Job Tag: Law/Policy

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 Policy Specialist, Clean Energy Transmission 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 primarily at the federal level that curb greenhouse gas emissions, speed an equitable transition to clean energy and industry, and expand natural and technological carbon removal. NWF seeks to grow bipartisan support for short- and long-term congressional and executive action on climate, working with a range of partners to build diverse coalitions. The Senior Policy Specialist will help develop NWF’s policy and advocacy priorities with regards to the needed deployment of additional clean energy transmission capacity 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 team in Washington, D.C.

As the Senior Policy Specialist, Clean Energy Transmission, you will lead our Federation initiative to advance the environmentally and socially responsible buildout of more resilient grid infrastructure that can better incorporate and support renewable and zero/low-carbon energy technologies at the pace and scale needed to stabilize our rapidly changing climate, and provide communities more reliable power in the face of increasingly frequent and more intense climate-change related weather events. You will advise and collaborate with the AVP and colleagues from the climate, public and private lands, environmental justice, Tribal outreach, and other teams and regional offices in shaping and representing clean energy transmission policy for NWF. You will serve as an in-house expert on transmission policy, and will perform research, writing, policy analysis, lobbying, public and media education, coalition building and maintenance, and intra-organizational communication and coordination.

Primary Responsibilities Will Include:

Policy Analysis and Advocacy – Building on our existing policy platform and other products and in collaboration with NWF’s public lands team, science team, and other internal experts, you will advocate for approaches at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Bureau of Land Management, and various regional grid operators that steer the grid toward responsible buildout, as well as keep watch on transmission deployment trends and recommend NWF engagement in key regulatory actions through public comments and communications strategies. You will also advocate for increased government funding to bolster transmission technology innovation, plus economic development, wildlife habitat protection, and environmental and economic justice for communities in the path of the new transmission and renewable energy development; and you will educate members of Congress about policy solutions.
Coalition Participation and Partnership Development – You will lead NWF engagement in the Sustainable FERC coalition, the CARE Coalition, and other working groups on clean energy transmission; pursue new relationships and collaborate with NGO, labor, environmental justice, Tribal, academic, and business partners to advance federal policy priorities; and work with regional staff and field organizers to identify partners at the state and local levels, especially within our network of 52 independent state and territorial affiliates.
Stakeholder Education – You will lead engagement in key regions (the Rockies, the Southeast, the Northwest, and Northeast) to facilitate stakeholder education and participation in federal rulemaking, such as by organizing virtual workshops to educate and engage community leaders, experts and academics, conservationists, sportsmen and -women, and local officials while working to understand region-specific geographic, environmental/wildlife, recreational, and cultural needs; work closely with Federation affiliates to advise and support their participation in advocacy and stakeholder dialogue; and craft educational and persuasive materials for a variety of audiences.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience, with a working knowledge of clean energy transmission, smart grid technology, renewable energy permitting/siting, grid resilience and modernization, energy storage, or related policy.
A Master’s or other advanced degree in environmental policy or law, environmental engineering, climate change, 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 also 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.

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, support the work of the Aquarium’s Policy Team by performing policy research, producing issue briefs, reports and other communication materials, participate in strategy and campaign development, implement conservation strategies and campaigns, and perform administrative tasks and other types of program support. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

Conduct research into policies and science related to the Aquarium’s conservation priorities, with a focus on plastic pollution, California ocean wildlife and ecosystem protection, and climate change, and occasionally fisheries and aquaculture.
Conduct in-depth analysis of research findings.
Produce internal memos, talking points, and other communication materials.
Produce external presentations, fact sheets, and other communication materials.
Participate with the Policy Team and other Aquarium staff in the development of policy recommendations, conservation strategies and campaigns.
Implement conservation strategies and campaigns, including coalition building, outreach to elected officials and staff, and social media campaigns.
Support the Policy Team through tasks including, but not limited to, notetaking, database management, assisting with the management of contractors, and meeting scheduling.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Advanced degree (MPA, MS, JD, MA, etc.) in environmental policy, law, or science or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience preferred
Over five years of experience in the field of environmental policy, law, or science
Experience in analyzing, writing, and reporting on policy and science related to plastic pollution, marine wildlife, ecosystem protections, or climate change.
Familiarity with state or federal legislative or agency processes
Experience in outreach and coordination among different sectors, such as government (including Tribal), scientific, business, community-based, and non-profit groups
Ability to work within and embody Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Typical office equipment
Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:

$75,400-$93,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

Catskill Mountainkeeper is a regional, non-profit environmental advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect the Catskill Park and Region by supporting policies and strategies that safeguard its natural resources and promote sustainable, resilient, and just communities.

Since its inception in 2006, Catskill Mountainkeeper has served its mission as a fierce advocate of protecting the lands, water, and character of the Catskill Park and Region. The organization’s impressive track record includes helping to block the construction of multiple Las Vegas-style casinos in the heart of the Catskills, banning fracking across New York State and along the Delaware River basin, and securing critical state funds to support the integrity of the Park and its Catskill Forest Preserve. The current Mountainkeeper organization has an annual operating budget of just over $1 million per year.

With Catskill Mountainkeeper approaching its 20th anniversary in 2026, as our region faces new threats and opportunities, the organization has embarked upon a comprehensive strategic plan that identifies new priorities, including: (1) advancing a positive development vision for the Catskills that protects our natural resources while also ensuring economic vibrancy across the region; (2) accelerating renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and policies, as well as stopping new fossil fuel projects; and (3) promoting sustainable and climate-friendly farming.

Catskill Mountainkeeper is seeking a Deputy Executive Director who will work closely with our Executive Director and the Board to help execute the day-to-day operations and strategic priorities of the organization. The Deputy Director will be a core member of the organization’s leadership team and we expect they will emerge as a pacesetter in the state’s environmental community.

The organization is based in Livingston Manor, New York. Catskill Mountainkeeper operates under a hybrid work model. This is an exempt salaried position.

Deputy Executive Director Role Description:

The Deputy Executive Director will help oversee program and operational work, develop and implement

our advocacy campaigns, nurture and develop our employees, and work closely with our partners and

coalition members. We are seeking a strong leader and manager, with expertise in running policy and

advocacy campaigns, with a keen interest in building internal systems and practices that will help

scaffold a growing and dynamic team. The Deputy Executive Director will report to the Executive

Director.

Responsibilities

Program and Campaign Management:

In collaboration with the Executive Director:

Oversee Mountainkeeper’s program and advocacy work, including implementing the organization’s priority campaign issues.
Decide how to allocate financial and staff resources to support program priorities; and determine key program objectives and measures of success.
Engage and organize partners to build alignment and coordinate actions across our campaigns.
Track and share information about the status and direction of multiple intersecting advocacy campaigns.
Build strong relationships with allies both within our coalitions and across the environmental movement.
Serve as an external representative and ambassador for Mountainkeeper.
Lobby and participate in direct advocacy efforts to further our campaigns.

Staff Management

Working closely with the Executive Director:

Provide day-to-day management of the organization, including guiding work plans, leading staff and team check-ins, preparing budgets and financial reports, overseeing communications and fund-raising.
Develop inter-team communication and cohesiveness.
Ensure that communication flows easily among and between staff to advance our work.
Attract, develop, coach, and retain team members.
Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion inside the organization and more broadly in the community.

Fundraising & Representation:

Work closely with the Development Director to expand fundraising activities to support existing programs and to grow Mountainkeeper by cultivating existing relationships and developing new funder relationships.
Communicate to funders about our ongoing work.
Build relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs and donors.

Qualifications

Relevant experience for this position can take many forms, and we strongly encourage applicants from a diversity of backgrounds and movement spaces.

Core qualifications:

A least 5-8 years of relevant experience planning and managing successful campaigns and policy advocacy.
3+ years of experience managing a team and across teams, including managing full-time staff.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to clearly communicate long-term vision and campaigns to partners.
Strong facilitation and/or advocacy training skills.
Ability to develop and maintain genuine working relationships of trust and solidarity with a wide variety of partners from diverse racial, economic, and political backgrounds.
Strong alignment with Mountainkeeper’s values and mission: commitment to social, economic, racial, environmental, and climate justice.
Ability to work collaboratively, including in moments of urgency.
Ability to independently manage projects from conception to completion.

Preferred qualifications:

Strong preference for New York State residency
Experience with fundraising
Experience running campaigns around the New York State legislative cycle in Albany.
Proven record of organizing effective mobilizations, actions, and meetings with legislative, labor, issue, electoral, or other social justice campaigns.
Exceptional ability to juggle multiple, simultaneous projects with cross-cutting stakeholders and deadlines, without sacrificing attention to detail.
Experience as a member of, or working with, communities impacted by climate change, racial injustice, and economic inequality.

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary and benefits are based on a regional, nonprofit scale. For this position, the salary range is $95,000 – $105,000, based on skills and experience.

Catskill Mountainkeeper is committed to equity, inclusion and justice. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the values we fight for in the world. People of color, people with disabilities, women, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ people are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to in**@********************er.org, and feel free to send any additional materials that showcase your abilities. We will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. No phone calls, please.

Application Deadline: June 2, 2025

NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet’s wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.

NRDC is seeking to hire two Fall 2025 Litigation interns to work with the Litigation Team associated with our San Francisco and Washington D.C. offices.

Position Summary

The Litigation Team is a group of approximately 40 lawyers, paralegals and other operations staff who pursue litigation across a broad range of environmental and public health issues, in collaboration with and on behalf of communities most impacted by environmental injustices (including Black, indigenous, and people of color, and low-income and rural communities). Over the past five years, we have litigated cases against the federal government to prevent climate pollution, challenge agency approvals of toxic chemicals and pesticides, resist the suspension of clean water safeguards, oppose offshore drilling and seismic exploration for oil and gas, defend national monuments, and protect energy efficiency standards, among other matters. We also bring enforcement cases against corporate and governmental entities whose violations harm human health and the environment—including to protect the people of Newark, New Jersey and Flint, Michigan, from lead in drinking water; to remediate toxic pollution in the Penobscot River in Maine; to abate mold in New York City public housing for residents with asthma; and to halt air pollution from a coal-fired power plant in Illinois. Legal interns play an active role on the frontlines to protect our planet and the communities that depend on it. Our interns do concrete work in support of our litigation, including substantive writing and research, and collaborate with NRDC Litigation attorneys.

The internship typically lasts about 10 weeks, beginning at the start of the intern’s fall semester and ending before exams. Start and end dates and other scheduling details are negotiable, but we look for a minimum time commitment of two days (14 hours) a week over the course of an academic term. This posting will be open until May 9, 2025.

This is a paid position, unless the student is seeking academic credit and their school requires the internship to be unpaid. You can find more information about our Semester-Based Litigation Internship Program here.
Responsibilities

The most common intern assignments are legal memos, sometimes coupled with informal oral presentations to case teams. Interns may also, depending on assignment availability and interest, contribute to the drafting of other litigation documents such as briefs and complaints. Interns are also invited to participate in litigation planning and strategy meetings.
Qualifications

• This internship is designed for current law school students in their second or third year of a J.D. program or in an LLM program. In assessing candidates, we look for:

•Commitment to NRDC’s mission and values;

•Strong legal writing, analytical, and oral communication skills;

•Experience effectively working on a team;

•Creativity and resourcefulness;

•Commitment to public service, equity, or justice;

•Demonstrated ability to work with people across different social identities and backgrounds; and

•Record of academic and/or professional accomplishment.

•Commitment to NRDC’s mission and values.

•A successful candidate need not satisfy all of these criteria. In particular, because a key purpose of our semester legal intern program is to help our interns learn and develop new legal skills, we welcome applicants who have room to grow as legal writers, researchers, and communicators.

Founded in Michigan in 1959, Trout Unlimited is a national non-profit organization with 350,000 members and supporters, organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide, dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

Position Summary

The Vice President for the Pacific Region (“VP”) is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of work that advances TU’s mission through protecting, restoring, reconnecting, and sustaining priority waters and meets the goals set forth in Trout Unlimited’s organization-wide strategic plan. The VP will work with external and internal partners and oversee a team of State Directors responsible for delivering successful outcomes in the organization’s priority water work. The geographic scope of the role is Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and California. Programs across these states include over 100 fulltime staff and programmatic budgets of >$40M annually.

The VP is responsible for management and oversight of a team that deploys advocacy, on the ground restoration, and community engagement in service to the organization’s mission and vision. Specifically, the VP will develop strategies for their respective geographic regions, develop and maintain partnerships with other conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, elected officials and other partners. The VP will guide efforts to engage more people in TU’s mission work and in partnership with the development team, work with donors and others to raise funds to support TU. This position requires a high degree of collaboration and capability to operate in a geographically dispersed organization with multiple constituencies, partners, and volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Member of the Executive Leadership team that plans and oversees the TU strategy, works collaboratively within and among senior leadership across the organization to drive operational success, define organizational policy (operational and programmatic), and communicate TU strategies and successes in a way that builds inclusion and support for all parts of the organization.
In coordination with Science Team, ensure that science activities are focused on and aligned with advancing priority water and policy goals.
Participation in TU board of trustee meetings, as requested.
Management of StateDirectors, which includes aligning work plans and performance expectations within and between teams, performance accountability, and creating a positive work environment.
Ensure alignment across functions, such as science, finance, human resources, communication and development, operating within the region. May include direct management of staff performing those functions and requires coordination with leadership in other functions and departments.
Oversight of accomplishing priority waters objectives, ensuring alignment between national and state chapters/councils, inclusion of relevant communities, and ensuring an ongoing and iterative process for the identification and execution of TU’s priority water initiatives.
In collaboration with State Directors, help to develop policy agendas and related strategies, oversee their implementation, and coordinate with Government Affairs on national policy agenda, especially those that affect the Pacific region such as public lands. Provide input into the federal policy priorities, establish and manage teams for multi-state campaigns, and coordinate with, and support national policy campaigns.
Establish and maintain productive relationships with key decision makers and partners.
Establish and maintain productive relationships with TU’s grassroots leaders in the Pacific region, specifically Council chairs and National Leadership Team representatives.
Pursue effective strategies to engage local communities, members, and supporters in priority waters work, and assist in growing and engaging larger numbers of volunteers and members to add to TU’s base of support.
Consider and make recommendations on litigation requests.
Work with Development and Marketing teams to ensure that development and marketing objectives are met.
Work with the Policy and Communications team to ensure effective storytelling in their state/region.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.
Requirements

As a prerequisite, the successful candidate shall support the mission, vision, and values of TU. The ideal candidate will also have experience with and a passion for addressing multistate and national environmental issues affecting coldwater fisheries and watersheds across the Pacific region. The final candidate will have the following experiences, skills, and personal attributes.

Experience

Seven (7) to ten (10) years’ experience in natural resource conservation policy or management, with a minimum of five (5) years of senior leadership experience at a public or private organization.
Demonstrated success in building, leading, and managing highly functional teams.
Demonstrated success in managing complex budgets.
Strong background in advocating for public lands and public land protection.
Broad experience in working with state, federal, and local agencies and other partners to reconnect and restore watershed health.
Experience in policy advocacy at the state or federal level, and a working knowledge of public lands protection and policymaking across government.
Passion for trout/salmon conservation and angling; fly-fishing experience is a major plus.

Skills

Proven ability to fundraise, working with government agencies, foundations, major donors, and corporations.
Proven ability to identify opportunities to combine mission priorities with policy advocacy and develop and execute strategies to achieve conservation success at scale and tell powerful stories.
Proven ability to build consensus across diverse interest groups.
Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and simultaneously manage people, projects, and tasks in a demanding, fast paced, and dynamic work environment.
Proven ability to lead collaboratively and manage conflict effectively.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Excellent presentation skills and executive presence.
Strong strategic thinking skills with extensive strategic planning experience.
Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets at the project, program, and organizational levels
Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Knowledge

Extensive knowledge of coldwater conservation needs and opportunities within the region, particularly around trout and salmon fisheries.
Solid understanding of politics and socio-economic conditions relevant to TU’s mission within the region.
A strong professional network and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategically important relationships.
Extensive knowledge of public land management issues relevant to watershed health.
Knowledge of watershed ecology and fish biology a plus.
Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree in relevant discipline is a plus.

CropLife America (CLA), a trade association in the Washington, DC area, is seeking a full-time Government Relations Coordinator. The Government Relations Coordinator is a Government Relations (GR) team member supporting the full team across the departments’ activities, including assistance with federal and state lobbying efforts. This position reports to the Vice President of Government Relations.

Responsibilities:

Engage in general administrative tasks, committee coordination, and daily operations.
Coordinate internal workgroups and external coalitions led by the GR team.
Engage in advocacy practices through coalitions and meetings with federal congressional offices to promote legislative priorities.
Support department through monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on federal and state legislative happenings.
Function as coalition liaison between member companies and coalition members and support staff.
Develop and co-lead policy priority briefings for allies and state associations visits.
Facilitate committee and other key advocacy meetings for the department.
Assist the team with invoicing, contracting, and reimbursements.
Schedule meetings for internal workgroups/committees/coalitions as needed.
Support compliance with state lobbying laws by filing appropriate federal and state lobbying reports.
Assist with political action committee (PAC) administration, including software, accounting, compliance, and fundraising.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in agriculture, political science, environmental science, or a similar field.
A minimum of one year of work experience (can include internships) is required.
Must have a strong command of the English language.

Additional Qualifications

Able to interact effectively and professionally with all membership levels, association staff, and allies.
Must have exceptional attention to detail.
Must be highly organized and proficient at managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
High technical proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
Maintain professionalism in interpersonal, verbal, and written communication.
Travel may be required throughout the year (less than 20%).

FarmSTAND is the only legal project in the country dedicated solely to taking on industrial animal agriculture. We’re focused on dismantling the structures that enable the consolidation of corporate power and extractive practices in our food system and we support a vision of animal agriculture that is regenerative, humane, and owned by independent farmers. We believe we cannot make change alone, and that we must align ourselves with allies across movement sectors. In these partnerships, we combine litigation with base building and storytelling to create meaningful change.

The FarmSTAND Staff Attorney should have at least five years of litigation experience, including clerkships or fellowships. The Staff Attorney will work to support the litigation and advocacy developed by FarmSTAND Senior Attorneys and the Managing Director of Litigation, and, should be prepared to also lead the fact development for and litigation of precedent-setting and/or socially significant public interest cases that are aligned with our theory of change and strategic plan. The Staff Attorney will work with clients, allies, and impacted community organizations to implement FarmSTAND’s movement-oriented litigation through multi-tactical campaigns and through coalitions and collaborative networks. FarmSTAND Staff Attorneys also engage in public speaking and outreach.

Responsibilities:

Support Senior Attorneys and the Managing Director of Litigation throughout the initial investigation, strategic development, and litigation of potentially complex cases that further the organization’s strategic plan and annual goals.
As appropriate, serve as lead counsel or co-counsel engaging in the full range of litigation tasks, including case investigations, research and development, discovery, briefing, oral argument, appeals, and/or amicus briefs.
Support the implementation of integrated advocacy initiatives, campaigns, and strategies that combine litigation with other tools.
Actively engage in outreach and participate in coalitions, collaborative networks, conferences, seminars, law school events and the like to build relationships and support allies and movement-building activities.
Support or engage in legislative and regulatory activities to defend victories, oppose offensive legislation, or advance positive policy change connected with FarmSTAND’s litigation activities.
Review, respond to, and track intakes and requests for information on cases, amicus briefs, special projects, and other topics.
Draft and assist in production of and updates to materials and publications on litigation, advocacy, and educational information for impacted communities and attorneys.
Support organizing and communications team to obtain publicity on assigned cases, advocacy, and other projects, including press releases, press conferences, and other news vehicles.
Oversee fellows, law clerks, and paralegals on assigned tasks, and engage in recruitment efforts as necessary and appropriate.
Other advocacy work to further FarmSTAND’s priorities.

Qualifications:

Admission to a State Bar and willingness and ability to be admitted to the DC bar.
Strong preference for applicants with at least five years of litigation experience. For the purposes of determining litigation experience, we will include clerkships and fellowships.
Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Self-motivation and proven ability to work as part of a team.
Strong work ethic, initiative, and sound, yet creative judgment.
Willingness to travel, meaning as much as once a month for more than half of the year.
Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of and the ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
A strong desire to build a movement to achieve a more just food system.
Willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work community that encourages collaboration.

Work structure: This is a full-time, exempt position, with a salary starting at $98,000 for a 2019 law graduate with adjustments based on experience. We are a fully remote workplace, although we maintain an office address in D.C.

Benefits: We provide 17 days of paid vacation, 8 days of sick leave, all federal holidays, additional FarmSTAND holidays, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium seeks a strategic and mission-driven legal leader to serve as Senior Counsel, providing expert legal counsel and risk management guidance to advance the Aquarium’s priorities with integrity, innovation, and a deep respect for the communities we serve. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Counsel will be a trusted advisor to leadership and divisions, ensuring that all business operations, partnerships, and complex transactions align with the organization’s mission and long-term strategic objectives.

As a key legal and strategic partner, the Senior Counsel will lead efforts to assess and mitigate risk, enhance business operations, and develop forward-thinking policies and programs that strengthen the Aquarium’s impact. This individual will model continuous learning and ethical leadership, providing clear, actionable guidance to decision-makers at all levels, including executive leadership, project managers, and the Board of Directors.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a highly skilled and mission-aligned legal professional to play a critical role in shaping the future of the Aquarium, ensuring its continued success as a leader in ocean conservation, education, and public engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor, providing legal insight on complex deals, partnerships, and operational initiatives to advance the Aquarium’s mission while ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
Lead the development and implementation of risk management strategies and business operations policies, including overseeing legal aspects of contracts, workplans, and organizational initiatives.
Apply a solutions-driven approach to guide decision-makers through evolving and uncertain legal landscapes, helping teams navigate challenges with confidence and integrity.
Ensure all transactions and business activities align with the Aquarium’s mission, policies, and long-term strategic vision.
Foster collaboration and innovation, working cross-functionally to develop creative legal solutions that support the Aquarium’s growth and sustainability.
Communicate complex legal concepts with clarity, equipping staff, leadership, and Board members with the knowledge needed to make informed, ethical decisions.
Model ethical leadership and continuous learning, ensuring that legal strategies reflect best practices in governance, compliance, and organizational stewardship.

Team Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of strategic and annual objectives including expense budgets, workplans, new and/or improved programs/systems, etc.
Lead the team in executing daily work plans and managing workflow; oversee project priorities and ensure alignment with MBA objectives
Foster the professional growth of staff directly and indirectly reporting to the role through targeted development initiatives.

Strategic Contract Business and Risk Analysis

Review Aquarium and outside vendor contracts for business risks and stated Aquarium’s goals.
Recommend contract improvements to achieve Aquarium objectives and reduce business risk.
Draft and/or review standard vendor agreements/templates, review requested modifications.

Employee Issues

Provide counseling and guidance to stay compliant with state and federal employment laws including updates on new regulations.
Provide guidance on workplace employment issues including hiring practices, workplace discrimination, retaliation and terminations.
Drive the creation and maintenance of Aquarium policies and standard operating procedures to manage risk and improve staff efficiencies (including Employee Handbook, etc.).

Business Legal Partner

Advise on and develop creative solutions in partnership with Aquarium work groups to craft business deals, agreements and other instruments with outside partners that advance the Aquarium mission while protecting brand, mitigating risk and optimizing financial and mission outcomes.
With Aquarium leadership, advise on organizational and legal risks and mitigation strategies including a range of intellectual property matters such as copyright protection and artificial intelligence issues that may impact the Aquarium’s operations.
Develop risk mitigation strategies for insurance coverage/claims and in areas such as cybersecurity.
Serve as primary contact with external legal guidance on work such as trademark, corporate governance, fundraising, etc. and provide guidance as needed regarding compliance with cities of Monterey and Pacific Grove, including use of permits/process.

Corporate Governance

Attend Aquarium quarterly Board meetings and/or as required, review minutes and maintain compliance with non-profit requirements with federal, state and local regulations.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Experience in one or more of the following legal subjects: commercial contracts, employment law, technology and intellectual property, commercial or property litigation, grants and public funding, environmental protection and related administrative law, tax-exempt and nonprofit organizations and related tax issues.
Broad transaction experience, including negotiating complex, sensitive or high-profile transactions and agreements.
Familiarity with California labor laws.
Demonstration of the ability to work in a highly diversified work portfolio participating in the formulation and evaluation of broad policies and/or long-term programs or making decisions involving complex financial analyses and evaluating risk for the organization.
In-house experience and/or law firm experience advising sophisticated clients and senior management.
Juris Doctorate or equivalent and license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
10-12 years of relevant work experience with 7 years relevant legal experience as an attorney.
Experience directing staff both by direct reporting structure and/or non-direct reporting and fostering a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
Excellent communication and problem solving skills, sound judgment, initiative and a commitment to hard work.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, serving as a thought partner to colleagues across the organization.
Ability to work sensitively and ethically with a variety of communities to advance shared goals.
Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $200,000 – $240,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Senior Counsel will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and geography and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.

At The Trust for Public Land, we’re a team of outdoor advocates who believe in connecting everyone to the outdoors. As an ethos, we believe access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need and essential to our health and well-being. ​We’re committed to creating more places that bring us outside—parks, trails, playgrounds, and public lands—and making them available and welcoming to everyone, everywhere, regardless of ZIP code. We also understand that land has meaning; it tells the story of our history. That’s why, through our Black History and Culture initiative, we’re working to preserve sites that more fully represent the Black American experience; and we’re an ally and partner to Tribal and Indigenous communities, working in partnership to reconnect them with their ancestral lands.

One hundred million people, including 28 million children, don’t have nearby access to a park within ten minutes of their home. We’re determined to change this outdoor equity gap–and as a result, nine million people and counting now have access because of our work. We have miles to go and a plan to get there. We’re inclusive change-makers who believe in connecting everyone to the outdoors. We inspire by paving the way forward and strengthening our connection to nature. Join us!

Position Summary:

The Legal Assistant provides legal and other support to attorneys to further Trust for Public Land’s land protection and park creation priorities, working primarily in California. Primary responsibilities are assisting in the documentation and completion of transactions and activities that are legally sound and consistent with Trust for Public Land’s mission, authority, policies and procedures.

Essential Functions:

Drafts and proofs land acquisition and disposition agreements, real estate closing documentation, park design and construction contracts, and other legal documents for counsel review
Orders and reviews title documents, surveys, environmental assessments, and other due diligence reports as assigned by counsel
Reviews, analyzes and summarizes legal documents necessary for tracking and reporting on the legal status of projects
Coordinates the closing of projects to ensure that transactions close within commercially reasonable timeframes, including preparing closing packages, working with title companies, following up on closing documentation, and closing legal files in accordance with internal policies
Independently interacts and coordinates with project/program staff and outside parties
Word processes, edits, assembles, copies and distributes complex legal documents
Creates and maintains electronic legal files
Monitors and updates legal calendar; maintains form file and legal library
Tracks timely payment of real estate taxes and prepares and files real estate tax exemption applications where appropriate
Works as part of a nationwide team of attorneys and legal assistants

Other Responsibilities:
As needed, and as time allows, the Legal Assistant will assist with additional legal services as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
2 to 4 years of progressively responsible real estate transactional experience and legal administration is required
Paralegal or legal assistant certification is a plus but not required
Self-motivated with an ability to work without direct supervision, prioritize work in the absence of specific instructions, and exercise good judgment in identifying and solving problems
Ability to interpret and take initiative within broadly defined policies and practices
Strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills with an ability to maintain a sense of humor and composure when dealing with diverse personalities and work styles
Capable of multi-tasking, working under pressure, and meeting deadlines in a decentralized environment
Detail and results oriented
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Notary Public License or the desire/goal to obtain license
Strong commitment to TPL’s mission and shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization.

Compensation:
Trust for Public Land is a hybrid work environment, and this role will ideally be located near a Trust for Public Land office. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation and sick pay plus holidays, a year end office closure, and a 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the anticipated hiring range for this position is $60,000-68,000 annually.

Hours Per Week: ~35 hours/week. (9am-5pm.)

Approximate Duration: June 2025 – Early/Mid 2026. (Our internships can last up to 11 months from the start date.)

Hybrid work schedule: Work 2 days in the office (Tuesday and Wednesday) and 3 days remotely.

Basic Function of the Position:
Support CTA environmental programs, including specific support for CTA’s policy areas including electronics recycling, extended producer responsibility, electronics repair, chemical and materials restrictions, packaging, and energy efficiency.

Critical Duties and Responsibilities:

Track federal and state environmental legislation and regulation and support CTA environmental staff in preparing legislative/regulatory update memos and comments.
Support research and outreach on e-waste, green chemistry initiatives, electronics repair, energy efficiency, packaging, and other subject areas as needed.
Assist CTA environmental program staff with compiling notes and minutes for monthly member company meetings and various conference calls.
Attend legislative hearings and stakeholder meetings and take notes, as necessary.
Assist in the planning, logistical coordination, and onsite support for the Leaders in Technology (LIT) program for CES 2026 in Las Vegas, NV.
Perform other duties as required by business needs.

Work Experience:

Experience coordinating.
Work and/or internship experience in an office environment preferred.
Experience in meetings/conventions/special events preferred.
Experience reading and interpreting legislation preferred.
Experience tracking state legislation and regulation preferred.

Education and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Completed or working toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Energy/Environmental Policy, Public Policy, Political Science, Government Business, Economics or other related field.
Coursework in political science, energy and environmental policy, and sustainability issues strongly desired.
Understanding of the political process at a local, state, and/or federal level.
Must possess excellent written and oral communications skills, with professional writing/editing experience a plus.
Must be exceptionally detail-oriented.
Self-starter that can work independently, complete projects with little supervision and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Strong Excel and Office skills are essential.

Additional Information:

Travel to CES 2026 is required.
PAID Internship.