel, including review of complex substantive legal issues as well as law firm engagement and administrative matters
Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters
Additional responsibilities, as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State
3 years’ experience in at least one of the following subject areas:
Energy and infrastructure project development and finance
Energy regulatory matters
Energy and infrastructure commercial contracts, such as power purchase agreements or REC agreements
Government contracting for energy and infrastructure projects
Demonstrated interest in energy/infrastructure, environmental and economic development law
Ability to listen, understand and communicate articulately and persuasively, in both verbal and written form
Resourcefulness and pragmatism, focused on finding effective solutions to complex issues that take into account the big picture while paying attention to detail
Strong diplomatic and discretion skills to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among NYSERDA, private counterparties and inter-agency teams with varied interests
Possession of a deep appreciation for the inter-relationship of the needs and perspectives of internal and external stakeholders in supporting NYSERDA’s mission
Dedicated work ethic and resolute integrity
Ability to handle highly sensitive matters with absolute integrity and discretion
Ability to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness

Salary

The salary range is $85,712 – $108,342. Candidates will be considered based on qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is offered.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EIBD) is one of PNNL’s most innovative teams, working at the forefront of some of America’s toughest energy challenges, employing multi-disciplinary teams to solve national-scale problems. Within EIBD, the Economics, Policy and Institutional Support Group is made up of staff engaged in institutional change for federal operations, policy formulation and impact analysis, economic analysis and valuation methodologies, and technology adoption.

We are looking for a Research Analyst to provide research support in decarbonization of infrastructure, buildings, and transportation systems. The selected candidate will conduct analysis of energy, environmental and climate considerations in support of climate adaptation, energy systems planning, impact analysis, and technology adoption.

Responsibilities

Research Analysts are responsible for providing technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance the frontiers of science and address some of the most challenging problems in national security, energy, and the environment.

Candidate will gather, analyze, and evaluate information from a variety of sources. Identify and solve unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the Laboratory and its sponsors.
Utilize technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines, determine the significance and reliability of incoming information, and integrate new information with current data. Evaluate information to determine a recommended course of action.
Apply and interpret theories, principles, methods, tools, and technologies related to current and future climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Provide domain knowledge and insight on national-level mission needs to multidisciplinary project teams comprised of scientists and engineers.
Work independently to provide subject matter expertise on energy policy and climate by providing literature reviews, policy analysis, technical analysis, gap analysis, data visualization, and infographic development.
Engage with various stakeholders to gather data and develop methods to be incorporated into analysis and modeling.
Enhance support to Federal agencies and the public sector in climate risk assessment, mitigation planning, and response.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 2+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates are encouraged to apply if they meet several of the preferred qualifications below, but do not need to meet all.

Graduate degree in energy policy, environmental science, or engineering.
3 years’ experience related to: energy systems analysis, energy system planning processes, climate mitigation and adaptation, and policy development.
Strong analysis skills and experience with activities that identify best practices for decarbonization are desired.
Strong, demonstrated writing capabilities and the ability to present information clearly and capably in a public setting.
A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work well with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams.

Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is seeking an enthusiastic and organized individual to join our team in Salt Lake City as a Program and Legal Assistant. This position will provide a full range of administrative and legal support to the Clean Energy Program’s Utah team, as well as managing our Salt Lake City office. The Program and Legal Assistant will report to the Utah Clean Energy Manager, with opportunities to learn and grow while working with a variety of other administrative and conservation professionals. This position has the option to work full-time at 40 hours a week, or part-time at 30 hours a week.

About Western Resource Advocates
WRA fights climate change and its impacts to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West. We respect the different needs of diverse people and partner with them to develop a shared vision for progress—one that advances communities while protecting biodiversity.

Our team of policy experts, scientists, economists, and attorneys has a 30-year history of working where decisions are made, sweating the details, creating evidence-based solutions, and holding decisionmakers accountable. This on the ground work with policymakers and other advocates advances clean energy, protects air, land, water, and wildlife—and sustains the lives and livelihoods of the West.

Location
The position can work in WRA’s Salt Lake City office; or a hybrid remote and in-office setting. A minimum of two days per week in the office is required, and more may be necessary depending on workload/activities.

Responsibilities and Activities
OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Office management for WRA’s Salt Lake City office.
Schedule and calendar meetings for Clean Energy Program (CEP) staff, provide reception, answer phones, and route mail and email as necessary.
Make or assist in travel arrangements on behalf of CEP staff.
Provide basic IT support, liaising with WRA’s remotely located IT Manager.
Purchase office supplies, ensure offices are maintained, make minor repairs, take out trash/recycling, mail packages, coordinate contractors for maintenance or IT-related repairs, and manage rental and repair contracts.
Prepare and reconcile monthly expense reports, processing accounts payable and reimbursement claims.
Coordinate team building/social activities with the Utah staff.
CASE MANAGEMENT & PROGRAM SUPPORT

Organize and maintain electronic and physical records (most records are electronic).
Assist with preparation and editing of reports, studies, presentations, and litigation/docket files and binders.
Thoroughly edit and prepare documents for filing with state agencies, consistent with agency rules.
Program and project support, including subject-matter research and meeting attendance and notes.
Case management, including tracking dockets and undocketed proceedings, maintaining case logs, legal and subject-matter research, maintaining discovery index, locating and preparing exhibits, drafting motions and pleadings, filing documents with agencies and/or courts, hearing preparation, coordinating with partners and consultants, and other paralegal support.
Drafting correspondence and other materials.
Other tasks as assigned, including providing occasional administrative assistance to other WRA staff in other states.
Additional Responsibilities for Full-Time Position

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM SUPPORT

Assist program staff with additional subject-matter research.
Assist with project management.
Required Qualifications
Excellent editing and document formatting skills.
Administrative office experience.
Exceptional time management.
Thorough and detail oriented.
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage a deadline-driven docket of regulatory litigation and other programmatic work.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency with computers and office equipment, including strong competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Commitment to WRA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals.
Additional Skills and Learning Opportunities

The following are skills that a candidate may bring into the role, but are not required.

General knowledge of clean energy, climate change, and/or environmental issues is a plus.
Paralegal or other legal background or experience, with an emphasis on administrative law is a plus.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some small amount of travel may be required within WRA seven-state region to attend retreats and other events.

Salary And Benefits
The salary range for a full-time position (40 hours/week) is $45,000-$55,000 annually, and for a part-time position (30 hours/week) is $33,750-$41,250 annually; salary depends on relevant experience. WRA’s excellent benefits package includes a 401(k)-retirement plan with up to 5% matching and health, dental, vision, and life & disability insurance with 100% of premiums for employee coverage paid by WRA. Annually, staff receive* three weeks paid vacation leave to start, twelve paid sick days, one paid volunteer day, one paid birthday off, 12 paid holidays, and WRA is closed for Winter Break between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day for additional paid time off (*vacation and sick leave are pro-rated for part-time employees). After one-year employees are eligible for up to twelve weeks of parental leave with the first six weeks paid, and after five years, staff are eligible for up to twelve weeks of paid sabbatical leave. Position exempt for full-time, and non-exempt for part-time.

Deadline To Apply: Open until filled, with prioirity review starting on Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Diversity and inclusion are a critical component of our business strategy, mission and vision. We welcome candidates from an array of backgrounds and experiences to join our team.

Send cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and the reason for your interest in WRA and this position; and Resume to hi****@**************es.org

This position provides cross functional support for two units within the strategy portfolio – planning (70%) and evaluation & learning (30%) . This affords the individual the unique opportunity to serve as a valued member of both team s and c ontribute to ongoing efforts to support learning from evaluations , better integrate findings into program design and execution , and make evaluation -related content more accessible and relevant to targeted audiences. Across both units , t he senior associate provides timely and effective project management support and helps to respond to inquiries from Pew leaders or others that require limited research and a fast turnaround.

The position offers the opportunity to shape the work of the environment, government performance, Philadelphia, and research and science portfolios which currently consist s of 4 5+ projects, including focus areas ranging from environmental policy, land conservation, marine conservation and fisheries, and marine habitat protection to health and human services, management and budget, and safety and justice. Working in part nership with planning colleagues and relevant staff across Pew , the senior associate will support all phases of the planning lifecycle including developing new initiatives, refining existing ones, and helping to gracefully sunset projects, helping to make strategic judgments along the way to ensure the soundness of each projects’ program designs. In addition, the senior associate will partner with senior evaluation staff to desig n , manag e , and support evaluations conducted by external consultants to inform Pew’s program staff, leadership, and board.

The position, based in Pew’s Washington, D.C. , office, is eligible for up to 60% telework and report s to the senior manager, planning.

The Senior Conservation Policy Analyst (Senior Analyst) is an integral part Defenders of Wildlife’s Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI). At CCI, we work at the intersection of science, technology, and policy to pioneer creative, pragmatic conservation solutions for addressing threats to wildlife and habitats. As part of this innovation, we lead and collaborate on original conservation policy, conduct policy-related research, and identify new applications for strengthening existing policy to improve conservation outcomes.

Reporting to the Director of Conservation Policy, the Senior Analyst plays a key role in ensuring wildlife policy and its key components (e.g., recovery planning, listings, permitting, land governance, and state-federal partnerships) are integrated with and informed by emerging science and technology. He/she is an expert in wildlife conservation policy with either (or both) strong scientific skills and/or technology development skills. He/she will manage a team of policy analysts to analyze laws, policies and programs and innovate ways to improve their effectiveness in conserving imperiled species and habitats.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have strong training or experience with the Endangered Species Act and other bedrock environmental laws that are wildlife-focused (e.g., Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act) or have a significant impact on wildlife (e.g., Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act). Experience overseeing, contributing to, or implementing key components of endangered species or other wildlife programs in a state or federal wildlife agency, federal departments, other offices within the Executive Branch, or Congress is especially useful.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage junior policy analysts and interns, including providing guidance and support on team priorities.
Assist CCI and Defenders staff with their policy-related data research and analysis questions.
Critically review proposed conservation policies, and develop new policies, in collaboration with others across CCI and Defenders;
Gather and analyze data for making policy recommendations and, as warranted, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets;
Lead or carry out projects that identify combinations of policies, science, and technology that enable or accelerate among other things:
recovery planning and implementation for imperiled species;
monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of wildlife conservation programs at a broad scale;
compliance monitoring for wildlife laws and policies at federal, state, and other levels;
developing incentive programs for private landowners, states, and federal agencies to carry out needed conservation; and
broadening the wildlife conservation constituency through community science, engagement with nontraditional partners, and other forms of engagement.
Ensure that projects and regular job requirements, such as weekly reporting, are completed in a timely fashion.
Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Master’s degree in conservation biology, environmental science, environmental policy, public policy, or another relevant field. J.D. preferred.

Experience: 8 years of relevant experience; 3 years supervisory experience.

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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 5

Administrative

Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

Communication

Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies
Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders’ interests in external environments
Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

Critical Thinking

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work
Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments
Strategic thinker with the ability to take high-level strategy and translate into relatable points and action steps.

Project Management

Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests
Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion

Coalition and Community Engagement

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders’ members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and /or the general public.
Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions.
Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.

Conservation Knowledge

Expert-level knowledge of Defenders’ legal, scientific, and/or political issues
Expert-level knowledge of national and regional social, political, and ecological landscapes

Leadership and Management

Ability to foster a team culture which models the tenets of the Commitment Statement
Ability to connect employees and their work to Defenders’ mission
Ability to set and maintain clear expectations, ensuring clarity of roles, accountabilities, and responsibilities
Ability to ensure that staff have the skills and support required to perform at the highest level
Working knowledge of Defenders’ business and people systems and processes

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Senior Conservation Policy Analyst

Significant knowledge of and experience with implementation of conservation laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, and related policies and procedures.
Significant knowledge of Federal administrative laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to rulemaking processes.
Knowledge of conservation science, including topics of relevance and methodologies to carry out research.
Ability to develop innovative policy proposals, analyses, and critiques relating to conservation and Defenders’ mission.
Ability to lead and collaborate in original research and produce reports, articles, and other written products publicizing that research.
Ability to stay up-to-date on developments in conservation science, law and policy and identify opportunities for Defenders’ engagement with those developments.
Familiarity with policy development processes and theory and ability to apply that knowledge into Defenders’ policy work.

West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. a/k/a WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan community-based, membership organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. We use community organizing, community-based participatory research, and evidence-based, policy & advocacy campaigns to create systemic change at the federal, state and local levels of government. WE ACT is locally and nationally known for its work on children’s environmental health, community-driven climate resiliency, healthy homes campaigns, government accountability, and community-based, environmental health research.

WE ACT seeks a full-time Carbon Justice Policy Specialist to work closely with WE ACT’s Executive Director, Senior Directors, Director of Policy, statewide coalitions, and government advisory boards to develop strategic, unified, and sustained advocacy to achieve an equitable transition away from climate polluting policies and practices, with particular focus on carbon policy.

The Carbon Justice Policy Specialist on day one should be knowledgeable on carbon policy, especially its interrelation with environment health, clean air & water, clean/energy, carbon reduction strategies, net-zero, legacy emissions, carbon markets, sequestration, and other carbon related issues. They will influence city and state executive, legislative and agency actions and educate legislators/officials on carbon policy and justice. The Specialist will coordinate WE ACT’s carbon-related policy agenda items that support an equitable transition away from fossil fuels and evaluates renewable energy investment opportunities in communities with environmental justice concerns. They will advise on community-based carbon justice issues and issues regarding renewable energy, fossil fuel infrastructure, public service commission matters, rate cases, utility affordability, and more.

The Carbon Justice Policy Specialist defines and formulates WE ACT’s carbon policy positions, builds broad-based support for these positions, and promotes WE ACT’s presence and the presence of an environmental justice perspective in policy formation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop WE ACT’s carbon justice policy agenda, incorporating solutions and voices of communities most impacted by a history of polluting sites and climate change inequalities.
Craft and formalize WE ACT’s knowledge-base on carbon policy, especially its interrelation with environmental health, clean air & water, clean/energy, carbon reduction strategies, carbon markets, and other carbon related issues.
Lead and participate in policy setting forums, funder calls, agency and governmental relation activities on carbon policy at the federal, state and local level.
Provide strategic advice, briefings, and recommendations on legislative changes on carbon policy issues to the Executive Director, Senior Directors, Director of Policy and other WE ACT staff.
Staff task forces and other collaborative initiatives and projects designed to define carbon policy within the larger environmental justice movement.
Establish WE ACT’s educational and messaging efforts related to carbon through community-based planning initiatives such as facilitating workshops, developing planning materials, media campaigns, and strategically engaging in the public planning process to promote understanding and action around carbon policy.
Address urgent carbon policy issues as they arise including making WE ACT a signatory to “sign-onâ€ letters and asserting any public commenting actions related to carbon policy.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree and at least 3 years of experience in carbon policy, law, environmental justice, or related field.
A deep understanding of carbon policy, literature, and law; carbon markets and innovations; environmental policy and law; environmental justice concerns and perspectives; city, state, and federal politics; and New York political leadership.
Recognizes ways race, and other identities (historically and presently) intersect and play out in our work, especially for clients and community members.
Demonstrated ability to apply racial justice lens to your work.
Experience working in diverse communities.
Excellent public speaking and writing skills required.
Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work in a team of community organizers, policy advocates, and researchers.
Strong sense of ownership over goals and projects.
Spoken Spanish preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

WE ACT offers competitive nonprofit compensation and is committed to salary transparency and wage equity. The salary range for this position is $110,000-125,000 based on experience and qualifications. WE ACT offers a generous suite of benefits, including comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, pre-tax transit program, retirement programs, and paid holidays and vacation, along with onsite HR support. WE ACT has a hybrid work policy based on supervisorial and organizational needs. All staff are required to be fully vaccinated.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your cover letter, resume, and three references to our Director of Human Resources, David Stewart Hudson at Da**********@***ct.org, with ‘Carbon Justice Policy Specialist’ in the subject line. Submission in a combined PDF or Microsoft Word file is preferred. This position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Phone calls will not be accepted.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

WE ACT is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, reentry and LGBTQIA+ communities. If you’ve read this job description, are excited by it, and can see yourself in this role, we hope you apply! If you need reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email David Stewart Hudson at da**********@***ct.org.