Job Tag: Law/Policy

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

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with millions of cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on private and public lands in the United States.

Position Description: The Government Affairs Specialist is a full-time position based in Washington, DC that supports NACD’s federal advocacy and policy agenda by leading analysis within assigned issue areas and supporting legislative and stakeholder engagement efforts. This role applies independent analytical judgment while operating within Director-approved policy and advocacy frameworks. The Specialist serves as a subject-matter resource and supports NACD leadership and members through policy analysis, communications, and grassroots advocacy execution.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced coursework or experience in public policy preferred.
At least 4 years experience in federal policy, advocacy, government relations, or related experience.
Significant professional experience working with Congress and federal agencies.
Strong analytical, writing, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple issue areas and deadlines.
Willingness to travel as required.

The Ecology Center seeks a senior-level Director of Environmental Justice to develop and direct environmental health and justice program campaigns at the Ecology Center, including coalition work related to clean air.

Our ideal Director of Environmental Justice is a dynamic, experienced, and creative leader who is passionate about environmental justice, and who has the vision and skills to take our environmental justice and health programming into its next chapter. The Director of Environmental Justice will provide leadership to our environmental health team to plan and execute Ecology Center’s education, policy, and advocacy campaigns related to environmental justice and our clean air work. The Director of Environmental Justice will play a leadership role in Clear the Air, a coalition established in 2024 by Ecology Center and 22 partner organizations dedicated to the right of all Michiganders to breathe healthy air.

This person will have experience building diverse coalitions that center the needs of impacted community members. They are excited about developing new programs and campaigns, and bring strong skills in program management, fundraising and grant development, and program budgeting. The Director of Environmental Justice will have a strong understanding of the environmental justice movement in Michigan and beyond.

This is a permanent full-time position at 40 hours per week, with a preference for a candidate based in Detroit, Michigan. This position is a remote hybrid, with the option to work from our Detroit office, and an expectation of in-person engagement in community settings, and monthly in-person attendance at staff meetings at our Ann Arbor office.

Qualifications

At least 7 years of experience in environmental health, climate and energy, toxics and waste issues, air pollution and monitoring, environmental justice and/or related field
Skilled in community organizing and/or coalition building
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
A well-developed network of relationships within the environmental justice movement, preferably in Detroit and/or other Michigan community
A strategic thinker, with experiences developing and leading community-based campaigns and campaign strategy that employ systems thinking and root causes
Skilled in program planning, development and implementation
Competent in fund development, maintaining funder relationships, networking and connections to support the continued success of the program.
Experience with grant administration, including budgeting and tracking expenses, managing contracts and subgrants, grant writing and reporting.
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Salary Range: $84,872 to $92,372

The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that drives transformational adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. AFC comprises more than 500 elected officials, local leaders, military groups, and businesses that work together to advance resilient and equitable flood solutions at the local, state, and federal levels. As the only organization that focuses on flooding across all levels of government, AFC is uniquely positioned to advance solutions that keep communities safe.

Position Summary

We are seeking an Associate State Policy Director to manage policy analysis and development across AFC’s state work. The position will join our growing State Strategy Team, which is responsible for engaging and supporting AFC’s state legislator and agency stakeholders in order to advance AFC’s state policies to address flooding. This position will provide people management of multiple early-career staff, analyze existing state programs, develop forward-looking policy strategies, and recommend improvements to state efforts. The ideal candidate will be a driven policy professional who has outstanding people and project management skills, and is able to synthesize complex ideas and information, learn quickly, and share knowledge effectively. Due to the highly collaborative nature of this role, this full-time position will be located in our headquarters in Washington, DC. This position will report to our State Policy Director and will also work closely with our State Government Relations Team, Technical Team, Local Engagement Team, and State Directors. While this is a primarily internal-facing role, occasional travel is required and up to 15% travel per year may be needed.

Qualifications

At least 7 years of directly relevant experience, including significant applied experience with state, federal, or local resilience policy and/or programs, preferably related to flooding, water, disaster mitigation, or infrastructure, required. This could look like experience in a state legislature or state agency, local government, or policy-focused nonprofit.
A strong track record of direct people and team management experience, with responsibilities for performance reviews, professional development, and work oversight required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
Proven track record leading collaboration and project management across multiple contributors to achieve high-impact policy-related work products and outcomes required; experience collaborating frequently with virtual team members preferred but not required.
Applied knowledge of relevant state legislative processes and mechanisms preferred but not required.
Experience working in or with state government entities preferred but not required.
Willingness to travel between DC and AFC’s focus states up to 15% of time required.

Salary range: $95,000 – $120,000

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks bi-lingual Counsel.

The Counsel position is an opportunity for a bilingual (Spanish/English) junior to mid-level attorney with a passion for conservation, strong project management skills, and a desire to learn about and support a diverse portfolio of projects.

The Counsel will work closely with the Deputy General Counsel and other team members to provide legal services on a wide range of complex matters, with particular emphasis on employment matters and investigations, compliance, contract negotiation, and other issues affecting WWF’s offices in the United States and Latin America. Other areas may include non-profit tax matters, data privacy, litigation, technology, intellectual property, and other relevant areas. The Counsel will apply analytical and risk management skills to serve organizational needs efficiently and effectively and will identify and clearly articulate complex legal concepts and options to legal team members, project managers, and high-level business unit managers. The Counsel will be responsible for developing, directing, and managing multiple projects or transactions, supporting implementation of strategic program goals, and observing governance requirements. The Counsel will ensure that transactions and activities are legally sound and consistent with the organization’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures. The Counsel will work closely with outside local counsel in support of our offices outside of the United States.

Qualifications

Law Degree and D.C. bar membership (or membership in another bar with ability to become member of DC bar).
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken) required.

3-6 years of experience in the legal profession, including relevant practice area(s), are required.
Proven experience analyzing risks and providing legal advice, including drafting memoranda, agreements, or other legal instruments.
Strong skills with project management, systems and processes improvement, etc.
Interest in working with employment law, contracts, investigations, etc.

Strong and effective writing and communication skills.

Solid legal research and analysis skills.

Ability to coordinate and manage the support and advice from outside local counsel for organization’s operations worldwide.

Interest in and ability to quickly and effectively learn and apply the fundamentals of additional areas of law, as needed.

Ability to travel internationally as needed (no more than 10% of the time anticipated).

Salary Range: $100,000 – $147,700