Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. To learn more, visit gmri.org.

The Manager of Federal Agency Relations advances GMRI’s mission by cultivating strategic relationships with federal science and research agencies and positioning GMRI as a trusted partner in addressing national research priorities. This role focuses on proactive engagement with agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other mission-relevant offices to inform funding priorities, shape emerging research opportunities, and increase GMRI’s visibility and competitiveness for federal support. This role will also strategize on how to engage with agencies that have not yet funded GMRI (e.g., Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Transportation (DOT)).

Serving as a key external-facing member of GMRI’s Sponsored Projects Office, the Manager helps develop and implement strategies that align federal agency interests with GMRI’s scientific strengths, facilities, and expertise. The role works closely with the Research Development Manager (RDM) to translate agency funding priorities into competitive grant proposals, and collaborates with senior leadership, program leads, and research staff to support coordinated, high-impact engagement with federal partners.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, marine science, environmental science, engineering, or a related field.
3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in federal relations, government affairs, science policy, research development, or a related role.
Demonstrated understanding of the federal research funding ecosystem, including competitive grant and cooperative agreement processes.
Proven experience building and maintaining professional relationships with federal agency staff or leadership.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical concepts for diverse audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across scientific, administrative, and leadership teams.

Preferred

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D) in a relevant field.
Prior experience working within a federal science agency or in a role closely interfacing with federal agencies.
Experience in a nonprofit research organization, academic institution, or science-based organization.
Familiarity with agencies such as NSF, NOAA, NASA, or related mission-driven federal offices.

Work Environment

This position may be based at GMRI headquarters in Portland, Maine, or in a Washington, D.C.–area location, with regular travel as needed.
Travel to federal agencies, partner institutions, conferences, and GMRI facilities is expected.
The role requires flexibility, discretion, and sound judgment in a dynamic federal policy and funding environment.

Salary Range: $90,000- $100,000

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 7 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families by improving farm viability and farmland access. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

Position Summary

AFT has historically played an outsized role in the development of agricultural policy. At the federal level, AFT led the effort that incorporated a Conservation Title into the 1985 Farm Bill. AFT has also worked actively on other titles of the Farm Bill and on other federal issues, including farm viability, farmland access, and tax policies. At the state level, AFT had a direct role in the creation of 30 farmland protection programs and numerous current use taxation programs—and has successfully championed a wide range of legislation that has advanced conservation practice adoption, farmland retention and access, and farm viability.

AFT is currently preparing a multiyear strategy aimed at advancing agricultural policy at both the state and federal level, including through the next Farm Bill. To achieve these goals, AFT has been expanding its policy team, which currently includes the Vice President of Policy, Senior Policy Advisor, Senior Policy Manager for Conservation & Energy, and Farm Viability Policy Manager, as well as additional policy staff in several states/regions, and consultant support. We are seeking a National Policy Director to expand synergies between our state and federal policy work, increase the capacity of the national team, and provide additional strategic leadership and management.

Reporting to the Vice President of Policy, the National Policy Director position offers an exciting opportunity to shape and carry out the policy agenda of a growing, forward-looking agricultural conservation organization. In addition to working with AFT’s federal and regional/state policy teams, this role will work closely with AFT’s program, communications, and research staff.

This position is not place-based and can be performed remotely. However, if performed remotely, applicants should expect to occasionally travel (15%) for key meetings, stakeholder engagements, board meetings, etc.

Qualifications

Strong desire to advance AFT’s mission by developing supportive policy grounded in research findings.

Proven track record of delivering superior results and assuming leadership roles in advancing policy.

Knowledge of state and/or federal legislative processes as well as state and/or federal agency policy-making processes.

Demonstrated strategic planning and project management skills and experience collaborating with teams of colleagues, staff, and partners with flexibility and creativity.

Experience in developing partnerships with relevant stakeholders, such as farmers and ranchers, non-profits, the scientific community, corporations, and government agencies.

Skill in translating complex issues and policy to audiences in writing as well as through meetings and presentations.

Desire to work as part of a highly collaborative team that values communication, transparency, and constructive debate.

Strong writing and editing skills, including real-time group editing of documents.

Willingness to work around a demanding schedule and deadlines.

Self-motivated, organized, and able to stay on task when managing multiple projects.

Commitment to expanding representation within AFT and across the agriculture and food system.

Ability to travel throughout country as needed (up to 15%).

If appropriate, ability to work effectively from home.

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with state and/or federal agricultural programs related to conservation, farmland protection, farm viability, and/or farmland access.
Experience in state policy development, implementation, or advocacy.
Existing relationships with relevant national or regional stakeholder groups, legislative staff, and/or agency staff.
Budget development and management of projects and programs.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as public policy, political science, agriculture, or environmental science.

At least 10 years of total experience in state and/or federal policy, with 6 years relevant to agricultural viability, conservation, and/or farmland protection (experience can be substituted with post graduate degrees, fellowships, leadership programs, etc.).

Compensation

The salary for this role is $120,000 annually.

The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive.

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Staff Attorney will work as part of a team using law and advocacy to address threats and increase marine wildlife and habitat protections. The Oceans program leverages our bedrock environmental laws to protect coral reefs, sea turtles, whales and other marine animals. The attorney will work primarily on cutting edge and novel approaches to address offshore drilling, including fierce advocacy to hold agencies and operators accountable for the impacts of oil and gas pollution. The ideal candidate will have excellent leadership, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Law school graduate and member of the California, District of Columbia, or other relevant bar.
At least three years of civil litigation experience, environmental law preferred.
Strong leadership skills that can produce results through strategic thinking, self-motivation, project management, and inspiring the action of others to achieve impactful outcomes.
Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills.
Strong work ethic and time management skills with an ability to manage a busy docket while engaging in a variety of other advocacy efforts.
Proactive approach to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative to drive projects forward.
Ability to develop cases and manage a full docket.
Ability to work independently and as a part of an effective team.
Ability to work in cross-cultural settings, with competency in diversity and inclusion.
Demonstrated commitment and passion for securing wildlife and environmental protections.
Ability to work 40+ hours per week.

Salary Range: $72,500 – $89,500

Location: California, DC, or Gulf Coast preferred, remote.

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an Attorney to join our Clean Air & Water team, working to protect New England’s environment for all people. It is preferred to have the position be based in Boston, but other CLF offices will be considered. There is opportunity for some remote and flexible work within New England. The position will be hired as an Associate Attorney, Staff Attorney Level I or II or Senior Attorney depending on years of experience.

This position is funded for two years with the potential for extended funding and/or placement in another funded position at the organization past this time.

The Attorney will work on litigation across program priorities, as well as promote solutions to the region’s biggest environmental challenges using policy tools and regulatory advocacy. Litigation will consist mainly of Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act enforcement cases in federal court, as well as state or other federal claims to protect historically disadvantaged communities.

What you’ll do

· Devise and execute legal strategies to achieve CLF’s advocacy goals;

· Represent CLF and other parties in litigation proceedings;

· Negotiate civil penalties, injunctive relief, and fee and cost recovery;

· Advise CLF and community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters;

· Build alliances and coalitions among parties that may include community groups, public officials, business interests, and other organizations;

Write public educational materials, articles, opinion pieces and communicate about advocacy work through news and social media outlets;
Contribute to the health of our organizational community and its smooth operation;

· Advise and assist CLF’s communications team in delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public;

· Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations;

Contribute to CLF’s strategic priorities and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence; and

· Other duties as specified.

What you’ll need

We are looking for a motivated and mature self-starter that is able to work both independently and as a productive team member. To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

· At least 0-2 years of experience practicing law for Associate Attorney level, 2 years of experience practicing law for Staff Attorney I, 5 years for Staff Attorney II and 7 years for Senior Attorney, specifically in litigation;

· A passion for and commitment to the environment, public health, and CLF’s mission;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills;

· Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;

· Ability to take initiative, solve problems, and manage several tasks in a fast-paced environment;

· Commitment to developing new skills in the technology realm, including the use of AI;

· Commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues and partners;

· Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and

· A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state (New England state is preferred).

Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) is a nonprofit environmental law center located in Annapolis, MD. We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and detail-oriented Attorney to handle litigation and case management as well as provide critical support to the Litigation Director and Director of the Environmental Action Center for legal strategies. The position will serve as a key member of our team, reporting to the Litigation Director and the Executive Director. The ideal candidate would be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania or Virginia and have some Pennsylvania or Virginia litigation experience, or be eligible to waive into PA, VA or MD.

Position Vital Stats

Salary Range: $95,000 to $130,000
Benefits: Health reimbursement account (QSEHRA) & 401K
Hours: Full Time
Office Location: Annapolis, MD; hybrid/partial telework
Deadline to apply: Rolling
Start Date: Rolling

Required Qualifications

Strongly prefer 3-7 years of litigation experience, preferably including environmental litigation, clean water and other environmental laws, including citizen suits and regulatory work.
Bar member in good standing in – or eligible to waive into – either PA, VA, DC or MD bar.
Experience with diverse clientele and communities.
Experience with managing environmental experts and consultants preferred.
Communications experience a plus.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Extraordinarily motivated, self-directed, detail and deadline-oriented, and highly organized.
Desire to become part of a dynamic, flexible, innovative team.
Sincere commitment to CLA’s core values.

The Southern Environmental Law Center is seeking a Staff or Senior Attorney in our Charleston, South Carolina office. This individual will join our Energy team. Practicing attorneys with six or more years of experience will be considered at the Staff Attorney level, and those with eight or more years will be considered at the Senior Attorney level.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time, exempt position and employees must reside in our region. The start date is flexible.
About the Position

The primary goal of SELC’s Energy program is to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the South’s electric power sector while promoting energy equity and environmental justice. SELC works across a range of venues, including state and federal courts, state utilities commissions, environmental regulatory agencies, and legislative bodies. SELC also collaborates with allied groups in pursuit of shared policy goals and speaks in public settings.

The Staff or Senior Attorney will join SELC’s Energy Program, focusing on energy policy advocacy and litigation throughout South Carolina, including regulatory proceedings before the Public Service Commission. Due to the cross-border nature of the Carolinas energy sector, this position will involve collaboration with SELC’s North Carolina-based team.

This attorney will have the opportunity to work on a variety of complementary matters supporting the transition away from fossil fuels, including: (1) advocating in state and federal administrative and judicial proceedings, including matters before the commission that oversees South Carolina utilities; (2) engaging in policy development and analysis at the state and federal level, including regulatory and legislative matters; and (3) collaborating with renewable energy advocates, business leaders, environmental groups, public interest organizations, policymakers, legislators, and regulators to overcome barriers to the clean energy transition and ensure that it is just, equitable, and benefits the health and economy of all communities.

Required Qualifications

Staff Attorney: Minimum of six years of relevant legal practice experience.
Senior Attorney: Minimum of eight years of relevant legal practice experience.
Experience practicing before or advising regulatory bodies, or litigating before state or federal courts.
Active license to practice law in South Carolina or willingness to seek admission to practice in South Carolina.
Proven ability to handle complex litigation with a high degree of competence, independence, effectiveness, integrity, professionalism, and sound strategic judgment.
Experience managing and conducting discovery or developing complex administrative records.
Excellent advocacy skills, including superior written work product and oral presentation abilities. Ability to translate technical and legal issues into plain English.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners to advance organizational goals.
Strong independent initiative and the ability to lead cases or matters in collaboration with a team and meet internal and external deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

A background in environmental or energy law, or in litigation, is strongly preferred but not required.
Experience practicing before or advising the Public Service Commission of South Carolina or other state or federal utility regulatory commissions.
Experience preparing for and participating in regulatory proceedings, including strategy development, working with subject matter experts to prepare filings and/or to deliver live testimony, and engaging in settlement negotiations.
Legislative experience, including drafting legislation, developing messaging, and opposing harmful bills.
A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary for a Staff Attorney in this position is $142,100, commensurate with experience. The starting salary for a Senior Attorney in this position is $159,800, also commensurate with experience.