Job Tag: Law/Policy

Toxic-Free Future is seeking an experienced, strategic Senior Policy Counsel to play a leadership role in shaping and advancing our Washington state policy work and developing innovative policies that accelerate the transition to safer chemicals and materials.

About the Role

The Senior Policy Counsel will work closely with the Executive Director and provide legal and policy expertise; develop and advance legislative, regulatory, and administrative strategies; and represent Toxic-Free Future before state agencies, policymakers, coalitions, and other stakeholders.

This position is ideal for an attorney who combines strong analytical skills with a sophisticated understanding of law, policy, and politics. The ideal candidate is passionate about advocacy and wants to use law and policy as tools to achieve meaningful public health and environmental protections.

Qualifications

Required

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Five to ten years of relevant professional experience in environmental or public health litigation, and/or policy and advocacy.
Demonstrated experience analyzing statutes, regulations, legislation, or administrative policy.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sophisticated policy and political strategies, including assessing the political landscape, identifying opportunities and barriers, building support among diverse stakeholders, and adapting strategies as conditions change.
Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
Excellent legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
Ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into clear, practical strategies and accessible communications.
Excellent judgment and political acumen, including the ability to navigate complex or sensitive policy issues and identify strategic opportunities.
Experience developing or implementing advocacy strategies.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with policymakers, government agencies, advocates, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced advocacy environment.
Strong commitment to Toxic-Free Future’s mission of protecting people and the environment from toxic chemicals and pollution.

Preferred

Experience with Washington state legislative or regulatory processes.
Experience working on environmental health, chemicals policy, consumer products, prevention, environmental law, or related issues.
Familiarity with administrative rulemaking and agency implementation of environmental or public health laws.
Experience drafting legislation, regulatory comments, testimony, or other legal and policy materials.
Experience working in coalitions or with nonprofit advocacy organizations.
Knowledge of federal environmental statutes, especially the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and federal preemption issues.
Experience working collaboratively with scientists or translating complex scientific evidence into policy.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $125,000-$135,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Toxic-Free Future offers a hybrid work environment and generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, retirement, paid vacation, and a wellness benefit.

Renewable Northwest seeks a Policy Manager or Senior Policy Manager to represent the organization in Washington state and to support legislative, regulatory, and coalition-building activities with the goal of strengthening and expanding clean energy infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. The Renewable Northwest office is based in Portland, OR. This position is remote but must be located within a 1.5 hour drive of Olympia, WA. Occasional travel across the west is required. The position will be filled at either the Policy Manager or Senior Policy Manager level, based on experience and qualifications.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

POLICY MANAGER

Represent Renewable Northwest as the lead on policy issues in Washington.
Represent Renewable Northwest in the Washington State legislature and assist policy efforts in other states as necessary.
Support Renewable Northwest colleagues engaged in electric utility planning processes and regulatory proceedings before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
Analyze and develop utility, state, and regional renewable energy policy proposals.
Collaborate with contract lobbyists, consultants, member organizations, and policymakers to advance policy proposals; educate policymakers on the barriers to and benefits of renewable energy.
Convene Renewable Northwest colleagues, member organizations, and other partners to build coalitions in support of transmission and renewable energy development; conduct briefings and respond to information requests as needed.
Develop trust and maintain relationships with Renewable Northwest colleagues, external partners, policymakers, regulators, the broader environmental community, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Grow personal aptitude and contribute to the team’s combined expertise on topics such as renewable energy policy, renewable energy siting, energy and emissions regulation, transmission, regional markets, and integrated resource planning.

SENIOR POLICY MANAGER

Able to perform the above responsibilities with minimal direction.
Oversee the work of consultants and have the opportunity to directly manage interns and mentor associates.
Serve as project manager for the state by overseeing or having awareness of all the happenings in the state, how they are related, who is responsible, and how the work fits the organization’s strategic plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

POLICY MANAGER

Knowledge of the bulk electric system, energy policy issues, the utility regulatory process, or land use principles.
Experience and knowledge of Washington state policy and legislative processes.
Combination of college level coursework and 2-3 years professional experience in clean energy, public policy, or advocacy. Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to) work in utility, land-use, local economic development organizations, political, research institute, renewable development, policy, legal, or government settings; OR
A graduate degree in a relevant field. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, law, policy, engineering, business, or finance.
Stellar writing, editing and public speaking skills.
Strong relationship building skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Ability to manage multiple tactical projects while advancing cohesive overarching strategy.
Ability to work efficiently, yet strategically, within tight deadlines.
Must be passionate with a productive work ethic.
Experience with Excel, PowerPoint and Google Apps (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail).
Preferred: experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board.

SENIOR POLICY MANAGER

In addition to the above Manager Qualifications:

An advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, law, policy, engineering, business, or finance.
4+ years professional experience in clean energy, public policy, or advocacy. Relevant experience includes but is not limited to: work in utility, land-use, local economic development organizations, political, research institute, renewable development, policy, legal, or government settings.

Salary: $85,000 – $120,000/year

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is seeking a Legal Administrative Assistant II in our Asheville, NC office. This individual will join our administrative team and report to our Regional Administrator. The Legal Administrative Assistant II will have a full range of legal support responsibilities, including court-related filings and research tasks. In addition, the legal assistant may assist with various administrative duties to ensure efficient and well-organized office operations. 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 flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
A minimum of 2 years of litigation support experience.
High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including advanced word processing skills in Word, formatting and formulas in Excel spreadsheets, and creating professional Powerpoint presentations. Demonstrated aptitude for learning legal-specific software.
Ability to efficiently navigate Adobe Acrobat, including editing PDFs.
Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
Highly dependable and punctual.
Ability to work well both independently and within several different teams.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively and efficiently under tight deadlines.
Cheerful outlook and enthusiasm for both administrative support and substantive tasks.

Desired Qualifications:

Some knowledge of, and/or an advanced degree in, Public Lands Management, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, or related scientific disciplines.
Experience with NetDocs, e-discovery software, and / or federal litigation support are a plus.
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.

Compensation & Benefits:

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The wage range for this full-time and nonexempt position is $27.89/hour – $33.32/hour, based on experience. The annualized equivalent is approximately $58,000 – $69,300, assuming full-time hours. Actual placement within the range will depend on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity considerations.

We seek a motivated, highly skilled government relations professional to develop and lead Public Lands Alliance’s (PLA) government relations strategies with Congress and federal agencies. You will enrich America’s public lands by advancing policies that empower and expand partnerships between land management agencies and nonprofit organizations. The programs, services, volunteerism, and philanthropic support generated by nonprofit public lands partners are essential to ensuring parks, forests, and wildlife refuges are protected and conserved for future generations.
You will report to our CEO, work closely with the Government Relations Committee of the PLA Board of Directors, and build and sustain relationships across the political spectrum. You will plan, coordinate, and implement effective strategies to achieve legislative success on Capitol Hill and inform policy decisions with land management agency leadership. You will regularly engage with PLA member organizations – the nonprofit partners of America’s public lands – to enhance their capacity to advocate for their site-specific initiatives.

You will need:
Minimum of 3 years serving in government relations position(s) and a thorough understanding of political advocacy. Experience working on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, and/or with a national nongovernmental organization is preferred.
Proven track record of effectively working with elected officials, policy makers, and key staff to inform, educate, and persuade. Working knowledge of public lands legislation, policy and issues, a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including a demonstrated ability to translate complex policies succinctly and clearly.
Effective project and event management skills.
Knowledge of lobbying and nonprofit laws and regulations.
Strong problem-solving skills and careful attention to detail.
Adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing conditions; tolerance for adversity and uncertainty.

Work Location and Travel
This is a remote position open to candidates based in the United States. Because the Director of Government Relations will regularly engage with congressional offices, federal agencies, coalition partners, and other stakeholders in Washington, D.C., candidates based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are preferred. Candidates located elsewhere will be expected to be able to regularly travel to participate in in-person meetings and events in Washington, D.C.
Travel outside the Washington, D.C. area is expected to comprise approximately 15% of the position’s time and will include PLA’s annual convention, staff and board meetings, regional events, and other travel as needed.
Salary and Benefits
PLA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including:
Salary range for this position is $85,000-95,000, commensurate with experience and skills.
Access to medical, vision, and dental insurance.
Competitive leave policies, including vacation and sick leave and 11 paid annual holidays.
Access to a 403(b) retirement plan immediately, with employer contributions after one year of service.
Opportunities for professional development including conference attendance and membership with applicable professional societies.
Tech support including laptop and other home office needs as well as partial reimbursement for your monthly home internet/phone expenses.

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a full-time Senior Attorney or Staff Attorney II to join our Climate & Energy team. Based in CLF’s New Haven office, the attorney will play a leading role in advancing innovative strategies to drive the transition to a clean, affordable, and equitable energy future. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape state and regional climate and energy policy through a combination of regulatory advocacy, legislative engagement, litigation, and coalition-building. The attorney will focus primarily on climate and energy issues in Connecticut, with opportunities to collaborate on regional initiatives. Flexible and hybrid work arrangements are available.

What you’ll do:

This role combines legal advocacy, policy development, coalition building, and public engagement to advance CLF’s climate and clean energy goals. Working both independently and collaboratively with state-based and regional teams, the attorney will lead and support high-impact advocacy efforts in the energy, transportation, building, and industrial sectors while centering environmental justice in all aspects of their work.

The attorney will:

• Develop and implement legal, regulatory, and legislative strategies to advance CLF’s climate and energy priorities.
• Represent CLF in litigation, administrative proceedings, and regulatory matters, including proceedings before Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, and participate in regional energy market discussions at ISO New England.Advocate before the Connecticut General Assembly and other governmental bodies through written and oral testimony.
• Draft legal filings, public comments, testimony, policy analyses, and other advocacy materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, environmental justice advocates, policymakers, clean energy stakeholders, and other partners.
• Lead and support coalitions that advance CLF’s environmental and climate justice goals.
• Engage in public education and communications activities that support CLF’s advocacy and public policy goals.
• Support fundraising and development activities, including donor engagement, grant proposals and reporting, and board relations.
• Advance CLF’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and contribute to a collaborative workplace culture.

What you’ll need:

We are looking for a collaborative and strategic attorney who can work independently while contributing to a supportive and mission-driven team of talented and diverse advocates located throughout New England. To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Connecticut, or admission in another U.S. jurisdiction and the ability and willingness to obtain admission in Connecticut within a reasonable period following hire.
• Relevant legal experience, preferably in climate, energy, environmental, administrative, or regulatory law or significant litigation experience, with the following minimum requirements:
  • Senior Attorney: At least 7 years of relevant legal experience
  • Staff Attorney II: At least 5 years of relevant legal experience
• Experience in litigation, administrative proceedings, public utility regulation, legislative advocacy, or comparable advocacy work.
• Strong analytical, research, writing, oral advocacy, and project-management skills.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex legal, technical, and policy issues effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice and experience building respectful, productive relationships with community partners and other stakeholders.

Salary Range:

Senior Attorney (minimum 7 years of relevant legal experience): $106,000 – $127,000.
Staff Attorney II (minimum 5 years of relevant legal experience): $94,000 – $111,000.

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy (OC) has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Climate Analyst serves as a key member of Ocean Conservancy’s Climate Team, providing analytical, research, and strategic support to advance the organization’s climate priorities. Reporting to the Vice President of Climate, this position works across programs to develop data-driven climate and economic analyses, evaluate domestic and international climate policy and finance opportunities, and produce high-quality written products that inform organizational strategy and external engagement.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional quantitative and analytical expertise with a solid understanding of climate science, climate finance, and policy. They are an outstanding writer who can translate complex technical information into compelling products for diverse audiences, including senior leadership, partners, community and private sector stakeholders, policymakers, and funders.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in climate, sustainability, environmental policy, climate finance, or related analytical work.
Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and utilizing climate analytics to inform evidence-based decisions, including emissions accounting, climate modeling, scenario analysis, or quantitative policy analysis.
Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Outstanding written communication skills, with experience producing reports, policy analyses, and executive-level briefing materials.
Experience synthesizing complex technical information into concise, actionable recommendations.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Occasional domestic and international travel may be required,

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in nonprofit organizations, consulting, philanthropy, government, or international organizations.
Strong understanding of climate finance, sustainable finance, carbon markets, ESG frameworks, or related financial mechanisms.
Experience supporting organizational strategy development or executive leadership in late-breaking requests.
Passion for ocean conservation and the intersection of climate and marine ecosystems.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, economics, public policy, finance, engineering, data science, or a related field required.

Graduate degree in climate science, environmental economics, public policy, business, finance, or a related discipline preferred.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected starting salary range for this role is $70,000 – $80,000 annually. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

LOCATION: Washington, DC preferred (hybrid); other states considered: AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, WA, WV or VA

NRDC and Yale Law School are hiring an Environmental Justice Legal Fellow for a two-year fellowship starting in August 2027. For the first year, through August 2028, the Fellow will work at NRDC within its Environment, Equity & Justice Center (EEJC) to provide legal support with and for environmental justice communities across the United States, including but not limited to scoping, shaping, and advancing litigation, as well as legal, policy, and coalition-building strategies to redress environmental harms and secure environmental benefits in environmental justice communities. The Fellow will work closely with, and be supervised by, experienced NRDC attorneys. The Fellow will also collaborate with community-based partners and environmental justice groups externally and with other NRDC Departments internally. The Fellow will be affiliated with one of NRDC’s major domestic offices (New York, Washington, D.C., or Santa Monica), depending on the Fellow’s preference and NRDC’s needs. During this year, the fellow may be expected to occasionally travel to other NRDC U.S.-based offices.

For the second year (August 2028 through August 2029), the Fellow will work at Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut, as a clinical legal fellow with the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy (EJLA) Clinic, part of the law school’s Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization. Working with EJLA’s director, Professor Stephanie Safdi, the Fellow will supervise student attorneys in representing community-based organizations, Tribal Nations, residents groups, and non-profit coalitions to advance environmental justice and intersectional concerns such as Tribal sovereignty, environmental protection, public health, civil rights, and participatory environmental governance. Clinic cases may include matters undertaken in partnership with NRDC that the Fellow has worked on during the first year of the Fellowship. In addition to student supervision, the Fellow will participate in clinical teaching, case intake and docket development, and support environmental law and justice programming within Yale Law School and interdisciplinary offerings with other university programs. The fellowship will include engagement in scholarly activities at the law school and trainings in clinical pedagogy and practice through Yale’s clinical program. The fellow will be expected to be in person on Yale’s campus in New Haven, CT, at least three days per week.

In the first year, this position will work within EEJC to:

Develop relationships with communities and work with them to identify opportunities to partner or collaborate; actively engage in existing coalitions and partnerships.
Create project plans, track timelines, and determine key deliverables and milestones, while managing workflows and collaboration across multiple staff members.
Facilitate and co-facilitate meetings, including creating agendas, taking notes, and capturing takeaways/next steps; follow up with responsible parties to ensure accountability.
Screen and develop potential new litigation, including conducting factual investigations and legal and policy research.
Write briefs, motions, memoranda, Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act requests, and other legal filings.
Review environmental documents and draft comments under the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act to identify deficiencies in environmental review, build the administrative record, and exhaust issues for potential litigation.
Provide legal and policy research, as well as updates around environmental justice issues to members of the team and to partners.
Facilitate and engage in communication and follow-up with clients and partner organizations.
Represent NRDC at hearings, conferences, coalition meetings, and venues with decision makers.
Advocate for the adoption or passage of critical legislation, city ordinances, and government regulations.
Under the guidance of the Associate Director, supervise and delegate projects to interns and volunteers.

In the second year, this position supports the Yale Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic and related programming at Yale Law School as a clinical legal fellow. Specific responsibilities include:

Supervising student attorneys in representation of clinic clients.
Partnering with the clinic’s director in shaping clinic seminar syllabi to support student learning and representations.
Co-teaching substantive and skills-based classes as part of the clinic’s seminar for new students and its advanced seminar for returning students.
Assisting in the clinic’s intake process, in needs assessments, and in shaping the clinic docket.
Supervising summer interns during the law school’s summer break and covering cases during school holidays.
Representing clients on matters in early stages of development or secondary matters not staffed by clinic student attorneys.
Participating in clinical faculty meetings and trainings for new clinicians and contributing to development and enrichment of clinical programming in the law school.
Collaborating in development and operation of interdisciplinary environmental law and justice programming across the law school and university.

Education & Experience:

Juris Doctorate within the past three years, as of the start date of the fellowship, from any accredited law school.
Admission to the Bar in the jurisdiction where the Fellow will be based during the first year of the fellowship, or willingness to complete the requirements for admission to that Bar.

Skills, Abilities, Competencies:

Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong academic and professional record.
Ability to contribute effectively as a member of a team and collaborate across a large organization.
Demonstrated competency in working with people with different social identities than their own (including race, gender, sexual identity or orientation, age, class, and disability).
Creativity and resourcefulness.
Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.
Comfort interpreting scientific and technical concepts.
Capacity to work hard, efficiently, and independently.
Demonstrated interest in fields of environmental law and justice, Indigenous rights and sovereignty, and/or civil rights.
Interest in mentoring students in advocacy related to environmental law and justice and in cultivation of legal practice skills.

Preferred:

Experience in creative and community-driven advocacy.
Prior legal experience such as through substantial clinical practice, a judicial clerkship, or other practice experience.
Prior mentorship or teaching experience.
Interest in scholarship and clinical teaching.
Knowledge of environmental, civil rights, and administrative law.

Salary Range: $94,500 to $105,000

The Department of Society and Conservation in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana invites applications for a full-time academic year tenure-track Assistant Professor of Natural Resource Policy to join our interdisciplinary social science faculty. We are seeking candidates who have the ability to apply policy to a range of contemporary real-world challenges in natural resource management and environmental conservation. This position will be part of the Environmental Science and Sustainability Program, an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that connects science and solutions to provide students with the knowledge and skills to solve complex environmental problems and advance sustainability.

The successful candidate will teach policy courses serving students across degree programs within the Franke College. Courses may include undergraduate Natural Resources Policy, as well as offerings in Water Policy, Climate Policy, Wildlife Policy, and/or Environmental Politics and Policy, depending on the College’s needs and the successful candidate’s expertise. The successful candidate will also mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students (MS and PhD); lead an impactful, externally-funded research program; and participate in service activities for the Program, Department, College, and University. We welcome candidates who value “partnering with place,” a UM Priority for Action focused on engagement with Montana communities and landscapes, and the application of research to practice at the federal, state, and tribal levels.

Required Qualifications

PhD (earned doctorate) or JD with a focus on environmental or natural resource policy or governance, or a related social science or interdisciplinary field (Degree must be conferred by August 2027).
Demonstrated potential for effective teaching.
Passion for and ability to teach natural resource or environmental policy courses.
Record of scholarly activity.
Demonstrated potential for a nationally-recognized, externally-funded research program.
Demonstrated potential for applied or policy-engaged research with private, public, tribal, and non-profit partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in natural resource policy in the U.S. West.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
Experience teaching natural resource or environmental policy.
Experience working with policy-making or policy makers in the non-profit, government, or another relevant sector.
Demonstrated success in building and sustaining partnerships across private, public, tribal, and non-profit organizations.
Interest in and demonstrated potential for engaging with Montana communities and landscapes.
Record of securing external funding to support scholarly activity.
Peer, national, or international recognition in candidate’s field.

Salary: $70,000-$85,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is seeking a Senior Legislative Associate in our Washington, DC office. This individual will join our Federal Affairs team and report to our Federal Legislative Director. The Senior Legislative Associate will develop an active network on Capitol Hill, contacts in the environmental and conservation community, and will be able to develop strong collaborative relationships with colleagues at SELC. 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.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of 3 years of progressively challenging work experience in federal or state legislative and administrative advocacy or political campaigns. They have the skills and experience to support SELC’s federal efforts on multiple issues with direct supervision.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time, exempt position. The anticipated start date for this position is flexible, with the ideal candidate able to begin anytime between now and early January.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3 years minimum of progressively challenging work experience in federal or state legislative and administrative advocacy or political campaigns.
Demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory process.
Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience drafting advocacy, policy, or public-facing materials.

Desired Qualifications:

Connection to the people and places of the South.
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. 

Salary: The starting salary range for this position is $88,000 – $97,350 which includes a 10% location premium for the Washington, DC metro area. Actual placement within the range will depend on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity considerations.

Come join a growing team of conservation professionals at the Xerces Society who are dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most important animals. We are seeking a skilled communicator or organizer with a passion for policy and conservation to serve as a Conservation Policy Analyst in in support of the Director of Conservation Policy. The Specialist will support national and state-level policy work to advance our mission.

At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

This position reports to the Xerces Society’s Director of Conservation Policy and will work across programs to support legal and regulatory policy initiatives that conserve invertebrates, protect biodiversity, reduce harmful pesticide impacts, and promote science-based environmental decision-making. The Policy Specialist will conduct policy research, monitor and participate in legislative and regulatory actions, develop advocacy materials, support coalition-building efforts, and advance policy campaigns at the state and federal levels.

This position is ideal for a candidate who combines strong communication and organizing skills with a passion for conservation and public policy. The successful candidate will be able to synthesize scientific information, interpret legislation and regulations, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and contribute to collaborative efforts that drive meaningful conservation outcomes.

The Policy Specialist collaborates across endangered species, pesticide reduction, pollinator conservation, communications, and outreach teams. The position also engages regularly with partner organizations, researchers, policymakers, agency staff, and community stakeholders, and may support specific rulemaking or legislative priorities, requiring registration as a lobbyist in select states. The position will require occasional travel for meetings with partners, and legislative or regulatory bodies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

Experience with analyzing legislation, regulations, or public policy issues.
Strong written communication skills, including ability to communicate with the general public.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Ability to interpret and communicate scientific information to non-technical audiences.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.
Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
Commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and respectful engagement.
Extremely dependable, motivated, and a self-starter.
Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks.
Ability to travel out of town overnight up to 5 days/month.
Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and the equivalent Google suite.

PREFERRED

Experience with pesticide policy, pollinator conservation, endangered species policy, wildlife conservation, agricultural policy, or biodiversity initiatives.
Experience working with state legislatures, regulatory agencies, or advocacy coalitions.
Familiarity with environmental laws and regulatory frameworks, e.g., the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the National Environmental Protection Act, or state equivalents.
Experience producing policy briefs, reports, or advocacy materials.
Experience with grassroots organizing or public engagement campaigns.
A track record of success in achieving policy changes to advance conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, environmental science, ecology, biology, public policy, political science, or a related field.
2-5 years of professional experience in environmental policy, conservation advocacy, government relations, nonprofit advocacy, or a related field.
Valid driver’s license in the United States and a points-based motor vehicle records check prior to employment allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance.
Essential Functions of this position require the employee to drive a vehicle, and an offer of Employment will be contingent on this record check.
Must have current authorization to work in the United States with any employer. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

PREFERRED

Advanced degree in environmental science, ecology, public policy, law, or a related field.
Experience with pesticide policy, pollinator conservation, endangered species policy, wildlife conservation, agricultural policy, or biodiversity initiatives.

COMPENSATION: $34.07 per hour