Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Open Space Institute (OSI) is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Summary

The New York State Director of Government Relations Director (DGR) advances the Open Space Institute’s (OSI) mission by leading state-level policy, legislative, and agency engagement in New York. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, the DGR develops and directs advocacy initiatives to protect land for people and wildlife by shaping, leading, and implementing policies that strengthen conservation funding, stewardship, and equitable public access to parks, trails, and natural areas.

The DGR serves as OSI’s primary representative to New York State government, cultivating senior-level relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and key partners to advance OSI’s policy objectives. The position also coordinates across OSI departments and with coalitions and advocacy partners to align policy and program priorities.

While the primary focus of this position is New York State, the DGR may also engage in related policy and government relations work in other states in the eastern U.S. – where OSI has active conservation initiatives and partnerships.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, government, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, or environmental policy, preferably within the nonprofit or public sector.
Demonstrated success in leading advocacy or legislative initiatives and influencing policy outcomes.
Deep familiarity with New York State’s legislative, administrative, and budget processes.
Experience managing consultants, staff, or multi-organization coalitions.
Strong understanding of conservation, land protection, parks, and outdoor recreation access policy.

Agriculture is responsible for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas pollution, with the overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizer and methane emissions playing a major role. The Director, Agricultural Policy, will lead EDF’s efforts to develop and implement effective and innovative agricultural policy solutions in the United States and around the world in order to reduce impacts to air, land, water, and climate. The Director will bolster EDF’s leadership on agricultural policy, markets, and innovation and will catalyze a growing global strategy to ensure effective teamwork and management across the organization and with key partners. This role, a key leader within the Climate-Smart Agriculture team and the Agriculture, Water, and Food (AWF) focus area will report to the Vice President, Climate-Smart Agriculture.
Key Responsibilities

With key colleagues and partners, lead the development of strategies and workplans for agriculture policy, with a specific focus on cropland and fertilizer use.
Partner with the Vice President, SVP, and EDF Development to engage trustees and donors and to raise funds to advance our mission, and liaise with EDF Executive Team and Board of Trustees as needed.
Identify emerging issues and trends to identify EDF’s role and value add, and develop strategies based on assessed needs and opportunities.
Guide strategy for analyzing complex agriculture issues and designing solutions to reduce climate impacts of agriculture by strengthening management and aligning stakeholders’ economic incentives with the health of the planet.
Advance EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture (OEC) goals so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
Serve as a lead authority on issues of agricultural policy and implementation of improvements, including effective and authentic community engagement, which ensuring attention to issues of equity and justice.
Regularly communicate in various fora (internal, public, etc.) on key areas of expertise, representing EDF and the Climate Smart Agriculture team.
Provide expert advice and consultation to the policymakers, partners, staff and other stakeholders on agricultural policy.
Play a key lead role in fundraising efforts, including drafting strategically relevant proposals, growing relationships with donors and foundation officers, tracking and reporting progress, and other functions.
With the Vice President, work to identify and cultivate new funders and individuals to contribute to the fundraising goals.
Identify and oversee consultants and coordinate with staff and partners to ensure aligned execution of work to achieve results and work closely with financial operations lead on budget matters.
Guide, motivate and develop staff, prioritizing professional development and ensuring staff understand how their work relates to EDF’s global strategy.
Effectively coordinate across EDF teams (AWF, Political Affairs, OCS, OCE, and others) to ensure EDF priorities are met.
Develop a team management plan that clarifies roles and responsibilities, empowers staff, and ensures staff are in the right roles.
Take accountability for effective and impactful implementation, ensuring that EDF attains its technical, financial and contractual commitments for work under the Director’s purview.
Proactively identify and manage risks, escalating as necessary to executive leadership.
Ensure compliance with EDF’s policies, procedures and project management processes, and actively contribute to the strengthening of these.
Serve as a global thought leader and thought partner to influence the broader Ag, Water and Food agenda.
Guide and oversee novel research that advances our understanding of resilient cropland mitigation and leads to robust solutions.
Periodically author op-eds or other thought pieces to enhance EDF’s positioning and expand understanding of policy (and other) solutions.
Proactively strengthen existing and cultivate new partnerships from all sectors (public, private, nonprofit, etc.) that enable EDF to expand the scope, scale and impact of its work.
Convene key government, private sector, community and other stakeholders to advance programming priorities.
Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

10+ years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree required. A Master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.
Deep subject matter expertise in agriculture and fertilizer use.
Strong track record of planning, developing, and implementing strategic programs across complex institutional and stakeholder landscapes.
Proven ability to lead small teams, oversee multiple complex projects concurrently, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary internal team members and external partners in a dynamic environment across multiple time zones.
Attention to detail, personal organization skills, and exceptional project management skills.
Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment to plan, prioritize, and organize a diversified workload and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated success in building trusted, high-impact relationships with government agencies, universities, NGOs, agricultural organizations, and community stakeholders.
Proactive with a strong ability to set priorities and take initiative consistent with broad strategic guidance and to execute in a fast-paced environment with varied stakeholder interests.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency, and inclusivity and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
Willingness and ability to engage in travel, as needed.

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a Vice President for Environmental Justice (VP for EJ) to join our team working for a healthy and thriving New England for all. Building on our environmental justice work with communities and community partners, the VP for EJ will partner with CLF’s senior team, advocates, and program and state leaders to develop and implement a clear and bold vision and strategy for CLF’s environmental justice advocacy.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Law & Policy and with a focus on strengthening and expanding our relationships in the community, the VP for EJ will lead a team of advocates to advance environmental justice in close collaboration with, and informed by, communities and partners bearing disproportionate environmental harms and inequitable sharing of environmental benefits. The VP for EJ will also work to build a culture and consciousness of environmental justice internally, working to ensure that environmental justice is fully integrated as a priority across the organization’s programs and states, aligns with CLF’s mission and anti-racist work, and is adequately resourced. The position will be based in our Boston office with opportunity for some remote work within New England.

What you’ll need:

A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience doing environmental justice work in close partnership with communities and community-facing organizations;
A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state (New England state is preferred);
Extensive knowledge of the environmental justice movement regionally and nationally;
Relationships, connections, and credibility within the environmental justice advocacy community;
Demonstrated success in navigating complex policy and programmatic initiatives;
A collaborative leadership style, with proven ability to lead, manage, and support interdisciplinary teams;
Substantial experience in managing people and projects;
Strong skills in networking, fundraising, financial management, and communications; and
Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), we believe in the power of people and policy to protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our state. We are seeking a Policy Advocate to help lead bold, thoughtful efforts to conserve Maine’s forests, rivers, lakes, and the wildlife that depend on them.

This is more than a job—it is an opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental stewardship, public policy, and community collaboration. As a key member of our Woods, Waters, and Wildlife Program, you will shape and advocate for forward-thinking environmental policies, engage with diverse partners—including Wabanaki Nations—and help preserve the natural resources that make Maine special.

What You Will Do

Advance environmental policies that protect Maine’s land, water, and wildlife
Analyze legislation and administrative actions; provide testimony and policy recommendations
Build strong partnerships with nonprofit allies, community leaders, government agencies, and Tribal Nations
Translate complex science and policy into clear, compelling messages for public audiences
Participate in coalitions and represent NRCM in key policy venues and public forums

What You Bring

At least 3 years of experience in environmental policy, land use, forestry, wildlife conservation, or related fields
A degree in a relevant area such as law, natural resources, conservation, or environmental science
Strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills
A collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively with people from all backgrounds
Passion for protecting Maine’s environment and advancing equitable solutions

The Climate Action Campaign (CAC) Program Manager for Congressional Advocacy is a dynamic team player who is a self-starter, excels at building strong relationships, and can manage and execute CAC’s work on Capitol Hill. This role coordinates with Government Affairs professionals at CAC and beyond, as well as staff and Members on Capitol Hill, to support and advance climate policy goals. It utilizes project management and collaboration skills to develop strategies and execute coalition advocacy tactics. This position also gathers information, maintains consistent and clear lines of communication, and supports the Government Affairs team in planning, reporting, and scheduling.

Required Qualifications

At least 2-4 years of experience working on advocacy or political campaigns, on Capitol Hill or with an advocacy nonprofit organization.

A high degree of professionalism and cultural competency in dealing with diverse groups of people.

Must have the ability to communicate, build and maintain collaborative relationships throughout the organization and with members of Congress, staff, key federal agency officials, CAC coalition partners, their working groups, and their consultants, funders, and vendors.

Demonstrated knowledge of Congress, Congressional committees, the legislative and regulatory process and oversight of the federal government by Congress, and Congressional procedure and protocol.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with others in a cooperative, enthusiastic and friendly manner.

Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements with impeccable attention to detail.

Intermediate Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Apps equivalents, and database/spreadsheet functions; knowledge of Congress Plus is preferred.

Strong communication, writing and project management skills.

Ability to identify and act upon opportunities to enhance results and manage problems without needing to be asked.

Ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations and events that require quick response or turnaround.

Ability to complete a high volume of tasks and projects with little guidance.

Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in an evolving role.

Mission-driven, hardworking, fun-loving “people person” and organizer

Work Environment

This role is located in Washington, DC, and works in a hybrid set-up. A typical week includes 2-3 in-office days. Given the importance of building relationships in face-to-face settings as well as the nature of campaign work, this position requires flexibility around in-office or in-person days.

Salary

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary for this role starts at $70,000-80,000.

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Wings Over Working Lands, the Senior Manager, Policy is a key member of the Working Lands Habitat Initiative team and will be responsible for developing and implementing robust elements of Audubon’s Healthy Birds, Healthy Planet policy agenda to advance Audubon’s bipartisan conservation within the U.S., working primarily with Congress and federal agencies. The Wings Over Working Lands Initiative is a key element of the Habitat Milestone under Flight Plan, Audubon’s strategic plan. This role will provide critical policy research, analysis, writing and strategic guidance while serving as a highly visible representative of Audubon with congressional offices and committees, federal agencies and partner organizations. The Senior Manager also works closely with the Senior Director to provide guidance and helpful tools to distribute across Audubon’s network, including background materials for consultants and other relevant content for internal communications.

Compensation: $103,000 – $116,000 / year

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, natural resources or related field and 7+ years’ experience on Capitol Hill, with a policy-oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant federal agency working on environmental and/or agricultural issues is required. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.

Outstanding policy analysis and research skills, with the demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a complex workflow.

Familiarity with and experience navigating Committee and agency process and procedures is required.

Experience with political or legislative campaigns highly desired.

Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking; must be comfortable representing Audubon with a variety of stakeholders, including congressional, government, and partner organizations.

Exceptional judgment, with the demonstrated ability to think creatively and make strategic recommendations to key leaders within an organization.

A self-starter, with experience working in decentralized organizations and collaborating with cross-departmental teams.

Strong interpersonal skills and desire to be part of and contribute to a team effort.

Demonstrated interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society and political insight of the nexus between Congress and environmental issues needed.

Support Audubon’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, environmental sciences, policy, or related field, graduate degree strongly preferred.

Tech-savviness, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, advocacy tools, and other web-based applications required.

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

Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is the nation’s oldest and largest national parks nonprofit advocacy organization. NPCA has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Communications Manager, Federal Policy, to join our communications department.

This position supports NPCA’s Communications Team in elevating the organization’s national policy and legislative priorities through strategic media engagement, messaging and storytelling. The role focuses on translating complex federal issues, such as park funding, park staffing and energy development into compelling narratives that resonate with the public, press and policymakers.

Working closely with NPCA’s government affairs and conservation programs departments, this position helps shape and execute communications strategies that support NPCA’s national advocacy goals, influence public opinion, and strengthen the organization’s role as a leading voice for park protection across the country.

Minimum Qualifications, Competencies, Skills, Education, and Traits: At least 5-6 years of strategic communications experience, including communications campaign development and execution, and/or combination of environmental sciences, public policy or related fields. Baccalaureate degree in communications, journalism, environmental science or related field and/or lived experience preferred. Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills. In-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for business correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing and social media. Demonstrated ability in building and maintaining media relationships. Demonstrated success generating earned media. Demonstrated expertise creating strategic, creative and integrated communications campaigns or other similar environmental or sustainability plans to enhance brand recognition and programmatic priorities. Ability to translate complex conservation and government policy into compelling, actionable messages for a variety of audiences. Proficiency in using software including MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel, MuckRack/or similar reporter database.

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

Your Role

The In-House Counsel will provide comprehensive legal support and guidance to all aspects of the organization’s operations. This critical role involves ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, managing legal risks, and advising on complex land conservation transactions. As a member of PEC’s management team, the In-House Counsel will report directly to the President and work collaboratively with staff, the Board of Directors, The Piedmont Foundation, and external partners.

Required Qualifications

Strong work ethic and commitment to PEC’s core values, mission, and vision.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Minimum of five years of experience practicing law, with a strong preference for experience in real estate, land use, environmental and/or non-profit law.
Strong working knowledge of local, state, and federal government rules and regulations in land use, transportation, historic preservation and environmental protection.
Demonstrated enthusiasm and flexibility coupled with sound judgement; emphasis on confidentiality; knowledge of correct protocol for specific situations.
Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) principles.
Reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

Active license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and active membership to the Virginia State Bar. If not active, willing to pursue obtaining Virginia State Bar membership or recognition.
Familiarity with conservation easements and land trust operations.

The In-House Counsel salary range is $120,000 – $140,000 annually and is an exempt position with benefits.

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation’s mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. The Federation is committed to inspiring all people around our shared love of nature and wildlife by creating a welcoming and inclusive community representative of all Americans.

To advance our mission, we are seeking a full-time Senior Manager, Clean Energy Policy to join our Climate and Energy team, working out of our National Advocacy Center in Washington, DC, with telework options. Our Climate and Energy team advances domestic policies at federal, regional, and state levels that curb greenhouse gas emissions, speed an equitable transition to clean energy on- and offshore, decarbonize industry, and expand natural and technological carbon removal. NWF seeks to grow bipartisan support for short- and long-term policy action on climate, working with a range of partners to build diverse coalitions. The Senior Manager, Clean Energy Policy will help shape and bring leadership to NWF’s policy and advocacy priorities with regards to the needed expansion of responsibly developed clean energy in the United States, integrating our commitments to climate stabilization, habitat and natural resource conservation, environmental justice, and community engagement. You will report to the Associate Vice President of Climate and Energy and work alongside the rest of the Climate and Energy and Offshore Wind teams in Washington, D.C.

As the Senior Manager, Clean Energy Policy, you will serve as a primary in-house expert on clean energy technologies and policy options, helping guide the Federation’s activities to advance the environmentally and socially responsible buildout of renewable and zero/low-carbon energy at the pace and scale needed to stabilize our rapidly changing climate while avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating negative impacts to wildlife habitat and elevating the needs of host communities. You will advise and collaborate with the AVP and colleagues from the climate, offshore wind, public and private lands, environmental justice, Tribal outreach, and other teams and regional offices in shaping and representing clean energy policy for NWF. You will perform policy analysis, advocacy, research, writing, public and media education, coalition building and maintenance, and intra-organizational communication and coordination.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree and 5-8 years of relevant experience, with a working knowledge of clean energy, smart grid technology, renewable energy permitting/siting, energy storage, or related policy.
A Master’s or other advanced degree in environmental policy or law, environmental engineering, energy innovation, climate change, biology, environmental economics, or relevant field can count towards experience.
Familiarity with the U.S. political system and have issue advocacy experience, plus be skilled at synthesizing and communicating information for policy or advocacy audiences in a compelling and accurate manner in writing and orally.
Well organized with excellent attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines.
Comfortable working in a dynamic team and independently and be a go-getter with initiative to get things done.
Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to work well with diverse interests, including labor, business, conservation, and environmental justice and Tribal representatives

Travel will consist of about 20-30% of time throughout the U.S.

The salary range for this position is currently $85,000 – $90,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

The Advocacy Director will lead the Alliance’s work to build a powerful, coalition-driven movement to ensure the Great Lakes are sustained for today and tomorrow. With a focus on state-level and regional policy, the Advocacy Director will lead campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, and decision-maker education efforts to further the Alliance’s water policy goals. This work spans all of the Alliance issue areas across the Great Lakes region, including but not limited to agriculture, water infrastructure, plastics and other pollutants, water supply, and invasive species.

The Advocacy Director has primary responsibility for building the campaign structures and relationships necessary to advance regional and state-level legislative and regulatory policy agendas. The Advocacy Director will work collaboratively with various Alliance staff – including policy experts in water resources and water infrastructure, and communications, media relations, local partnerships and government affairs staff – as partners in campaign strategy development and execution. The Advocacy Director will be a public figure for the organization who speaks with authority and diplomacy. They will cultivate and sustain relationships that further the Alliance’s water policy goals, including with elected and appointed officials, academics, trade associations and businesses, community-based organizations, and NGOs. The Advocacy Director will also train, organize, and create opportunities for the Alliance’s supporters to participate in lawmaker education and other forms of advocacy. The Advocacy Director will provide counsel to the Alliance’s Vice Presidents and the President & CEO on policy opportunities and strategy across the region.

In a typical week, the Advocacy Director might:

Track the progress of state legislation related to Great Lakes issues and advise the Alliance’s policy experts on any important developments
Build and convene with in-state coalitions to explore joint opportunities to advance campaign goals and align messaging
Receive a briefing from an Alliance policy expert on a new report and discuss its implications for campaign strategy
Coordinate with the communications staff to send an Action Alert to supporters
Conduct a webinar for Alliance supporters to prepare for an upcoming lawmaker education event
Schedule and lead a meeting with a state representative in a key legislative district
Brainstorm with Alliance policy experts on analyses, fact sheets, or other materials that could support lawmaker education on a topic of interest
Attend a trade association meeting to network with important campaign stakeholders
Draft or review a blog post, op-ed, or press release on a notable policy achievement
Talk to key media on the record to advance the Alliance’s policy goals

Knowledge/Skills

Deep expertise and experience in building and executing successful coalition-driven public campaigns to advance environmental policy goals, with a preference for direct experience in the Great Lakes and/or water space.
A track record showing successes that address the expressed needs of communities impacted by pollution, water loss, resource degradation and other stressors.
Trusted relationships and credibility with influential leaders of relevant Great Lakes region stakeholders, including elected and appointed officials, academics, trade associations and businesses, community-based organizations, and NGOs, particularly in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and/or Wisconsin.
Experience successfully managing campaign teams that include peers and external partners, often working multiple issues in parallel that may compete for resources and attention.
Solid understanding of state fiscal/budgeting, legislative, and regulatory processes and opportunities to influence decision-making.
Staff management, mentoring and supervisory experience.
Experience addressing the needs of major philanthropic foundations.
Ability to create and communicate information using compelling public speaking and visual tools.
Commitment to building and managing inclusive internal and external teams that cut across diversities of race, gender, culture, socioeconomic class, political affiliation, and geography.
Commitment to Alliance values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, and optimism and principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
Collaborative, collegial, humble, with a good sense of humor and ability to adapt to diverse work styles; adept at working in teams and independently in both virtual and in-person settings.
Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
Undergraduate degree (advanced degree preferred) and 10+ years of experience in public campaign spaces such as policy advocacy, politics, media or marketing.
The selected candidate must be able to pass a background check.