Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working toward a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable. Our mission is to build the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet.

About the Position

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council seeks a visionary leader to advance change at the intersection of clean energy, equity, and inclusion. You will lead IREC’s Regulatory Team and attorneys as they develop and execute a multi-state strategy to advance distributed energy resource (DER) regulatory best practices. The Vice President contributes as a member of IREC’s Executive team, shaping strategies and direction to reach bold clean energy and energy equity goals to mitigate the climate emergency. You will be responsible for partnership and funding development. You should be a self-motivated, passionate thought leader to provide strategic direction and oversight of the organization’s regulatory program.

The successful candidate will bring the following qualities to our organization:

Required

8+ years of work experience and familiarity with public utility regulation, distributed energy resource policy and technology, and state policy and advocacy
Graduate degree in one or more energy/environmental policy-related fields, including public policy, environmental science, sustainability, law, engineering, or other relevant clean energy field
Deep understanding of the electricity grid and U.S. energy system, including the technical, procedural, and legal challenges and related opportunities to accelerate the grid integration of DERs and a just transition to sustainable energy
Expertise in DER interconnection policy and an understanding of the range of regulatory frameworks and key stakeholders across different states that impact clean energy adoption
Demonstrated proficiency in project management as well as experience managing staff
Strong fundraising and development skills, including proposal preparation and the ability to develop and oversee budgets
Superb written and spoken communication skills
Intellectually curious and self-disciplined fast learner with the ability to independently operate in a virtual environment and provide needed self-direction
Demonstrated passion to mitigate the climate crisis and be part of the clean energy future
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Preferred

Experience and expertise in distribution system planning and/or energization of EV charging infrastructure
Experience leading multi-state regulatory efforts

Salary range: $145,000 – $175,000, depending on experience

Position Summary

Manages and coordinates the Association’s policy development and advocacy efforts related to wildlife resource policy, including wildlife management and conservation, hunting, trapping, and recreational shooting in accordance with the Association’s strategic plan and member priorities. Develop strategies and sound wildlife related policies in close coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies to advance state fish and wildlife agency priorities and their conservation objectives. Stays abreast of federal rules, regulations, policies, and legislation related to wildlife resource policy. Staffs and manages several of the Association’s committees including the Hunting and Shooting Sports Participation Committee and the Wildlife Resources Policy Committee.

Works collaboratively with AFWA committees, state agencies, AFWA staff, and conservation partners to develop sound wildlife policy recommendations, briefing materials, and correspondence in accordance with Association member priorities. Responsible for coordinating monthly updates for state fish and wildlife agency wildlife program administrators. Develops strategies to work effectively with Congress and actively engages with Congressional offices to leverage existing relationships and foster new collaborative relationships to further Association and state fish and wildlife agency priorities to advance the state fish and wildlife agencies’ priorities and other Association strategic priorities. Fosters trusted, collaborative and productive working relationships with AFWA’s non-profit conservation partners and Federal agency staff to advance and advocate for AFWA priorities and positions.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in fish and wildlife management or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in political science with a focus on natural resource conservation or environmental studies; and at least 2-4 years’ experience in a natural resources related field, with an emphasis on policy development and the legislative process preferred.

Working knowledge of the congressional legislative, and federal budget and regulatory processes.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills, work effectively with others, be self-motivated, commitment to learning, manage long-term and short-term deadlines, manage scheduling and numerous projects at one time, and have strong organizational skills. Strategic and critical thinker.

Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain collaborative and trusted relationships with state fish and wildlife agency leaders and staff, AFWA members, Congressional staff, Federal agency partners, and members of conservation organizations.

Documented ability to work effectively with others, be self‐motivated, work independently, able to look long‐term and plan strategically as well as handle short‐term deadlines, demonstrate sharp policy analytical ability, and manage multiple projects/issues simultaneously. Experience with planning and facilitating meetings.

The Association utilizes Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office products. Proficiency with these products is required. Additionally, possess the ability to navigate computer software that supports government affairs operations, and Microsoft office products.

Demonstrated commitment to AFWA staff values including a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

Experience working for a state, federal, territorial, or provincial fish and wildlife agency or a demonstrated understanding of the role of state fish and wildlife agencies preferred.

Experience working in or with Congressional offices in Washington, DC is preferred.

Ability to travel 10- 15% of the time. Salary: $75,0000/yr.

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a highly organized, proactive Program Assistant to support its Climate & Energy team in advancing critical environmental and public health advocacy across New England. This is a central administrative role that serves as the team’s operational backbone, ensuring that legal, advocacy, and administrative work runs smoothly, efficiently, and on time.

The Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting attorneys and advocates by managing the day-to-day administrative, financial, and logistical functions that enable high impact environmental litigation, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

This position can be based in any of CLF’s six regional offices (Montpelier, VT; Concord, NH; Portland, ME; Providence, RI; New Haven, CT; or Boston, MA), with a strong preference for Boston. This is a benefit-eligible, 30-hour-per-week position, with flexibility for some remote work within New England. The 30 hours can be worked over 4 or 5 working days between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

What you’ll need

We are looking for a reliable, adaptable, and detail-oriented self-starter who enjoys being a resource and thrives in a dynamic, mission driven environment. To be successful in this role, you will bring:

· Up to three years of professional work experience or equivalent.

· Strong administrative capabilities, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Office 365).

· The ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and solve problems effectively.

· Excellent attention to detail and follow-through.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and locations.

· Comfort supporting a wide range of tasks and shifting priorities as program needs evolve.

· A commitment to learning new skills and taking on increasing responsibility over time.

· Passion for CLF’s mission and commitment to environmental protection and public interest work.

· Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience.

· A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Salary: The starting salary range for this 30-hour per week position is $42,000 – $46,000 if based in Boston and $40,000 – $43,000 if based from a CLF office outside of Boston; actual salary will reflect experience and qualifications.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of AZA’s conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals
Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff
Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings
Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts
Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception
Participate in relevant policy coalitions
Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group
Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.
Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

Education and Experience

5+ years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or with a member service association
2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives
Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred
Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus

Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and political processes
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and non-governmental organization representatives
Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills
Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written
Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and to serve as a voice to external audiences
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members
Ability to travel required

The hiring target for this role is $76,000. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is open for consideration in the following locations in the Americas, with preference for candidates based in time zones that can accommodate calls with colleagues in Europe and Africa: Arlington-US, Brazil(remote), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, Suriname, Peru

Over the last 10 years, CI has developed a comprehensive Blue Climate program spanning over 20 countries dedicated to identifying and addressing science and policy priorities for oceans and climate globally. The Blue Climate program within the Center for Oceans at CI works closely with our field programs across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa to design and implement innovative approaches to (1) implement nature-based climate adaptation solutions that improve coastal and marine communities’ livelihoods and resilience while also conserving ecosystems and biodiversity; and (2) conserve and restore coastal blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows) for climate change mitigation. The Blue Climate program also has key leadership roles in advancing climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into national and regional coastal management and science through the International Blue Carbon Institute, Blue Carbon Initiative, the International Partnership for Blue Carbon, the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Global Green-Gray Community of Practice, and policy with the Center for Policy and Incentives.

Under the supervision of the Director, Ocean Policy, the Senior Manager, Ocean Policy, is a self-motivated, creative team member integral to the long-term growth and success of CI’s Blue Climate program and Ocean Policy team. The Senior Manager, Ocean Policy will support the development, implementation and management of strategic international policy-based approaches and programs to achieve CI’s Ocean Policy goals spanning coastal resilience, climate mitigation, green-gray infrastructure, blue carbon ecosystems and ocean-climate integration. Together with the Director, Ocean Policy, they will work with CI’s Center for Policy and Incentives to ensure alignment with CI’s larger international and national policy programs and priorities, including providing technical inputs and guidance on ocean-climate issues. The position will also work closely with teams across CI including other programs within the Center for Oceans and the Moore Center for Science and Solutions to ensure alignment and integration of ocean policy priorities with all related CI programs and topic areas, including biodiversity, finance, and community fisheries.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree
5 to 7 years of experience working in international climate and/or ocean policy mechanisms and fora.
Understanding of government processes and the overall policy engagement environment.
Strong organization, project management, and prioritization skills.
Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, international team.
Experience partnering with, and influencing, key stakeholders and building strong partnerships across public and private sectors and civil society.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to effectively communicate complex information to a diverse audience.
Enthusiasm and capacity for learning scientific and related basis for specific conservation outcomes as needed to support policy priorities and processes.
Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred

Bi-lingual or multilingual in official UN languages.
Expertise in coastal blue carbon and marine ecosystems, climate change science, and/or nature-based solutions
Master’s degree or other advanced degree in environmental policy or related field.
Experience working globally in a range of cultural settings.

The External Affairs Associate supports the Nature Conservancy’s conservation and advocacy goals by serving as a liaison and informational contact between the organization and external partners/stakeholders. They will support the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team in amplifying conservation and climate policies that support TNC’s national and state chapter advocacy platform and will be primarily responsible for serving as a contact and resource for Ohio’s Congressional delegation and other federal contacts. The External Affairs Associate coordinates and implements internal initiatives such as organizational knowledge management, administrative procedures, internal networks and project coordination. The External Affairs Associate serves as a main point of contact for Ohio conservation policy issues with Ohio’s legislature and state agencies; therefore, the ideal candidate will be located in the Columbus metro region. Come join TNC and apply today!

Responsibilities include:

Advocating for statewide conservation and climate issues through engagement with stakeholders including conservation organizations, community-based organizations, and elected officials.

Supporting state conservation and climate advocacy goals by actively participating in coalitions and work groups.

Building and maintaining relationships with key partners and policymakers who are involved in efforts to tackle climate change, protect lands, waters, and wildlife.

Managing legislative engagement, including state or federal contract lobbying efforts, local, state and federal elected official outreach and communications campaigns. Collaborating with national, regional, and Ohio Chapter colleagues on shared projects, identifying cross cutting connections with legislative priorities.

Under direction of supervisor, drafting testimony, action alerts, letters, and other materials as needed to support the advocacy goals of the Ohio Chapter.

Presenting policy priorities to potential donors, supporters, and stakeholders.

Providing research and policy analysis and assists with outreach in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities at the state and federal level.

Sharing information and coordinates strategy with TNC in other states, regional, and Worldwide Office programs.

Preparing program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.

Providing administrative, research, organizing and general office support to the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team.

Working independently, working with supervisor on complex matters as needed.

Making independent decisions within the scope of work assignments.

Traveling to the Ohio Statehouse and Washington DC for advocacy on TNC priorities.

Financial responsibility which may include developing and working within a budget, and completing expense reports.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.

Experience writing and editing persuasive and informational material.

Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.

Experience building and maintaining professional relationships and working with partners and government agencies.

Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.

Desired Qualifications:

Understanding of State of Ohio and federal legislative processes.

Awareness of conservation and climate issues impacting the State of Ohio and the United States.

Knowledge of State of Ohio and federal lobbying laws and regulations, and the ability to monitor changes in county and local lobbying requirements.

Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.

Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.

Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, federal, state, county, or municipal.

Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability.

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

Self-starting, independent worker who can collaborate effectively in a team, and thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

Salary: The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 – $63,500.

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.