Job Tag: Law/Policy

Are you interested in taking action to address one of our generation’s most urgent issues, the global climate crisis? Are you interested in supporting environmental policymaking with far-reaching ramifications for your City, country, and world? Do you have a passion for working collaboratively to create change? If so, we invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to use your skills and passion to build a healthier future for San Francisco as the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator for the Department and the Commission on the Environment.

Who We Are
The San Francisco Department of the Environment (SF Environment) advances climate protection and enhances quality of life for all San Franciscans. SF Environment is a department within the City and County of San Francisco, a local government committed to innovation, leadership and collaboration in creating environmental change. SF Environment is recognized worldwide for its environmental policies and programs, which center on achieving zero waste, reducing toxic chemical hazards, advancing environmental justice, promoting sustainable transportation modes, expanding clean energy infrastructure, greening our built environment, and protecting our urban forest. We’re a passionate, mission-driven team that values credibility, collaboration, impact, innovation and equity. SF Environment is also a great place to work, offering an attractive benefits package that includes healthcare and retirement.

Role description

The 5642 Senior Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator serves as the operational hub for legislative and Commission activities at the Department. The position sits at the nexus between the Mayor’s Office, the Commission, the Board of Supervisors, other City agencies, and the Department’s Program Managers. Reporting to the Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, the Senior Coordinator helps develop, coordinate, and implement the Department’s legislative priorities, assists with formulating agendas for the Commission, staffs Commission meetings as Commission Secretary once a month, and ensures the Department meets its ethic compliance obligations. A typical day might feature morning engagement with representatives from the Mayor’s Office to advocate for the Department’s position on proposed environmental bills in the California State Legislature. Then, after lunch, a final meeting with direct reports and program staff to make last minute, crucial amendments to draft environmental legislation that is scheduled for introduction at the Board of Supervisors.

Job Duties

Policy

Provide strategic guidance and governmental relations support to program staff when exploring new environmental policy that needs to be transformed and transcribed into potential ordinances;
Coordinate with Department staff to advocate before the Mayor’s Office and the City’s State Legislative Committee for “supportâ€ or “opposeâ€ positions on state and federal legislative bills;
Engage reporters as an on the record spokesperson, assisting in fielding media inquiries, and providing strategic guidance and support to successfully execute press conferences;

Commission

Serve as the Department’s official liaison to the Commission, Board of Supervisors, other public bodies, and partner organizations as appropriate;
Lead a team of direct reports to schedule, organize, prepare agendas, develop talking points, draft meeting minutes, write resolutions, and staff monthly Commission meetings;

Ethics Compliance and Supervision

Facilitate and track ethics compliance (Form 700, Form 801, gifts) throughout the Department with support from direct reports;
Lead the response to sunshine or public information requests; and
Supervise junior staff, fellows, interns, and contractors.

May include additional duties as assigned.

*Please note that the Department of Environment is moving offices from 1155 Market St to 1455 Market St. The Department will be working remotely from May 16 to November 15, 2024. In November, the Department will resume its regular hybrid work schedule.
How to qualify

Appointment Type
This position is a Permanent-Exempt Appointment. The position is excluded by the City Charter from the competitive civil service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the appointing officer.

Minimum Qualifications
Education – possession of a baccalaureate degree in public administration, business administration, environmental sciences, public policy, political science, or a field related to the job duties from an accredited college or university; AND

Experience – four (4) years of experience performing duties similar to those described in this class, including public policy.

Desirable Qualifications
The desirable qualifications may be used to select among finalists at the end of the selection process. We do not expect any one candidate to have all the qualifications listed. We highly encourage you to apply if you are interested in joining us.

Exceptional attention to detail, proven ability to multi-task, conduct research and analysis, communicate effectively, and negotiate, all while working with a wide variety of individuals and stakeholders;
Fluency with the legislative process or familiarity with City policymakers and City policy entities (Board of Supervisors, commissions, advisory committees);
Experience complying with legislative and regulatory mandates;
Accomplished writer capable of distilling technical policy language into simple, understandable concepts for press releases, talking pts, speeches, op-eds, and other related written materials;
Superb oral communication/presentation skills in small-group settings as well as large formal settings (publicly-noticed meetings);
Education, experience, and/or interest in developing and/or implementing zero waste, clean energy, emissions reduction, climate change, and toxic reduction policies;
Experience working within a diverse community and navigating and working in or with large organizations.
An understanding of equity, inclusion and diversity concepts; and,
Fluency in Cantonese, Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in San Francisco besides English.

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary

Responsible for developing long-term strategy for DSM, Renewable and Clean Transportation energy programs by utilizing a thorough knowledge of regulatory, legislative, policy and programmatic details. Directs policy, measurement and verification practices to ensure compliance and accurate program reporting. Acts as a key liaison to internal teams and external stakeholders. Assumes oversight of key issues on a jurisdictional basis to ensure implementation of strategic plans that align with jurisdictional priorities.

Essential Responsibilities

Develops the strategy and policy for DSM, Renewable and Clean Transportation customer programs by working with product development, program management, technical staff, regulatory, market research and program operations.
Acts as key marketing liaison to regulatory, federal and state affairs, finance, and resource planning departments supporting regulatory and legislative strategy pertaining to DSM, Renewable DG, and Clean Transportation customer energy programs. Assume a lead role for jurisdictional oversight of programs to ensure consistent treatment and execution of strategy.
Develops and strengthens relationships with key interveners, regulators, and other external stakeholders. Communicate and influence parties to support or collaborate on Company’s DSM, Renewable and Clean Energy strategic initiatives.
Leads analysis and evaluation phases in the development of long-term program strategic direction. Analyze and develop recommendations from market potential assessments. Evaluate emerging technologies, programmatic opportunities and coordinate pilot efforts. Utilize broad knowledge on market/customer barriers, regulatory requirements and technology challenges to develop and refine strategies to ensure long-term success.
Ensures regulatory compliance for all DSM, Renewable and Clean Energy customer energy programs. Create and maintain policy manual for all programs. Responsible for updating, training, and ensuring compliance with changing Company and regulatory policies. Create, update and communicate DSM/Renewable/Clean Energy calendar of key regulatory and strategic initiatives to marketing and senior leadership.
Leads the development and execution of measurement and verification plans for DSM programs in multiple states. Work with Marketing & Customer Energy Programs leadership, regulators, and other external stakeholders in the design, implementation, review and compliance for all programs.
Accountable for understanding regulatory and legislative treatment of DSM and other customer energy programs across the United States. Influence and provide direction on state and federal legislation. Support the development of expert testimony for regulatory filings and discovery.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Education or previous experience in business administration, environmental studies or engineering is preferred.
MBA or current pursuit of MBA preferred.
Six years of experience in the utility industry, regulatory, energy efficiency/DSM, Renewables and/or strategic planning.
Experience building and implementing strategic plans desired. Skills sought are: communication of complex strategies: demonstrated business planning and sound business judgment; excellent written and verbal communication skills; problem resolution; and proven results.

The National Association of Counties (NACo), representing America’s 3,069 county governments with 40,000 elected officials, 3.6 million county employees and more than $660 billion in annual community-based investments, is seeking an Associate Legislative Director to work with the Environment, Energy and Land Use (EELU) policy advocacy portfolio. The position requires knowledge and understanding of environment, energy and land use issues affecting local governments and requires the ability to develop and maintain effective contacts with federal government officials, Members of Congress and their staffs, and other executives and lobbyists working for public interest organizations.
Position Responsibilities and Activities

Develops and implements legislative and advocacy strategies on issues falling within the relevant sections of the American County Platform;
Serves as the lead lobbyist on county-related issues on air, water, energy, and land use, including water resources/management, stormwater, pesticides, air quality standards, climate change, solid, hazardous, and nuclear waste handling, transport, and disposal, national energy policy, renewable/alternative energy, alternative fuel vehicles, energy facility siting, electricity utility restructuring, pipeline safety, oil spills, superfund/brownfields, eminent domain, land use, coastal management, oceans, parks and recreation;
Creates timely and effective advocacy campaigns to educate Congress, agencies, outside groups, and NACo members on issues impacting county governments by utilizing grassroots networks, coordinating fly-ins and building coalitions and partnerships;
Drafts and analyzes bills, writes Congressional testimony and letters; attends meetings and mark-ups;
Works with federal agencies on regulatory issues; attends agency meetings, reviews and submits comments on proposed regulations;
Relates legislative information to county officials, writes testimony for presentation at congressional hearings, attends mark-ups, and works as liaison with public interest groups to coordinate efforts and build support;
Works with federal agencies to implement programs once legislation is enacted;
Attends agency meetings and reviews implementing regulations to ensure county input;
Acts as staff liaison to NACo’s Energy, Environment, and Land Use Steering Committee plans and organizes meetings of the committee, provides information and guidance to the committee on legislation within its functional area of responsibility, issues regular updating reports to the committee on pending legislation, arranges speaking engagements for committee members and provides supporting information as necessary;
Interacts with NACo membership, state associations, and affiliates on Congressional and federal agency proposals relevant to counties through oral and written mediums, fact sheets, presentations, briefings, research activities and interactions with the press;
Coordinates with other relevant NACo lobbyists and/or NACo departments to coordinate lobbying strategies and educational opportunities on NACo legislative priorities;
Assists in preparing for and conducting meetings and seminars held in conjunction with NACo conferences; and
Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s degree plus three years’ progressively responsible experience in a legislative or advocacy-related position, or a master’s degree plus two years’ progressive experience, or five years of related experience;
Experience working with federal agencies and congressional offices is strongly preferred;
Thorough knowledge of intergovernmental relations and functions of government at all levels;
Detailed knowledge of county structure and government;
A team player that is self-motivated, creative, and innovative;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Strong advocacy skills and good political judgment; and
Sensitivity and tact in dealing with others.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work schedule is available
Some travel required

Position Summary:

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.

This internship will focus on supporting policy for increased marine protection along the US East Coast using various laws. It will involve stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, workshop/meeting arrangements and collating reference materials.

There will also be work on United Nations Ocean Decade, specifically assisting the Director in designing a new Regional Center.

Responsibilities:

Interns with the Research and Conservation program will be expected to develop and conduct a unique, independent project under the guidance of their intern supervisor. The results of this project will be presented in formal setting which allows constructive feedback to the intern. Final projects can be in the form of:

Written scientific or project report
Oral presentation (e.g, powerpoint, storymaps)

Qualifications:

This internship may involve physical labor, and therefore interns must be able to climb stairs and ladders and should be capable of lifting at least 50lbs.
Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Interns will need to have a flexible schedule as the schedule may vary from week to week. Typically, this intern will be onsite from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday. Including 1 hour for lunch and may include weekends and holidays.
Previous animal care experience is not necessary.
This is an experience-based, paid internship.

Save the Redwoods League (“League) is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing administrative and legal support to the League’s in-house attorneys, including conducting research, preparing legal documents, maintaining records, managing calendars and correspondence, and assisting League staff with legal department processes. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and significant experience in the legal field. Experience supporting in-house counsel, nonprofit work, and a passion for the redwoods or environmental causes are highly desirable.

With supervision, this person supports the General Counsel in the full range of the General Counsel’s responsibilities. This includes serving a varied and integral role in organizing and processing all League contracts and transactions related to land acquisitions, forest stewardship and management projects, as well as providing legal support to all League departments and functional areas. This person will also assist the General Counsel on governance matters related to the Board of Directors and Board Committees, internal policies and procedures, staff training, and general compliance matters. The individual will work closely with staff from all departments to ensure their legal requests are processed efficiently.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

The individual will work hand-in-hand with the League’s General Counsel and Legal Counsel on a wide range of projects. Characteristic responsibilities include:

Conservation Programs Support:

Assist with legal department processing, review, and approval of real property transaction documents, including letters of intent, option and purchase agreements, escrow instructions, deeds, conservation easements, licenses, deeds of trust, legal correspondence, and other transactional documentation.
Coordinate and work with General Counsel to provide legal support to League staff in negotiating, documenting, and implementing real estate transactions.
Coordinate and support program staff on tasks and communications with governmental agencies, real-estate professionals, landowners, and title companies.
Provide due diligence assistance including review of title reports and documents, appraisals, and other real estate transaction documents.
Provide legal-related administrative support and document management on real estate transactions.
Assist with legal department processing, review, and approval of memoranda of understanding, contracts, grants, and other documentation in support of the League’s Restoration, Science, and Connect programs.
Work with League staff and the General Counsel to produce high quality written memoranda and draft resolutions regarding conservation projects for Board approval.

General Contracts Support:

Support and assist staff from all departments in drafting, editing, and submitting commercial contracts for attorney review, in compliance with League standards , policies, procedures.
Manage contract approval process and assist with document management for the organization.
Ensure proper document and contract template management, retention, and filing.
Coach and train staff at all levels of the organization on legal department processes, procedures, and software used to manage legal requests (currently Asana).
Assist staff from other departments in tracking contract termination dates, contract amendments, and ensuring that all necessary contractual documents are received, saved, and properly filed (insurance, ACH, W9s).
Perform due diligence and successfully manage outside consultants and contractors as assigned.
Provide training regarding contract forms and processes to new and current staff.

General Legal Support:

As department administrator, act as the initial point of contact for legal questions, provide calendar support, and coordinate meetings for League attorneys with internal and external parties.
Reviews, assigns, and manages incoming legal requests to ensure timely and efficient support is provided.
Manages legal documents. Establishes and maintains a filing system architecture for key documents related to legal, contract and board governance.
Ensure legal department processes are being followed, and coach staff members on use of templates, forms, and software used to manage legal workflow.
Support the General Counsel in preparation for Board and Committee meetings, assist with taking minutes, and manage follow up tasks.
Assist the General Counsel and other executives with the League’s public policy work as assigned.
Assist in researching, organizing, tracking, and filing both Board and organizational policies and procedures.
Assist the General Counsel in orienting new staff, and training current staff on organizational policies, procedures, and risk analysis.
With input from the General Counsel, act as the lead in organizing and managing League insurance policies, invoices, renewals, and claims processing.
Assist the General Counsel to ensure League compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry accreditation standards including Land Trust Alliance standards and practices.
Act as lead in receiving, reviewing, organizing, and processing outside counsel invoices, including correctly coding invoices and submitting to finance for approval.
Assist the General Counsel and Legal Counsel in providing timely and effective legal support to all departments, and coordinating cross-functional projects with staff from Finance, Development, Marketing and Communications, Operations, and Human Resources.
Perform legal research and provide written summaries as needed.
Research, organize, and summarize Board policies, procedures, resolutions, and other governance information stored in SharePoint.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates or Bachelors degree or equivalent experience/training.
5+ years’ relevant experience at law firm or in-house legal department, including experience with one or more of the following areas: real estate transactions, contracts administration, nonprofit law and governance, environmental law, trust and estates, and/or support of senior attorneys or in-house counsel.
Experience with Asana project management software, or proven ability and aptitude for learning contract or project management software.
Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws, policies, and programs that affect the League and its work.
Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
Strong experience with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and SharePoint.
Experience with online legal research platforms.
Experience handling complex tasks under pressure and stringent time constraints.
Ability to produces high quality work product with few, if any errors or omissions.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
Ability to establish and monitor priorities, maintain flexibility, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently as well part of a team.
Direct experience in nonprofit administration, governance, regulatory compliance, and corporate record-keeping preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Actively utilizes computers, telephones and other office equipment
Frequently moves about the office to collaborate with colleagues.
Regularly sits at a desk or computer workstation

Work Schedule:

This role is hybrid with a minimum of 1-2 days onsite per week. For the first 3 months this position will be onsite more frequently for training. After 3 months, our weekly in office day is Tuesday (when everyone living in the SF Bay Area is required to come in). Additional days are based on business needs.

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a Senior Attorney to join our team working to protect New England’s environment for all people. The Senior Attorney will work in CLF’s Clean Air & Water (CAW) team and will be based in Boston, MA with some opportunity for remote and flexible work.

The Senior Attorney will work on litigation across program priorities, as well as promote solutions to the region’s biggest environmental challenges using policy tools. The work will focus on Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act enforcement cases, but lawsuits in federal court may include claims stemming from violations of other federal and state statutes and regulations. The goal is to protect communities and their local environments, especially historically disadvantaged ones, from contamination.

What you’ll do

Devise and execute legal strategies for achieving CLF’s advocacy goals;
Represent CLF and other parties in litigation and administrative proceedings;
Negotiate civil penalties, injunctive relief, and fee and cost recovery;
Advise CLF and community and advocacy groups on legal and policy matters;
Lead program teams, supervise and mentor junior advocates and interns;
Serve as a senior member of the team, acting as a lead on cases and as a resource to other team members;
Build alliances and coalitions among parties that may include community groups, public officials, business interests, and other organizations;

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

Advise and assist CLF’s communications team in delivering advocacy news and key messages to the press, our members, and the public;
Occasionally advise and assist CLF’s development team with fundraising efforts;
Prepare research reports, memos, and presentations;

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

Other duties as specified.

What you’ll need

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

At least 7 years of relevant experience practicing law, particularly litigation;
A passion for and commitment to the environment, public health, and/or social justice;
Excellent analytical skills and the ability to put your analysis into writing that is easily understood;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
Ability to take initiative, solve problems, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities in a fast-paced environment;
Commitment to developing new skills and responsibilities;
Commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues and partners;

Passion for CLF’s mission;
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state (New England state is preferred).

Unity Environmental University @ Pineland is currently seeking a full-time Assistant/Associate Professor in Conservation Law Enforcement with an entrepreneurial spirit to teach and design baccalaureate-level courses for our bachelor’s degree in Conservation Law Enforcement. Courses include but are not limited to Wildlife and Marine Law Enforcement, Drug Recognition Training, Courtroom Procedure and Evidence, and Environmental Criminology. Competitive candidates should have a record of scholarship in the field of conservation law enforcement and a strong passion for teaching courses in-person, designed to prepare learners for 21st century careers.

The Unity Environmental University @ Pineland bachelor’s degree in Conservation Law Enforcement prepares students for careers with fish and game agencies, law enforcement agencies, conservation agencies, and private organizations as game wardens, natural resource officers, marine patrol officers, and environmental protection officers. This position will Conservation Law Enforcement student success, career networking, completion rates, course instruction, development, and program review.

Day to day responsibilities:

Teach environmentally focused Conservation Law Enforcement courses and other courses as assigned.
Develop up to 4 to 6 courses per year.
Be knowledgeable in the appropriate delivery of the content in a non-standard calendar and within relevant modalities.
Teach a minimum of 480 to 600 student workload credits per calendar year as assigned.
Contribute to scholarship and research at a regional or national level.
Work with the Dean to assess and evaluate courses and programs in appropriate disciplines.
Apply various learning modalities and technologies to engage and support in-person students in achieving learning outcomes.
Guide capstone projects in assigned programs as needed.
Help recruit students into the Unity Environmental University @ Pineland programs.
Maintain currency in course delivery and technology.
Demonstrate a high degree of commitment to customer service and quality education.

Do you have the skills?

The ideal candidate will have at least a master’s degree in the discipline or closely related field of study, along with:
Substantial field experience in state or federal conservation law enforcement at the state or federal level, procedures of criminal law, and supervision of law enforcement officers.
Specialization in human dimensions or wildlife, urban wildlife management, or game species management.
Demonstrated ability teaching in an in-person postsecondary or police academy environment.
Record of scholarly research through publications, presentations and/or professional practice.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal skills.
Familiarity with technical terminology as appropriate.
Excellent initiative and organizational skills with ability to work both autonomously and in a team.
Great time management skills.
Ability and willingness to work in-person with students from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical and academic abilities
Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the Institution
Ability to obtain a valid Maine driver’s license with a good driving record.
Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well poised.

EarthRights seeks an experienced U.S.-licensed litigator and expert in federal administrative law regimes, especially federal environmental law, to advise and lead litigation strategies relating to methane and other climate/fossil fuels work.

The Attorney must have extensive experience working with U.S. administrative law, preferably litigation under federal environmental statutes and regulations, and a keen understanding of how to use that body of law to help communities and combat climate change.

Over the past 20 years, EarthRights has built a reputation as one of the leading legal organizations representing communities and individuals from around the world whose rights, livelihoods, and homelands are harmed by corporations, financial institutions, and governments. EarthRights lawyers have worked for decades to help frontline communities around the world shift power and disrupt systems of impunity by centering community struggles against powerful actors and channeling the accountability goals of the community into litigation strategy. Our cases have set legal precedents, brought millions of dollars of compensation to survivors of human rights violations and industrial pollution, and changed the behavior of corporations, governments and international institutions. More recently, EarthRights has begun litigating on behalf of communities in the United States primarily with respect to the harms of climate change.

Under the supervision of EarthRights General Counsel and a Senior Attorney, the Administrative Law Attorney / Senior Administrative Law Attorney will help develop and implement EarthRights legal strategies on climate change and its impacts on U.S. communities, especially with respect to methane emissions. The Attorney will be based out of EarthRights’ Washington, D.C., office, where we are currently working a hybrid schedule with 2 in-office days per week.

The Administrative Law Attorney may also support other EarthRights litigation, especially during periods when other legal team members are on leave. The Attorney will also coordinate with EarthRights’ campaigns and communications teams to amplify community voices and advocate for community priorities.

Roles and Responsibilities

Develop and litigate cases to expand EarthRights’ U.S. legal work on climate change and oil and gas industry accountability, especially with respect to methane emissions

Identify and carry out opportunities to advance industry accountability, reduce carbon and methane pollution and support marginalized communities through litigation and other advocacy

Advocate for administrative and legislative policies through scientific and legal comments, oral testimony, policy analysis and petitions for rulemaking

Draft and edit briefs, motions, memos, briefing documents, written comments, and other written materials for submission to federal and state courts, as well as administrative agencies

Conduct and supervise discovery activities including propounding discovery, document review, and depositions

Represent EarthRights and our clients in court appearances, hearings, negotiations, public meetings, workshops, and other processes

Conduct fact-finding and consultation trips to potential and existing client communities as relevant to advance litigation goals, and to assess needs and community priorities and goals

Contribute to strategic discussions as part of a collaborative legal team.

Collaborate with the EarthRights Campaigns Team and Communications Team to amplify community voices and identify advocacy strategies that could complement litigation to meet community needs and goals

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant co-counsel, NGOs, and personnel of partner organizations

Manage deliverables on relevant EarthRights grants, and assist Development Team to provide timely and compelling reports, proposals and updates to funders, including representing EarthRights at donor meetings and conferences

Responsibilities may also include

Contribute to EarthRights’ corporate accountability and climate litigation generally

Supervise interns, legal fellows, and other attorneys, and coordinate programmatic activities

Work with staff in other programs and offices to facilitate information flow, maintain collaborative work relationships across the organization and to ensure consistency and integration in support of EarthRights’s strategic priorities

Qualifications and Experience:

Licensed to practice law in U.S. with D.C. bar membership or the ability to waive into the D.C. bar

Significant U.S. administrative law research and litigation experience, of at least five years (for Staff Attorney level) or 10 years (for Senior Attorney level)

Knowledge of legal and policy issues relating to environmental law and climate change

Excellent legal research, analysis, writing and communication skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, handle a heavy workload, and manage time efficiently to meet relevant deadlines

Ability to manage up to obtain guidance when necessary and ensure others on team are meeting deadlines

Ability to work well with clients and partners from a diverse range of ethnic, geographic, and cultural backgrounds

Commitment to anti-bias and nondiscrimination

Desirable skills and experience:

A passion for and commitment to justice and representing clients fighting powerful adversaries

Experience working with civil society organizations and a diverse range of people and groups

General civil litigation experience, including tort litigation

Media, advocacy, and/or campaign experience

Experience coordinating movements, coalitions or networks

Experience with external fundraising to support project goals

Ability to work in multiple languages, especially Spanish

Conservation Voters of South Carolina is the political voice of South Carolina’s environmental community. CVSC is a bipartisan, non-profit organization that, along with its sister organization, the CVSC PAC, passes laws that protect our environment, elects pro-conservation candidates, and holds elected officials accountable. The CVSC Education Fund also works to educate and engage South Carolinians “to protect the South Carolina we love.â€ We effectively fight for our air, land, and water through bipartisan and pragmatic political action.

Scope of Position: CVSC seeks a highly motivated person to join us as a Land, Water, Ocean Policy Associate. This part-time position will support CVSC’s policy campaigns to increase land protection tools and funding and protect water quality and quantity in SC waterways. The right candidate will have excellent attention to detail, written and oral communication skills, experience in advocacy or policy, and a strong belief in and passion for the mission of CVSC. The position reports to the Land, Water, Ocean Project Manager and will support various efforts of the LWO team.

Location: The position must be based in South Carolina (non-negotiable) but may be performed remotely from within the state. CVSC has a physical office in Columbia and co-work space in Charleston. Occasional day and overnight travel will be required.

Specific Responsibilities:

Land, Water, Ocean Policy Tracking (30%) The associate will build subject matter expertise by tracking and monitoring land, water, and ocean policy at the state level. This will include tracking news and updates in SC, but may also include tracking policies in other states or federal funding opportunities.
Land, Water, Ocean Policy Research, Analysis, and Development (30%) – the associate will perform research and analysis on specific land, water, and ocean policy topics to support the work of the LWO team. This will require the associate to absorb new information quickly, effectively communicate this knowledge in verbal and written form, and understand how it applies to CVSC’s LWO policy priorities. This includes researching legislation and policies at the state and local level, and from other states, analyzing the impact of legislation, and assisting in legislative drafting.
Develop and Manage Advocacy Tactics and Materials (30%) – the associate will assist the LWO Team in developing and managing advocacy materials, including online actions, earned media, website and social media content, one-pagers, and other items as needed to achieve CVSC’s land, water, and ocean goals.
Other Duties to Support the Organization (10%) – as assigned, the associate will participate in CVSC events and other efforts to support the organization. This includes participating in CVSC events like the CVSC Green Tie Luncheon, Legislative Kickoff, and Conservation Coalition Lobby Day, as well as supporting engagement and development efforts and campaigns.

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrated commitment to conservation, environmental protection, and the advancement of environmental policy.
Experience or knowledge in either political advocacy, communication of complex issues, or conservation.
Strong attention to detail, fast and willing learner, strong organizational skills, ability to follow up and meet deadlines, and ability to work independently, yet to ask pertinent questions.
Demonstrated awareness of one’s cultural identity, views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on varying cultural and community norms. Shares our commitment to increasing racial justice and equity in our movement and organization, integrating these principles into all of the work we do, and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.
A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.

Preferred Qualifications:

One year of experience with the tools and tactics of political advocacy, including online actions to lawmakers or other decision-makers, petitions, direct mail, digital ads, phone campaigns and grassroots organizing.
One year of experience producing concise written communications on complex issues, including researching complex policy issues, analyzing and developing policy, including legislation, regulations, and municipal policies.
Knowledge and understanding of land, water, and ocean issues and the types of policies used to advance their protection at the state level, as well as an understanding of environmental issues facing low and middle-income households and environmental justice communities.
Proficiency with standard office productivity software and equipment such as Microsoft Office programs, copiers, scanners, email programs, etc.
Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, online membership and email platform operations.

Work environment: CVSC is a mission-driven organization whose staff are deeply passionate about advancing environmental policy in a just and equitable way. We are seeking another effective, productive, enjoyable, and highly ethical member of the team who will take responsibility and leadership for implementing assigned tasks.

Terms of employment: The position is part-time, contingent on continued funding (grants and individual donations). This includes a 20-hour workweek with the need for flexible scheduling, depending on the nature of an issue or timeframe. Occasional out of town travel will be required.

CVSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a racially just, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Pay/Benefits: This part-time position will pay $15-$20 per hour, depending on background and experience. As a part-time role, this position is not eligible for health, dental, disability, paid time off, or retirement benefits. A paid holiday schedule and monthly cell phone stipend are provided for this role.