Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF), and its affiliate, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), promote sound environmental laws and policies, provide a forum for environmentalists and facilitate a statewide activist network. IECEF engages in legislative monitoring and analysis; outreach, organizing, and coalition building; and communication and education. IEC performs legislative advocacy and builds power for people and the environment.

About the Position

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is looking to fill an opening that was previously held by our federal policy director. The Government Affairs Director will be primarily responsible for tracking federal legislation and building relationships with federal elected officials and their staff in Illinois, but will also oversee IEC’s team that is responsible for state and city of Chicago lobbying.

Previous experience with advocacy is required.

This position will be located in Chicago, IL or Springfield, IL, and is hybrid, with two days required in office per week. The position is full-time and will include frequent travel to Springfield, IL, and some travel to other locations in the state.

About You

We’re looking for a self-motivated individual who is excited by the challenge of addressing the biggest challenges facing Illinois by bringing together diverse stakeholders. You should be a hard-working individual that is excited to take on any task.

We are a small, dynamic team that relies on each other to produce high-quality work.

You are excited about building the power of the Illinois environmental community to pass strong environmental laws. You like to work collaboratively with other organizations and community leaders.

We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to further diversify our company. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Responsibilities

Follow federal legislation, rules, and regulations, and evaluate their potential impact on Illinois environmental issues with an emphasis on impacts to frontline, low-income, and BIPOC communities.
Track federal funding opportunities for the state of Illinois with a particular focus on the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Communicate relevant information about federal legislation, rules, regulations, funding, and programs to IEC partners and members.
Coordinate with partner organizations to develop strategies and implement tactics, such as congressional meetings, letters to the editor, action alerts, and other grassroots organizing opportunities.
Contribute to IEC’s public messaging and serve as the main spokesperson with respect to our federal work.
Oversee IEC’s lobbying efforts at the state and City of Chicago levels by mentoring and supervising staff that is responsible for IEC’s legislative relationships, especially city of Chicago and state lawmakers.
Build and maintain relationships with the Illinois Congressional delegation staff and oversee the development of relationships with state and city lawmakers by key staff.
Contribute to fundraising efforts, including grant applications & foundation reporting related to IEC’s federal and advocacy work.
Qualifications
Degree in public policy, public administration, environmental issues, or political science preferred.
Strong relationships with federal legislative and agency offices in Illinois.
Strong relationships with Illinois lawmakers, including Illinois state senators, Illinois state representatives, and Chicago alderpersons.
Experience working with Chicago City Council, the Illinois State Legislature, or government agencies.
Comprehension of and ability to communicate about how pollution and environmental injustice disproportionately impacts Black, Brown, and low-income communities.
Solid existing relationships among Illinois environmental NGOs, including frontline and/or environmental justice organizations.
Excellent written communication skills.
Prior experience facilitating large group meetings, including conference and video calls.
Proficiency using both the Microsoft and Google software suites.
Highly organized.
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently.
Social and outgoing mindset, with an interest and passion for network building through events, receptions, and similar activities.
Managerial experience.
Interest in environmental issues and policies.
Equal Opportunity Employer
IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Equity, Allyship, and Powerbuilding Values
IEC/IECEF is always working to ensure that everyone on our team feels engaged and supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist organization.

We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.

About Our Pay and Benefits
This is a full-time position located in Illinois. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and vacation. The salary range is $85,000 to $95,000, but this range may be able to be expanded for exceptionally qualified candidates who are able to prioritize Springfield session travel.

How to Apply
Introduce yourself to us as a colleague. Show us your future here! We value great writers, so be yourself, be creative, and take your time with the application. There’s no prize for being the first to submit! Stock cover letters won’t do. Tell us why you want this job.

Applications must be received by March 10, 2023.

To apply, please send a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume to

Jeff Shelden

By email: js******@******ro.org

Please direct all questions to Jeff Shelden via email.

IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer.

Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii is hiring a senior policy advisor or senior counsel to a) lead the senator’s climate and environment work and b) manage the climate and environmental policy team comprised of five-to-seven staffers. This person will be responsible for overseeing the senator’s relevant work on the Appropriations Committee. Applicants should have incredible drive and determination, seasoned written and spoken communications skills, excellent interpersonal and management skills, and significant experience working on a range environment policy issues—especially climate change. Competitive candidates will have 15+ years of relevant experience. A law, doctorate, or other relevant graduate degree is strongly preferred but not required.

The salary range for this senior-level position is $120,000 to $130,000 per year. For more details and to apply, please visit http://www.schatz.senate.gov/services/jobs.

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is a 501(c)(3) independent, international, non-profit advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, with proven records of triggering and affecting systematic change to protect the Earth’s environment. Over the last three decades, EIA has established a unique paradigm of methods – including pioneering the use of undercover investigative techniques to expose environmental crimes and drive change. These crimes include illegal trade in endangered wildlife, illegal logging and associated trade in illegal timber, and the trade in both climate-damaging and ozone layer-depleting gasses.

Since its founding in 1989, EIA has led efforts to protect elephants, rhinos, cetaceans and their habitats around the world, and has directly brought about positive changes in international laws and government policies that have saved the lives of rare and endangered species and reduced illegal logging and associated timber trade.

EIA-US is seeking to hire a talented and highly motivated full-time Government Affairs Specialist to join its Washington, DC-based Wildlife Team to further its campaign goals.

The position will entail a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Working closely with the Wildlife Team to implement campaign strategies for priority species, especially orangutans, as well as cetaceans, rhinos, and elephants.
Conducting outreach and advocacy to Congressional offices and various U.S. government officials.
Maintaining existing relationships and building an effective network of relevant stakeholders including congressional offices, government officials, and civil society partners.
Representing EIA at meetings with NGO colleagues and at events.
Developing advocacy materials, including but not limited to legislative summaries, policy analyses, fact sheets, letters, public comments, memos, blogs, reports, talking points, etc.
Traveling domestically as required, with the possibility of international travel.
Supporting other Wildlife Team activities as needed.

Essential Expertise and Qualifications:

Four-year degree in a relevant field.
Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience of advocacy and lobbying on Capitol Hill.
Understanding of lobbying, federal budget and appropriations processes, and federal legislative procedures.
Good judgment and understanding of political sensitivities and dynamics.
Professionalism and ability to work as part of a team.
Strong time-management skills, attention to detail, high standards, and ability to multitask.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively in a fast-paced working environment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including proactively identifying problems.
Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills with a strong sense of self-motivation.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Other highly desirable qualifications include:

Experience working with members and staff of relevant House and Senate Committees.
Experience with wildlife conservation issues and awareness of relevant federal laws and international treaties.
Experience developing and implementing legislative advocacy campaigns.

Commitment to Inclusion, Racial Justice and Anti-oppression:
EIA strives to integrate values of equity, fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability into our work, which includes reflecting our commitment to racial justice in our programmatic work and our organizational structure and values. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this ongoing process and work with us to create an inclusive work environment and world.

EIA is an equal-opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All employment at EIA is decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Compensation and benefits:

This is a full-time position, with an estimated starting salary range between $63,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience.

EIA offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance coverage, 401(k), paid time off (vacation, sick, and personal leave), disability benefits, workers’ compensation, professional development support, cell phone monthly allowance, and commuter monthly allowance. EIA offers opportunities for flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Contact:

Send a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae with subject line “Government Affairs Specialist – Wildlife Teamâ€ to: **@********al.org. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to respond to those selected for interviews and will not be able to answer emails or phone calls.

This position is available immediately and is based in Washington, DC. Being authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment.

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office has an immediate opening for a full-time assistant attorney general in the Environmental Protection Unit. The Environmental Protection Unit is part of the Environmental and Public Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office.
Description

The Environmental Protection Unit represents the State of Vermont in state and federal courts in civil and criminal litigation, including appeals. The Unit handles environmental cases in multiple areas including water quality, hazardous materials, air quality and climate, forests, agriculture, and land use. There are also opportunities to coordinate on consumer protection cases with other attorneys in the Environmental and Public Protection Division, and to do cross-divisional work as appropriate. In addition, the Unit provides advice and counseling to State agencies; represents the State in multistate actions of environmental significance; and defends the State’s interests in other environmental matters.

The position is located at the Attorney General’s Office in Montpelier, Vermont. Some travel is expected for court hearings, site visits, and as needed for other job functions. The Attorney General’s Office recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance and supports the use of flexible workplace arrangements in accordance with its policies.
Compensation

This Assistant Attorney General position is an exempt full-time position. Salary and benefits will be based upon qualifications and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan. The State of Vermont offers a benefit package rivaling any employer in Vermont, which includes a top-notch health care plan, generous sick and annual leave and employer contribution to pension plans.
Minimum Requirements

The successful candidate must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar or be eligible to be admitted. Qualifications include relevant litigation, client counseling, and environmental law experience; excellent legal writing and analysis skills; strong oral advocacy and communication skills; effective time management skills; and the ability to work well both independently and in collaboration with co-counsel and agency clients.

The Field Museum is a not-for-profit organization located on the Museum Campus of Chicago. Since the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, we have conducted research across all seven continents and accumulated a collection of over 40 million specimens and artifacts.

The Field Museum is searching for a Policy and Program Analyst to join our team at the Keller Action Center!

The Keller Science Action Center (KSAC) is an interdisciplinary center at the Field Museum that translates museum science into results for conservation and community wellbeing. KSAC’s Policy and Program Analyst draws on KSAC’s expertise and community partnerships to advance conservation decision-making at the local, state, and national levels and integrates those efforts into the Center’s Chicago Region program initiatives and grant projects. The position facilitates science-based policy advocacy, coordinates partnerships, and leads writing projects that work toward a Chicago Wilderness region in which all communities and neighborhoods are connected to thriving, healthy nature. The Analyst also participates in grant and brief writing to incorporate science advocacy and conservation decisions into initiatives and projects across the Chicago Region program.

The Policy and Program Analyst reports to the Senior Program Manager for KSAC’s Chicago Region program and works closely with the Chicago Region Program Director. They regularly collaborate with the Center’s Science Communicator and the Field Museum’s Government Relations office to ensure coordinated advocacy across the Museum and communicate effectively with key outside audiences, including government agencies and representatives, advocacy coalitions, community leaders, and environmental organizations. A review of applications for this position will occur in January.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Co-lead planning and strategy for KSAC’s approach to science-based policy advocacy, and shepherd the process within the Museum
Collaborate with Museum partners and staff, including Government Relations and Science Communications, to prioritize and manage effective policy advocacy that promotes healthy and thriving nature and quality of life in the Chicago region
Identify and brief teams on emerging legislation and government programs that affect environmental quality and opportunities in the Chicago region
Leverage KSAC expertise and insights in policy and decision-making processes to support strategic conservation goals, particularly at the local, county, and state levels, at the national level when appropriate
Manage partnerships with key policy-related partner organizations in the City of Chicago and across the Chicago Wilderness region to advance shared goals for community-centered conservation and sustainability
Serve as a leading writer on letters of support, program briefs, and grant proposals to inform conservation decisions across the Chicago region
Participate in interdepartmental museum meetings and center-wide working groups as appropriate
Incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into KSAC’s science-based policy advocacy

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, urban planning, environmental studies, or related field
At least three years of policy-relevant work experience
Knowledge of municipal, county, and state agencies and policy-making processes, with an awareness of environmental and social issues in the Chicago region
Demonstrated experience facilitating collaborative work across organizations, including partner engagement and coordination, meeting preparation and facilitation, and professional communication
Ability to multitask, think critically and creatively, and work both independently and in a team; strong time management skills
Willingness to register as a lobbyist at the state level
Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
Commitment to continued learning in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion competencies

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s Law Department has an exciting career opportunity for an attorney to advise on compliance with applicable federal, state and local legal requirements and the Port Authority’s own statutory rights and obligations in connection with its mission to keep the region moving.

Among other assignments, the attorney will assist in assessing and advising on environmental matters and sustainability goals at our facilities, including those arising in connection with real property transactions at the Port Authority’s airports, ports, bridges and tunnels and the World Trade Center complex. The successful candidate with have experience in a law firm, regulatory agency or corporate law department handling such matters.

Duties will also require consideration of policy matters and laws governing the Port Authority’s unique status as a bistate agency established under the U.S. Constitution’s Compact Clause and its governance obligations. The successful candidate will also enjoy applying statutory and case law precedent and prior Port Authority practice to advise on a wide range of these issues.

The selected candidate will serve as an attorney with the agency’s Law Department, reporting jointly to the Transactional Assistant General Counsel and the Assistant General Counsel for the Office of Legal Counsel and, with respect to environmental and sustainability matters, will be functionally supervised by the senior environmental attorney.

The position is based at the Port Authority’s 4WTC headquarters.

Qualifications:
Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

Law degree from a top tier or highly regarded law school.
Member of the Bar in good standing in New York and/or New Jersey.
Must have at least three years of increasingly responsible experience in handling legal matters of substantial importance, preferably in a law firm, regulatory agency, or corporate law department.

Desired:
Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

Thorough knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and regulations.
Outstanding written /oral communications skills.

The Director of Policy and Government Relations will lead American Rivers work to influence development and implementation of the Clean Water permit program at the US Army Corps of Engineers. This position will require working with the Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory staff at Headquarters and at District offices around the country. The focus of the position will be engagement on the upcoming reissuance of Nationwide Permits and implementation of the new Waters of the US rule.

The Director must be an excellent verbal and written communicator and content creator, and maintain required reports. The position will report to the Vice President for Policy and Government Relations.

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.

American Rivers centers the ongoing work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all that we do. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that everyone brings to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Building and tending relationships at the Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters and District levels,
Building the reputation of American Rivers on Army Corps of Engineers regulatory and civil works programs,
Lead coalition meetings and strategy both internally and with external partners
Develop strategy for administrative changes, prepare materials, and attend agency meetings including but not limited to: the White House, The Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency,
Create and implement communications strategies for advocacy campaigns
Write fact sheets, talking points, press releases, blog posts, and other outreach materials

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience,
Experience with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Clean Water Act regulatory permitting program,
Familiarity with Federal rulemaking procedures and requirements, and
Experience with direct, indirect lobbying of Congress, and Federal Agencies.

The successful candidate must be a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines. They will have an ability to make decisions based on evidence and stakeholder feedback; listen, and lead; exercise discretion; exhibit political astuteness and good judgement.

Knowledge of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Water Act regulatory permitting program are a plus. Experience with the working with federal agencies, federal rulemaking, or advocacy would also be helpful to a successful candidate.

LOCATION:

Location is Washington DC.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The pay range for this position is $75,000-$90,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Full-time and full-time equivalent employee benefits include health, dental and life insurance, a retirement plan, and generous leave time.

American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Provide counsel at the center of an industry that manufactures essential everyday products from renewable and recyclable resources. As a valued member of our legal department, you will advise on a range of environmental and natural resources topics, and collaborate with member company General Counsels, government affairs staff and other subject matter experts at AF&PA.

Your role will support our mission is to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. Responsibilities also include helping to ensure the Association minimizes the risk of liability, promotes compliance with regulations and legal requirements, and provides legal services to allied organizations.

In this role you will:

Advise on environmental and natural resources regulatory and policy issues, and provide counsel to AF&PA staff and committees regarding these issues
Collaborate with member company General Counsels/legal staff, and other AF&PA staff to formulate and implement the Association’s approach on legislative, regulatory and policy matters
Provide support to the Association’s General Counsels Coordinating Committee, and other task groups
Review documents for antitrust compliance, act as antitrust counsel in meetings
Prepare/Review/Analyze complex contracts addressing AF&PA and related association work and help staff secure performance of same
Provide counsel to AF&PA regarding lobbying law compliance

This position reports to the VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. AF&PA’s legal department regularly provides counsel on a range of environmental topics including air, water, chemical and energy policies and regulations, which guide the manufacture of products, product attributes, and the recycling of products.

Qualifications for this role include:

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school required
Five or more years of combined relevant experience required
Bar admission required; DC Bar admission is a plus
The association seeks candidates with the following skills and experience:
demonstrated excellent writing, research and computer skills;
ability to manage a broad range of legal issues in a variety of work settings; and
thrive in a highly collaboratively environment.
Experience related to administrative law, particularly in the environmental and/or natural resources legal policy areas is highly preferred
Contract law, antitrust law, lobbying law and/or Federal Election Commission regulations experience is a plus

The SPARC Environmental Justice Lab, housed in the Environmental & Sustainability Studies Program at the University of Utah is looking to recruit a funded postdoctoral fellow for the 2023-2024 academic year to primarily facilitate and support community-based research projects in the field of environmental justice.

Postdoc with a primary duty consisting of teaching and not research-related work. Not required to meet the FLSA threshold to be paid on a salaried basis.

Responsibilities
The research involves a range of skills including community-based research skills, both qualitative and quantitative analyses, and GIS. Expertise in one or more of these skills is required for consideration, although it is expected that no candidate will have experience in all domains.

Preferences
The successful applicant is expected to meet the following criteria: enthusiasm and creativity for their research program, and evidence that they can work well in a team setting. We hope of being able to extend the position depending on grant funding.

Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS), a national leader in environmental law and restorative justice, invites applications for a Director of the VLGS Environmental Justice Clinic—open-rank clinical faculty positions with expertise in environmental justice law and policy. The precise start date is flexible, but the successful applicant must start no later than Fall 2023. Entry-level, junior, and senior lateral candidates will be considered. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of or potential for outstanding, innovative, and engaged clinical teaching.

The Environmental Justice (EJ) Clinic at VLGS is one of just a few law school clinics in the United States specifically devoted to environmental justice, an interdisciplinary practice at the intersection of civil rights and the environment. Students represent real-life clients to address environmental impacts by representing the client before administrative agencies, in filing Title VI complaints, and in court. Students work in partnership with low-income communities and communities of color to address racial and economic disparities and ensure that residents can fully participate in decisions affecting their health and welfare. They gain experience working on law and policy issues at the nexus of environment, race, and policy, while also learning essential community lawyering skills. The EJ Clinic is open to upper-level JD, LLM, and Master’s students.

In addition to teaching, faculty provide service to VLGS and engage with other professionals and the public to contribute to the intellectual exchange of ideas, improve the law, and educate the public about the law, with an eye towards social justice. The clinic is taught residentially at VLGS is in South Royalton, Vermont, a small town on the bank of the beautiful White River. Less than thirty minutes away lie the amenities of the adjacent communities of Hanover, NH (home to Dartmouth College) and Lebanon, NH. Burlington, VT, Boston, MA, and Montreal, QC are all within a three-hour drive.