Job Tag: Law/Policy

Join the Vermont Land Trust as a Legal Project Manager.

We’re looking for an experienced legal professional who:

Is equipped with previous real estate experience including reviewing title documents
Possesses strong project management skills
Values teamwork and is highly collaborative

As part of VLT’s legal team, Legal Project Managers provide exceptional service to our communities, landowners, and donors. As members of the land protection team, their legal expertise, attention to detail, and project management skills are key to the success of real estate transactions and stewardship activities that advance our mission. Working with project teams, landowners, and their legal representatives, they bring conservation and stewardship transactions to successful completion. They perform a wide range of legal and technical support functions related to land transactions, including fee acquisition and sales, conservation easement purchase and donation projects, and stewardship.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Consideration will be given to candidates demonstrating comparable qualifications acquired through a different combination of education and experience than what is outlined below.

Knowledge that is equivalent to completion of a master’s in legal studies or a related field, along with three to five years of relevant conservation and project management experience. Another combination of education and experience providing comparable knowledge and skills may be acceptable.
Broad, in-depth technical knowledge and skills in real estate law, including title searches, title insurance, deed preparation and execution, mortgages and other liens, and general real estate closing procedures.
Strong planning, administrative, organizational, data entry, record-keeping, filing, and general office skills.
Strong time management skills with ability to meet deadlines while working under pressure.
Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, quality, confidentiality, and a strong customer service focus.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including excellent grammar, and spelling.
Good math and general analytical skills.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with both internal and external parties.
Knowledge and competency with various software including Microsoft Office Suite products, Adobe and Sharepoint.
Valid driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation.
Good general understanding of and interest in the land conservation work of Vermont
Ability to work independently and to engage in independent and group problem solving.
Ability to travel around the state. Valid driver’s license & reliable personal vehicle required.

The starting salary for this full-time position is $69,216.00.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,200 member companies and 263,000 Americans working across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030.

Position Summary

The Director of Regulatory Affairs and Counsel supports SEIA and its members on legal and policy issues, including tax and manufacturing policy. This position will draft comments and supporting materials related to federal rulemaking, analyze legislative proposals, and represent SEIA before the Department of Energy, Department of the Treasury, IRS, and other executive branch agencies. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney to work directly with key policymakers on issues of critical importance to the growing renewable energy and domestic manufacturing sectors.

The Director is based in Washington, DC, with occasional travel as requested. The Director will report to the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The position will also offer public speaking and publishing opportunities on matters related to clean energy.

Qualifications

J.D. required; active and in good standing with at least one U.S. State bar.
2-6 years’ experience as an attorney in a law firm, government, trade association, in-house legal department, or similar experience. Experience with clean energy tax credits and/or working with Treasury or IRS is preferred.
Experience in manufacturing, general corporate and tax law, and administrative law is a plus.
Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills.

Compensation Range

$135,000 -$160,000 annually, based on experience and an excellent benefits package.

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

Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to provide legal counsel and support on a variety of corporate, transactional, compliance, and governance matters for the organization. This position will have primary responsibility for certain legal matters and will support more senior attorneys on other matters, requiring both the ability to handle matters independently as well as the ability to contribute as part of a team. The position may supervise, on a project basis, outside counsel and paralegals. This position will be either an Assistant General Counsel or Associate General Counsel, depending on the candidate’s level of experience.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including strong listening skills

• Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to excellence in work product

• Ability to think critically and problem-solve creatively

• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize numerous ongoing projects

• Ability to work collegially with diverse personnel and demonstrate emotional intelligence

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise strong judgment and discretion

• Self-starter with ability to take initiative, work independently, and be accountable

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional legal experience working on corporate and transactional matters including experience in one or more of the following areas:

o Laws and regulations applicable to non-profit entities and tax-exempt organizations

o Real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and conservation easements

o Compliance, risk management, and development of policies and procedures

o Drafting and negotiating a wide variety of contracts

o Non-profit Board and Committee governance

• Prior experience working for an in-house legal department is preferred

• Commitment to land conservation and environmental protection

• Bachelor’s degree and JD from ABA-accredited law school required

• Must be member of the New York Bar or eligible for immediate membership

Those with at least 10 years of professional legal experience will be considered for the position of Associate General Counsel. All other candidates will be considered for the position of Assistant General Counsel.

Pay for this position is $135,000-185,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience.

Overview
The purpose of this position is to identify, analyze, and provide recommendations on how emerging policy and regulatory issues will impact the District’s operations and economics associated with its energy products and services. This position will help ensure District policy makers understand how new energy markets and related issues will impact the energy and transmission markets and make recommendations on the best course of action and how to mitigate the risks. The position will provide western energy market expertise with emphasis on Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Markets+, California Independent System Operator (CAISO), and carbon markets.

Responsibilities

Monitor, track and influence development of energy market policies, with an emphasis on organized markets (e.g. CAISO and SPP Markets+) and renewable/carbon markets, and regulations through working with industry organizations, publications, in coordination with District external affairs activities and staff. Analyze how new and changing policies and regulations may impact the value received from energy related products and services. Participate in market tariff design, creation, and updates through involvement in or leading working groups for organized markets and regulation.

Develop energy and transmissions strategies to both mitigate risks such as those resulting from regulatory uncertainty and take advantage of opportunities to optimize revenue as the energy market evolves. Collaborate with finance, risk, traders, legal, and senior management to determine strategy feasibility and obtain agreement on tactics and implementation actions.

Develop legislative and legal strategies supporting the Districts energy trading, Long Term Marketing Strategy and and sales programs in coordination with the District’s legal and external affairs teams. Communicate these strategies with internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to state and federal legislative bodies and regulatory agencies.

Identify key external energy policies and regulatory proceedings the District should respond to in order to position the District favorably. Develop and submit these responses.

Incorporate recommended actions into new or existing power and transmission contracts and review contract contents.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
As a secondary function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.A.) from a four-year college or university in Economics, Business Administration, or Public Administration is required.

Legal degree or other advanced degree in economics, energy policy, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

Experience

7+ years of progressively responsible regulatory, policy, and/or legal experience, including at least two (2) years evaluating, designing, and/or implementing energy policies within regulated utility markets that support power trading and energy market operations required.

Experience in the Western electricity market, including CAISO and SPP Markets+, with experience in governmental or regulatory affairs or a legal background preferred.

The starting salary range will be $138,000 – $172,500, with a maximum opportunity of up to $207,000 with tenure and strong performance.

The Wilderness Society is a national conservation organization dedicated to protecting America’s wild places since 1935. Our mission is to unite people to protect America’s wild places.

The Utah State Director will play a leading role in advancing our mission of uniting people to protect America’s wild places and our vision to create a future where people and wild nature flourish together, meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing planet. The Director plays a lead role in developing and overseeing implementation of TWS’ projects and initiatives within the state, striving to position TWS as a trusted collaborator with partners and decision maker, including early and effective engagement with partners. This position will also cultivate existing relationships and further build a network to educate and influence decision-makers, media outlets, and opinion leaders on TWS’ work and priorities in the state.

This position plays a critical role in fostering an organizational culture where people feel respected, included, and accountable to shared goals and outcomes. TWS has made it a priority to ensure that our public lands work reflects fairness, representation, and accessibility. This leader will carry those commitments into our Utah work—expanding partnerships, strengthening community connections, and ensuring our work is responsive to a broad range of perspectives and needs. Across our team, we aspire to be campaign-oriented, collaborative, innovative, transparent, and supportive of staff – our greatest asset.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 10 years of experience working on or leading issue advocacy or political campaigns and/or working to advance public policy changes at the local, state or federal level.
Experience leading and managing teams representing a rich mix of talent, backgrounds, and perspectives. This includes a track record of successful recruitment, cultivation, and retention of highly skilled staff.
Strong knowledge of public lands, environmental, and/or conservation issues in Utah strongly preferred.
Substantial project management experience and competency in cross-organizational collaboration.
Proven experience as an effective leader, capable of meaningful engagement with Tribal leaders and communities and a wide range of diverse interests, including but not limited to elected officials, agency staff, lawyers, scientists, members of industry (e.g., timber, mining, etc.), user groups (e.g., recreationalists, ranchers etc.) and grassroots activists.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills that can be applied to complex conservation issues, partnerships, and coalitions.
Strong strategic thinking skills and demonstrated ability to craft a compelling vision, set goals and priorities, and adapt as circumstances change.
Good time-management skills, with the ability to aptly balance short- and long-term demands and meet deadlines with consistently high-quality work.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public with donors, partners, elected officials, and the media.
Must exhibit integrity, trustworthiness, transparency, tact, and discretion.
Ability to travel largely within Utah, but also to Washington, D.C., and other locations as necessary.

The preferred location for this position is Salt Lake City, however other locations in Utah will also be considered. The salary range for this position is $102,000-$112,000. To apply, please submit resume and cover letter by March 8th.

The Center for Applied Environmental Law and Policy (CAELP) is seeking a mid-level or senior-level attorney to support our work advancing strong climate and public health regulations and developing creative responses to anti-regulatory legal doctrines. The Attorney/Senior Attorney will work closely with CAELP colleagues to support innovation and progress on critical questions of law and policy, develop amicus briefs, and engage with the broader coalitions working in these areas.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks

Collaborates with CAELP colleagues to advance strong climate and public health protections, with a particular focus on doctrines that will ensure effective governance in the long term

Develops and implements strategies to influence the trajectory of legal doctrines impacting environmental law and government functions

Researches, identifies, and develops engagement opportunities for relevant areas, including legal strategy, regulatory advocacy, and defense of state legal authority

Contributes to the promotion and defense of foundational legal principles in the federal rulemaking process and litigation, including drafting advocacy documents and conducting legal and factual research

Represents CAELP in coalitions including nonprofit, government, academic, and private sector partners

Reviews and provides feedback on reports, memoranda, articles, and other materials developed by partners and stakeholders

Works with colleagues to meet urgent needs related to other CAELP efforts when necessary

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

JD from an accredited law school

Six or more years of legal or public policy experience, with a preference for some litigation

experience

Demonstrated interest in pursuing creative, forward-looking legal strategies

Strong research skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to engage with highly-complex legal and policy questions

Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

The starting salary range for the position is $140,000-$180,000, depending on experience.

The Land Trust Alliance is the voice of the land trust community. As the national leader in policy, standards and education, we work passionately to support land trusts across America so they can save more land and better serve their communities.

Summary Description

The Alliance is looking for a New York Policy Analyst to help the Alliance and New York land trusts advance policy priorities and increase the impact of their relationships with elected officials. This is an exciting opportunity to further the Alliance’s New York conservation policy goals, at a critical time when these programs are under increased threat. In coordination with the NY Senior Program Manager and the Alliance Government Relations department, the Analyst will also identify and advocate for new grant programs and policies that advance voluntary private land conservation. Additionally, the Alliance works with partners to advance other issues that may affect New York land trusts. The Analyst will also help ensure that the Alliance’s federal priorities are well-understood and communicated to our New York members, advance national policy priorities through the New York congressional delegation, and coordinate New York land trust participation in the Alliance’s annual DC fly-in, Advocacy Days.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, experience and knowledge:

Two – Five years of demonstrated experience with state and/or federal government affairs and conservation policy. Experience with New York State Legislative process a plus.
Experience with persuasive storytelling to wide and diverse audiences across various media platforms. Ability to distill complex concepts into simple, inspiring, and informative stories.
Familiarity with land conservation, including knowledge of land trusts, is highly desirable.
Strong oral and written communications skills with ability to communicate effectively with land trusts, coalition partners and state officials.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, balance scheduling and ensuring follow-through is essential.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications and use of social media platforms are essential.
Must be able to work constructively with others from a broad range of political perspectives.
Occasional travel within New York State, to the Alliance Rally, and Advocacy Days in Washington, DC.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $75,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the skills, years of experience, physical location, and unique background and qualifications of the candidate.

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents.

Description:

The Assistant Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs (FREA) reports to the Deputy Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA). This senior leadership position supports the Secretariat’s regional, interregional, and federal energy strategies to advance the implementation of Massachusetts’ clean energy and climate laws.

The Assistant Secretary plays a critical role in enabling EEA agencies to lead and coordinate state policies and programs that advance clean energy generation, transmission, market modernization, and grid reliability at the state, regional, and federal levels.

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Accelerating regional and interregional clean energy generation.

Planning and advancing regional and interregional transmission projects to support clean energy integration.

Promoting regional grid reliability, security, and resiliency.

Supporting modernization of regional electricity markets.

Advancing Massachusetts’ interests before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal agencies.

Preferred Experience and Knowledge:

Experience in regional transmission planning, including familiarity with mechanisms that enhance multi-state collaboration.

Understanding of Massachusetts’ clean energy procurement mechanisms, including Section 82 of the 2022 Climate Law, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind (as amended).

Prior experience working with state or federal governments, elected officials, or regional organizations such as NESCOE, ISO-NE, and NEPOOL.

Awareness of current events and emerging public policy trends in Massachusetts, New England, and Washington, D.C.

Knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal government administrative, legislative, and political processes

Preferred Skills:

Ability to convey complex energy, climate, markets and transmission-related topics, issues, and data to a wide variety of audiences

Proactive, resourceful, and pragmatic problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative to identify and solve problems using available resources

Ability to prepare clear and concise communications materials for internal and external use (e.g., memos, letters, presentations, e-mail correspondence, press releases)

Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams

Ability to set goals and continuously strive for improvement.

Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex information and identify practical solutions.

Ability to organize work effectively in environments with limited precedents or guidelines.

Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing priorities or urgent program needs.

Ability to motivate, influence, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret program data and make sound recommendations.

Commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion.

Public speaking experience

An ability to travel, as needed.

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Center for Biological Diversity’s Environmental Health program works to protect imperiled wildlife and their habitats using science, law, advocacy, and creative media. The Paralegal will provide legal secretarial and administrative support to the Environmental Health program attorneys, with an emphasis on litigation support. The working environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Paralegal/litigation experience:
Associate: 0 -2 YOE
Staff: 2+ YOE
Senior: 8+ YOE
A minimum of one to three years of paralegal/litigation experience.
Paralegal certification preferred, but significant experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or significant legal expertise is acceptable in lieu of a paralegal certificate.
Ability and willingness to complete legal secretarial tasks.
Strong understanding of court and administrative dockets, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of Bluebook and/or ALWD; familiarity with similar legal style manual preferred.
Experience with legal technology and case management software preferred (e.g., MyCase, RocketMatter, Clio, CaseMap).
Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Track record meeting deadlines and strong time management skills.
Experience multi-tasking efficiently and effectively working on a diverse team.
Strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn new tasks quickly.
Strong understanding of court and administrative dockets, rules, and regulations, particularly Federal District Courts.
Demonstrated competency and interest in working with people with different social identities than themselves (including race, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, and disability), and commitment to the Center’s JEDAI principles (see below).
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Pro, and willingness to learn new software and other programs as needed.
Experience with Microsoft Teams, Microsoft One Drive, and Zoom preferred.
Experience with Lexis and/or Westlaw preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection preferred.

Salary Range: Salary/position tier DOE:

Associate Paralegal: $54,000–$59,500
Staff Paralegal: $59,500–72,500
Senior Paralegal: $72,500–81,000

Location: Portland, Oregon and/or Oregon preferred but not required. Will strongly consider remote-work applicants from other locations.

MCWD believes that water is a central organizing element in the development of sustainable cities. We know that our lakes, streams, and wetlands have the power to underpin community identity, and grow social, environmental, and economic value.

Who You Will Work With – The Team:

In the Policy Planning program, you will work with a group of highly driven, strategic, critical thinkers, with a passion for water resource management. You will also work closely with staff and policymakers from our 29 communities, as well private developers and landowners, to identify and advance partnership opportunities that provide water resource and community benefits. In this role, you will report to the Policy Planning Director and work across all MCWD programs to deliver the vision of the organization.

What You Will Be Doing – The Job:

Manage the District’s Land & Water Partnership program, including coordination with public and private partners and across District programs, scanning for threats and opportunities, evaluating and prioritizing opportunities, and recommending District response.
Develop, and advance the implementation of, policy initiatives such as the MCWD’s Climate Action Framework and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the cities, state and local agencies, private developers and landowners, and other stakeholders to advance District priorities and improve the integration of land use and water planning.
Assist in the development of the District’s 10-year Watershed Management Plan and 5-year strategic plans in collaboration with MCWD Board of Managers, staff, and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring to MCWD:

A passion for advancing MCWD’s Balanced Urban Ecology vision of watershed management

Bachelor’s degree with coursework in natural resources, environmental science, planning, management, or related field and 2-5 years of experience in natural resource management, policy development, or planning (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
An ability to analyze problems and situations and develop and implement effective solutions
Thorough skill in project management and organization to manage several complicated initiatives simultaneously
The capacity to track, digest, and manage detail while maintaining a strategic perspective
An ability to effectively communicate complex concepts orally, in writing, and in presentations
A drive to stretch, learn, and grow in a high performing environment
An ability to develop and maintain positive, cooperative, working relationships with colleagues, consultants, local and agency staff, and the general public
Flexible thinking, adaptability, and a desire to actively manage change