Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.

The Western States Program Director is responsible for UCS’s western regional work, primarily in California, and is instrumental in assuring that work is aligned with and in support of programmatic and organizational goals. They will promote a positive work environment and foster a collaborative team spirit and leverage the collective resources of the organization.

As a member of UCS’s leadership team, the Western States Program Director is an ‘institutional citizen’ who contributes to shaping organization-wide policies and practices. In this role, the Director will source and share best practices with other UCS teams and proactively seek opportunities to scale and deepen impact in collaboration with other UCS programs, departments, and external partners.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Western State’s team, leveraging the diversity of experience and expertise of team members across areas of work.
Engage in active problem solving around relevant strategic questions, issues of substance, and matters of staff time prioritization and resource utilization.
Effectively communicate and collaborate with UCS executive and program leadership to develop and lead integrated campaign strategies and projects in annual program work plans.
Oversee the development of the annual Western States operating budget, as well as the preparation and timely completion of periodic reports that summarize program activities and plans.
Represent Western States before the UCS Board, National Advisory Board and senior management. donors.
Oversee work planning and campaigns, fostering a culture of collaboration and striking the right balance of rigorous technical analysis and the ability to be agile and responsive to changing conditions.
Maintain knowledge of climate, energy, transportation, agriculture, water, and related policy or issue initiatives and processes in Western States with a primary focus is on California, and a secondary focus on Oregon and Washington.
Advise and coordinate policy positions and political strategies in California and the western region in consultation with western states staff, UCS’s issue-based programs, and UCS leadership.
Cultivate, collaborate, and maintain strong relationships with local groups, influential stakeholders, and relevant experts, including government officials, academic researchers, NGOs, business leaders, the public health community, and other opinion leaders.
Engage in collaborative activities needed to further the UCS program and organizational goals in California and the region. Identify and, as appropriate, engage new allies, constituencies, and coalitions.
In collaboration with Comms team, help increase visibility of UCS’s work in California. Serve as a key spokesperson for UCS’s Western States work.
Collaborate with the UCS Development staff to identify and cultivate foundation and major donor support.
As a part of UCS leadership, support cross-program initiatives; deepen the organization’s efforts to be an anti-racist program; contribute to a collaborative work environment within the program and across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

Ten-fifteen years of successful comparable and relevant experience working in the field and a similar depth of experience working in the California policy and political arenas.
Strong technical and/or policy expertise in a relevant energy or climate discipline. At a minimum, candidates must be broadly familiar with issues in these fields and able to learn the technological and policy dimensions of the work.
Experience should include policy development and academic/research experience.
Experience and enthusiasm for fundraising, especially within the foundation community, would be a distinct asset.
Inclusive leadership and management skills; a style that is goal-oriented but flexible and that respects the capabilities and independence of staff members in accomplishing organizational objectives.
Exceptional communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are required. Background in project management and budgeting is also required.
A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree or a Ph.D. in a relevant field would be a plus.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

This is a full-time remote position based near UCS’s Berkeley, CA office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $191,940.

Trout Unlimited (TU) seeks a dynamic and highly motivated individual with a passion for conservation and a background in water resources to join our New Mexico team. The Water Policy and Project Manager / Senior Manager will work closely with TU staff, state and federal agencies, private landowners, elected officials, and other external partners to advance state and local water priorities that benefit native species, improve water quality and stream flows, and create more resilient watersheds across New Mexico, with an emphasis on multi-benefit projects and nature-based solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a background in water resources, familiarity with New Mexico’s water challenges and legal framework, and experience managing complex projects with diverse partners. This position is designed to be flexible, allowing the candidate to identify the most promising opportunities to advance TU’s conservation mission by engaging in water policy efforts and advancing innovative projects. Priority watersheds include the Upper Rio Grande, Rio Chama, Gila River, and Canadian River Basins, as well as statewide initiatives.

Competitive candidates for this position must demonstrate knowledge of New Mexico water laws and regulations, possess strong project management skills, and excel at working with diverse stakeholders, from rural landowners to elected officials. The candidate will work closely with TU’s restoration and policy staff, acequia communities, water managers, and land management agencies. She/he will seek opportunities to advance nature-based solutions necessary to build more resilient river ecosystems and communities, while establishing TU as a leader in implementing solutions to New Mexico’s water management challenges.

This position is highly visible to TU members and a multitude of stakeholders and offers an opportunity to be creative and work on innovative ideas. Specific duties and responsibilities are described below and will be based on organizational needs and the candidate’s interests and experience.

The candidate will be based out of a home office in northern New Mexico, with travel expected throughout the region.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred, master’s degree a plus.
At least three years’ experience in water and natural resource management for the manager-level position. At least seven years’ experience for the senior manager role.
Willingness and ability to master complex water policy topics, including state water law and management frameworks.
Experience with projects focused on improving irrigation systems for water conservation, fish habitat and passage improvement, and stream restoration preferred.
Familiarity with fisheries management and integrating principles of water law, hydrology, water quality, and fish habitat restoration.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner.
Experience with grant writing and reporting, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivated and able to manage multiple projects, while prioritizing workload.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Knowledge of northern New Mexico’s communities, cultures, and watersheds.
Passion for conserving wild and native trout and the waters where they are found.
Ability to solve problems and think creatively to achieve a conservation outcome.
Ability and willingness to travel; valid driver’s license and vehicle required.

Salary and Benefits

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. The starting salary range is $65,000 – $75,000 for a manager position, and $75,000 – $85,000 for a senior manager, depending on experience. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications and experience level, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the nation’s oldest and largest national parks nonprofit advocate, has an exciting opportunity for a Great Lakes Policy Fellow to join our Government Affairs Department. This position will report to the Senior Director, Government Affairs.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Location: Chicago, IL or Washington, DC
Grade: L
Salary: $60,000-$65,000 based upon experience and location
Work Status: Full-time; {32 hours per week; 2- year term}

Position Overview:

The National Parks Conservation Association seeks a policy fellow for a two-year term to support the Healing Our Water-Great Lakes Coalition’s advocacy. The Coalition, which is co-led by NPCA and the National Wildlife Federation, advocates for funding to restore and protect the Great Lakes and policies that address water infrastructure and affordability and defends clean water protections. With our Midwest and Government Affairs teams, NPCA is looking for someone to work for the Coalition to identify and track Great Lakes related federal legislation and congressional activities and federal agency regulatory actions. The fellow will summarize this information and provide regular policy analysis and updates to NPCA staff and Coalition members to help inform how the Coalition implements its campaigns. This person will also help create education material related to the Coalition’s priorities and work with its members to organize fly ins and other events that are designed to build bipartisan congressional support for the Coalition’s priorities. Coordinating with the Coalition’s communication and field teams, the fellow will ensure people have the information needed to be effective advocates to protect and restore the Great Lakes.

Minimum Qualifications, Competencies, Skills, Education, and Traits:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in government, government affairs or related field desired.
Minimum 2-3 years’ experience with legislative and/or administrative advocacy. Congressional experience a plus.
Familiarity with federal budget and appropriations process a plus.
Strong written and verbal communications skills.
Demonstrated ability to learn complex issues and summarize them simply and clearly.
Demonstrated self-starter with ability to work collaboratively with multiple in person and remote teams to organize tasks, set priorities, and maintain schedules.
Interest in building relationships across political boundaries and a wide range of individuals and organizations.
Commitment to fostering inclusive coalitions and work environments.
Willingness to travel up to 15% within Great Lakes region and/or Washington, DC.
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite applications and web-based technologies.

The National Audubon Society has identified Southwest Florida as a national conservation priority and a centerpiece of Audubon’s hemispheric water strategy. This region is also the western extent of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem that supports seventy threatened and endangered species and is home to more than 8 million people.

Aligned with Audubon’s overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Sr. Director of Policy, the Director of Corkscrew Swamp and Sanctuary and the Director of Everglades Policy, this individual will oversee the continued strategic and measurable implementation of conservation goals in Southwest Florida that result in the organization’s increased capacity to protect priority birds and their habitats.

This position will be hybrid, partially located in Naples at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (CSS).

Compensation: $71,190 – $80,089 / year

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required in policy, political science, biology, or related field.

A minimum of 5 years of experience with a policy-oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant government agency working on water management, environmental regulations, or similar is required.

Knowledge of Florida planning and/or water statutes, rules, and regulations.

Excellent policy analysis and research skills.

Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking. Must be comfortable representing Audubon’s interests with a variety of stakeholders, including decision-makers at multiple agencies, NGO partners, and lay audiences.

Self-starter and purposeful with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in coordination with multiple team players.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required.

Able to travel and attend occasional external functions occurring on weekends and evenings.

A valid driver’s license.

Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

This position provides legislative and administrative strategy development and implementation as well as oversight of a team of the Policy and Legislation staff working on Earthjustice’s court integrity, justice system, and administrative law issues, including limited PAL advocacy in the states if applicable.

This is a hybrid position from our Washington, D.C. office (minimum 2 days a week).

Qualifications:

Eight years combined federal legislative and administrative advocacy experience.
JD required
Proven leadership skills.
Significant familiarity and experience with administrative rulemaking process.
Substantial knowledge and experience with the federal legislative process.
Experience with U.S. environmental laws required.
Proven ability to develop and implement successful legislative and administrative strategies.
Maintain leadership within D.C. environmental community on assigned issues.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects and deadlines.
Excellent writing and oral communications skills.
Proven ability to develop sound relationships with key staff of decision-makers.
Detail-oriented and good organizational skills.
Proven ability to work in diverse coalitions and with allies, and ability to grow these relationships.
Experience in working with traditional and social media.
Proven ability to work independently and proactively.
Prior management experience a plus.

Salary range in Washington, D.C.: $168,900-$187,700

Pacific Environment works to protect communities and wildlife of the Pacific Rim. We support community leaders to fight climate change, protect the oceans, build just societies, and move away from fossil fuels toward a green economy.

Position Overview

Pacific Environment seeks a State Climate Policy Manager to advance our climate priorities and provide critical policy support for Pacific Environment’s campaigns on zero-emission shipping and ports in California. They will provide research, writing, and analytical support to execute the Climate Program’s legislative and campaign priorities, and administrative support for meetings, and events. The successful candidate will have policy advocacy experience, specifically legislative experience, at the California or state-level, and a passion for solving the climate crisis.

This position will report to the Climate Policy Director.

Location

This position is remote and requires working West Coast time zone hours, with a strong preference for physical presence in Sacramento, California. While most work will be completed remotely, there will be travel obligations for in-person legislative and regulatory hearings, meetings and events in California.

In addition, the position may involve multi-state support with domestic or international travel. Pacific Environment is sensitive to COVID-19 and other potential obstacles to safe travel.

Key Qualifications

At least 5 years of previous work experience, particularly with policy advocacy or environmental and social change organizations, with a strong track record of driving tangible outcomes.
Proven track record of delivering successful advocacy initiatives, bringing together several strategies (grassroots organizing, traditional and digital outreach, engaging policymakers, in-person mobilization tactics, etc.)
Demonstrated professional experience with California legislative and regulatory landscape and process
Familiarity with state agencies and proceedings overseeing air quality and energy (e.g., CPUC, CARB, CEC, BAAQMD) is a plus
Comfortable working in the spotlight or behind the scenes; knows when to speak up, ask questions, and steer the conversation with clarity and confidence.
Experience working in coalition and building organizational partnerships across issues and forging trust across lines of differences.
Experience working with communities most impacted by the climate crisis, with a particular eye for those most impacted by racial & economic injustice
Adept in engaging labor and workforce partners is a strong plus
Experience in maritime decarbonization is a strong plus
Highly resourceful with excellent organizational and project management skills
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Demonstrated critical and strategic thinking abilities and have proactive approach to problem solving
Ability to problem-solve and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential
Positive adaptability, and a can-do attitude
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and online research tools necessary for a remote working environment

Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 a year

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization that works at the intersection of human rights and the environment. CIEL is comprised of attorneys, campaigners, researchers, and communicators who have extensive experience in leading international strategies to advance everyone’s right to a healthy environment. Many of our program areas explore innovative developments in international environmental law and human rights, including in their direct link with other international legal fields, such as international investment law or international trade law.

In some circumstances, CIEL may be able to offer legal fellowships to recent law school graduates so they may gain experience in the field of international environmental law. Legal fellows typically work full or part-time, often receiving credit from their schools.

Responsibilities of a legal fellow include researching and writing about areas of international law and policy; assisting with policy analysis and advocacy; attending meetings and conferences; assisting with the production of CIEL publications; and otherwise working closely with CIEL staff on various projects.

Please note the following provisions:

Legal fellows must come with their own funding (often from a university, but can also be a third party or scholarship).
We cannot guarantee a future position for legal fellows at CIEL.
We cannot guarantee a particular area of focus or interest.

Requirements:

When submitting the application, applicants must have recently completed, or are in the final stages of completing, a graduate degree in law (e.g, LLM, JD). The expectation is that this fellowship will take place after graduation.
Applicants must be willing to make a commitment of at least three months.
Successful applicants generally possess excellent research and writing skills and a strong dedication to public interest law.

Mission of Position: This position provides strategic support to the Government Relations Manager through public policy research, preparation of reports and case statements, community outreach and engagement, and both direct and grassroots lobbying on matters related to public funding, as well as environmental, agricultural, and land-use laws, regulations, and programs. A central focus is to unite diverse stakeholders across the Hudson Valley and New York State to protect the region’s vital natural resources: its air, water, land, and other irreplaceable assets that are essential to public health and economic prosperity. The role also plays a key part in advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts through coordinated federal, state, and local action. In addition, the position provides auxiliary support to other Scenic Hudson departments and teams as needed.

Principal responsibilities may include:

Conduct research on legislation, reports, data, and media related to high-priority outcomes and strategies; monitor local, state, and federal legislation, as well as state and federal budget processes.
Review and report on the State and Federal Registers and the State Environmental Notice Bulletin for issues of interest, as assigned.
Represent Scenic Hudson on coalitions, advisory committees, and working groups, as directed.
Synthesize research findings into clear, concise memoranda summarizing situations, issues, and potential implications, informed by organizational priorities, partner perspectives, and relevant context.
Coordinate with Scenic Hudson’s Land Conservation Team to share information and gather feedback on agricultural policies and programs that advance sustainable and regenerative practices while supporting farm viability.
Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local policy developments related to land conservation, climate change, environmental justice, watershed management, storm resiliency, and infrastructure development; facilitate policy reviews with Scenic Hudson’s Land Conservation, Conservation Science, River Cities, and Advocacy Teams.
Review and assess requests for letters of support related to legislation or grant funding; prepare recommendations for consideration.
Draft fact sheets, letters, press releases, reports, and other written materials in support of advocacy and policy initiatives.
Prepare and, when appropriate, deliver public statements; represent the organization in public forums, on social media, and in meetings with public officials and their staff, in coordination with the supervisor.
Maintain contact lists, databases, and project files to ensure easy access to critical information and to track progress toward strategic outcomes.
Communicate with legislative staff and partner organizations to schedule meetings, collect signatures on sign-on letters, and otherwise advance legislation.
Maintain accurate records and generate monthly reports on government relations activities in compliance with New York State’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) requirements and other relevant regulations.
Travel frequently to Albany, New York City, and other locations within the region to attend meetings and events, and perform both direct and grassroots lobbying.
Support cross-departmental initiatives and projects as assigned, collaborating with colleagues across the organization.
Assist with general development activities and perform other duties as needed to advance Scenic Hudson’s mission.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher required, ideally in Environmental Sciences, Political Science, Pre-Law, Public Administration, or a related field.
One to two years of professional experience in a related role preferred.
Strong research, analytical, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team while being accountable for delivering measurable outcomes, both in alignment with established work plans and in response to emerging priorities.
Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong work ethic and results-driven approach.
Proficiency in internet-based legal and legislative research tools, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Working knowledge of climate and agricultural policy, as well as New York State legislative, budgeting, grant making, and regulatory processes preferred.
Ability to travel frequently to the New York State Capitol and other locations within the state, in varying weather conditions.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. for transporting meeting materials.
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Compensation: Full Time, hybrid work schedule with competitive benefits and a salary range of: $60,000 – $64,000

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor with expertise in environmental or natural resources policy. Possible application areas could include energy, air quality, water, climate, wildlife, agricultural conservation, public lands, or hazardous waste management as examples. We welcome applications from those working across an array of natural resource and environmental contexts. Relevance to the state of Utah would be especially welcomed. Teaching expectations will include a combination of online/virtual and in-person courses that contribute to the department’s curriculum. This tenure-track, full-time academic-year (nine-month) position is based at the USU main campus in Logan. The emphasis for the position is 50% research, 40% teaching/advising, and 10% service. The position will start August 2026. Background information is available on the webpages for the Department of Environment and Society and its home, the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead a research program that builds on a strong background in environmental or natural resources policy.
Teaching includes up to three 3-credit courses per academic year, or equivalent, that contribute to the department’s curriculum areas in environmental studies, environmental science and sustainability, and geography. The successful candidate could expect to teach courses in the area of environmental and natural resource policy but might also be asked to contribute in other curricular areas.
Courses may be taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and may be delivered in person, via virtual or online learning, or in a blended format.
Student advising includes mentoring undergraduate researchers and advising graduate students in a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the success of all students.
Community engagement, broadly defined, is encouraged. Community engagement in research, teaching, and/or service activities is valued by the Department and it is integrated into the mission, climate, and culture.
Service includes participation in faculty duties on campus as well as professional involvement off campus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned PhD (or JD with academic experience) at date-of-hire in a field related to environmental or natural resources policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated application of research for policy development or institutional decision making.
A publication record consistent with career stage.
Demonstrated potential to build and maintain a productive research program, including the ability to secure competitive external funding.
Evidence of successful collaboration with natural and social scientists across disciplines.
Demonstrated interest in community-engaged research or research outreach.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to the inclusion of all groups in society through education, research, or service.
Prior teaching experience.
Experience with or the desire to learn about virtual and online course delivery.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to a learning community of members from a range of backgrounds and experiences and to foster a sense of belonging for all students.

For more than 30 years, Pew has been a major force in engaging the public and policy makers about the causes, consequences, and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Position Overview
The manager, environment, will report to the director, management support team, and will support the management of cross-cutting operations activities in the environment portfolio, engage with and provide substantive support to the director, vice presidents, and program leaders on relevant policy, program, and operational issues, contribute to documents prepared for senior leadership and the board, including responses to board inquiries, among other additional duties. The manager will work closely with other cross-cutting operations staff within the environment portfolio, including the senior officer, management support, environment, as well as partner closely with relevant program department teams and operations units.

This position is based in Pew’s Washington, D.C. office and participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four telework “flex weeks” per year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; an advanced degree in public or environmental policy, or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.
Generally, a minimum of 8 years of professional experience, including staff, project, and/or consultant management experience, with a proven track record of people management and accomplishment in developing and implementing solutions to complex problems.
Strong strategic and analytical acumen with proven skills in taking initiative, developing, executing and evaluating a range of diverse projects. A task-oriented, deadline driven style with a focus on achieving clear and ambitious goals. Capacity to develop and move projects forward with a high degree of independence and autonomy.
Sophisticated project management experience, with demonstrated track record working across thematic and institutional workstreams.
Demonstrated acumen for exercising sound business judgement at all times.
Experience managing projects in dispersed geographies. Capacity to develop and manage productive relationships with consultants, partners and others who contribute to the development of a project by anticipating possible outcomes.
Experience with environmental issues and conservation topics preferred.
Strong oral and written communications skills. Experience synthesizing material and focusing quickly on the essence of an issue and the means to address it.
Well-developed skills in diplomacy. Works productively with a wide array of different people and institutions that frequently disagree with, and may be in competition with, one another.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Must be flexible, creative, and consistent and assume high accountability for all areas of responsibility.
Strong people manager with proven experience adapting quickly, deploying talent flexibly, and supporting the professional growth of team and colleagues.
Seasoned judgment; aptitude to make appropriate decisions, justify recommendations, and be responsive, clear and firm with colleagues and partners.
Fluency in English is essential and competence in other languages is desirable.