Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Environmental Law & Policy Clinic is hiring one lawyer to serve as a Clinical Fellow, overseeing its work on heirs’ property cases, for a period of two years, beginning in July or August 2024. The Fellow will work with the clinical director in the overall management of the clinic’s heirs’ property cases, including in continuing to develop its role in the broader ecosystem of heirs’ property work across the state and nation. The Fellow will have several areas of particular responsibility, including:
• Managing the Heirs’ Property Project caseload and supervising student-led representations, ensuring that clients receive excellent legal service while teaching students the fundamental skills of lawyering;
• Supervising and producing research relevant and useful to our partners;
• Collaborating on the clinical seminar, and assisting with administration of the clinic;
• Providing general academic feedback and guidance to students;
• Working alongside the Clinic Director to sustain relationships with partner NGOs, attorneys, and related service-providers; and to organize and attend trainings, conferences, and informational gatherings related to our work.
This Fellowship offers the opportunity to teach and to learn at the center of an emerging network of attorneys and other service providers combatting the theft of assets from impoverished communities across the country. The Fellow will be encouraged and supported in their development as an attorney, as a teacher, and as a scholar. Although they will serve in a staff role, the Clinical Fellow will have an experience analogous to junior faculty within the clinical department at Wake Forest School of Law. They will have the opportunity to participate in workshops on scholarship, clinical teaching, and other topics; access to funding to attend academic conferences; and the benefit of mentorship from members of the faculty in and outside of the clinical department. The Clinical Fellow will also have the support of a rich network of attorneys with expertise in heirs’ property practice via the Project’s membership in the Heirs’ Property Practitioner Network. We view this Fellowship as a natural starting point for individuals interested in going on the market for tenure-track clinical legal teaching positions, although there is no requirement that the Fellow do so.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

A J.D. from an accredited American law school, or expected completion of a J.D. by June 2024
Admission to the North Carolina bar, or expected admission in Fall of 2024
Familiarity with heirs’ property legal issues
A sincere commitment serving low-income clients, a strong desire to teach, and relevant experience doing both;
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with—and provide counsel to— clients, students, and outside partners;
Exceptional skill in legal research and writing;

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

At least two years’ experience working on heirs’ property issues in North Carolina, including by providing direct legal services to heirs’ property owners
Ability to manage several cases and train other lawyers;
Experience working in coalitions and advocacy organizations.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our dedicated team in protecting and preserving the Potomac River and its tributaries. If you are a skilled attorney with a strong background in environmental litigation, a passion for environmental conservation, and a commitment to safeguarding our rivers, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Potomac River and its watershed through advocacy, legal action, and community engagement. As the leading voice for the river, we strive to ensure clean water, healthy habitats, and vibrant public use and enjoyment of the Potomac River and the Shenandoah River. Our work encompasses a wide range of activities, including litigation, policy advocacy, education, and citizen engagement. Our work is guided by our three Riverkeepers, who are recognized for their expertise and knowledge of the watershed as well as their strong local connections with the communities along the rivers. We are committed to accurately reflect and equitably serve the diverse demographics of our watershed, including in Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Latino populations.

Did you know that research shows that people from women and underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications? Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the listed job qualifications. You may have skills that aren’t among the listed qualifications.

Responsibilities:

Lead PRKN’s legal actions, including administrative proceedings, in-house counsel work, and litigation in federal and state courts
Track compliance and implementation of enforcement actions, lawsuits and settlement agreements
Represent PRKN in litigation matters, including drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, presenting arguments in court and supervising litigation conducted by outside counsel
Work closely with PRKN’s Riverkeepers, Vice President for Programs and other staff to develop and implement legal strategies to protect the Potomac River and advance PRKN’s mission
Provide legal guidance and support to PRKN’s programs, including water quality, habitat restoration, and community outreach
Provide general counsel advice to PRKN as needed
Stay updated on relevant state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and policies
Assist in legislative drafting and review, in coordination with the Vice President of Programs
Review and comment on permits and enforcement matters in coordination with the Riverkeepers
Supervise any legal fellows and/or law clerks

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active membership in good standing with the Bar of the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia
Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience, with knowledge of and experience with environmental or natural resources law
Strong written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences
Demonstrated passion for environmental advocacy and conservation and protecting rivers and water resources
Background or experience in science, environmental studies, or related fields is highly desirable
Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act is highly desirable
Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community members
Commitment to environmental justice and ensuring that all of our Potomac communities are protected from pollution
Experience working in a small nonprofit advocacy role is desirable

Location and Compensation:

This position will be based in Washington, DC, with the flexibility for partial remote work. The salary for the Senior Legal Counsel position is between $75,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience. PRKN offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Just Zero is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our small, spirited team as we work with communities and policy makers to replace toxic, climate-damaging waste systems with modern Zero Waste solutions.

Just Zero is expanding its reach across the United States and building recognition for its leadership in Zero Waste policy and advocacy by developing and implementing strategies to advance innovative solutions to climate-damaging and toxic consumption, production, and disposal systems. Reporting to the Policy and Advocacy Director, the Staff Attorney will focus on developing, supporting, and implementing Just Zero’s legislative, policy, and advocacy campaigns.
What You Will Be Doing

Analyzing federal and state legislation, administrative guidance, and proposed rules at the local, state, and federal level. This includes tracking legislative and regulatory developments.
Developing written materials such as model legislation, factsheets, reports, and other resources to support Just Zero’s legislative and advocacy campaigns.
Supporting Just Zero’s Communications team by drafting and reviewing press releases, op-eds, newsletters, and blogs.
Helping to communicate Just Zero’s legal and policy work to the media, our members, and the general public in a clear and engaging way in writing, interviews, webinars, and presentations.
Working with regional partners to develop and execute campaigns to implement just and equitable solutions to climate-damaging and toxic production, consumption, and waste disposal practices.
Developing and presenting testimony before federal, state, and municipal legislative bodies.
Participating in administrative proceedings before regulatory agencies, including researching and drafting comment letters on proposed agency actions, permits, and environmental review documents.
Engaging with community members to support their campaigns, including working with and supporting diverse groups to achieve a common goal.

What We Are Looking For

A juris doctor degree from an accredited law school or an equivalent law degree.
Admission to a state bar.
Strong attention to detail, excellent communications skills, and a proven ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences.
Experience taking initiative, using good judgment, and demonstrating a willingness to learn.
Ability to navigate difficult conversations to advance Just Zero’s policy positions.
Comfort with public speaking in a variety of settings.
A collaborative professional interested in joining a team that is building a transparent and team-oriented nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Commitment to growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture.

The Manager, Government Relations will lead AES Clean Energy’s (AESCE) public policy efforts related to wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, as well as other technologies within Virginia and other identified states within PJM.

They will assist in the establishment of AESCE strategies, that align with laws, regulations, and policies where the company works. The Manager will also provide ongoing analysis and information to the development, strategic development, operations and commercial team for the identification of new market opportunities, response to new opportunities, and optimization of project assets.

Additionally, the Manager will identify potential policy changes or modifications that may benefit the business and collaborate with internal teams to develop a coordinated strategy. A key function will be maintaining strong relationships with government officials, associated authorities, state agencies, committees, and other industry and partner organizations. This role will have a strong understanding of AESCE’s assets and products and be a capable communicator and teammate.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Lead the policy priorities and government relations for AESCE in Virginia and other identified states.
Develop and advocate for positions, issues and policies that provide a positive impact on AES’ long-term financial success.
Provide unique and timely information to leadership and relevant team members on key legislation that impacts the utility industry.
Develop state-level government relations strategies to promote policy priorities and offset potential roadblocks to development and impacts on operating projects.
Manage a policy budget for the region.
Coordinate policy priorities, relationship management, and communications with the Stakeholder Relations team.
Participate in coalition-building efforts and other partnerships designed to strengthen opportunities that advance our policy priorities and strategy.
Track and provide guidance on regulatory and legislative proposals to figure out the impact on existing and potential future company products, projects, and business.
Write official company comments and testimony relating to policy priorities.
Create and foster strong relationships within the Company, industry and government to advance the Company and industry’s regulatory agenda.
Ensure coordination and collaboration with relevant trade associations and industry partners.

 

– Internal Planning and Coordination:

Solicit internal input from key AESCE leaders, drive internal discussions on policy positions, and make policy recommendations to management.
Work closely with multiple regional development and commercial teams to support their efforts in expanding and maintaining markets and to support project-specific efforts on business development and asset management.
Manage and lead consultants and interns, as needed, to facilitate important regulatory and legislative goals and objectives when additional resources must be brought to bear.
Assist with efforts that can apply nationally on programmatic issues related to tax, demand-pull, siting, grid operation, and other policy areas.

– Provision of Information/Analysis:

Research/analyze legislative and regulatory issues in current markets, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques and frameworks.
Keep relevant teams and leadership well advised on key regulatory and legislative developments that affect wind, solar, energy storage and green hydrogen development and operations, and inform internal groups of such developments.
Develop and maintain reporting systems for regulatory/legislative proposals or actions in each market covered.
All other duties as assigned by the Vice President, External Relations or their designee.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree/MBA preferred, Business Administration or Management, Finance or a Legal degree.
9+ years of experience in policy work and government relations.
Experience in the energy sector with a preference for renewable energy experience.
Strong skills in understanding the legislative process, how the executive branch functions, and the role of state agencies.
Exceptional analytical skills in understanding policy impacts on energy development and pricing.
Natural decision-maker, able to exercise judgment and take ownership of the consequences of actions and decisions.
Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
Ability to build long-term and positive relationships. Ability to network across the organization and externally.
Communication skills; ability to develop and deliver concise, powerful messages verbally, in writing, and presentations.
Unwavering ethics and strong moral compass in all transactions.

Personal Attributes and Traits:

Passion to work in a company that is driving the transition to clean energy and the motivation and energy to support the achievement of our mission.
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Self-starter that can excel in situations with ambiguity and evolving mandates.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple internal group members across different businesses and develop creative solutions.
High level of intellectual curiosity and professionalism.
Global mindset and comfort with working with people from multiple different backgrounds and cultures-
Must be a great teammate, knowing that what we will build as a team will be better than what we would each build alone; “no task is beneath meâ€ attitude reflecting the fast-growing nature of the Clean Energy unit.

The Climate Reality Project is a nonprofit organization founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. Our mission is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every sector of society.

At The Climate Reality Project, we come to work every day to help solve the climate crisis. We do it by working from the ground up, empowering people and communities worldwide to fight for their future and together drive a just transition to clean energy.

We are committed to building a more just and equitable world, one where all voices are heard and respected regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical ability. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other historically marginalized communities. We encourage applicants to read our diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice statement on our website.
Position Summary

The Legislative Advocacy Senior Manager will work within the Campaigns department and will be responsible for leading the organization’s US federal and state climate policy advocacy work as well as IRA implementation efforts. This position will oversee the Legislative Associate and Regenerative Agriculture Organizer, and will report to the Global Campaigns Director. They will work closely with the US Field team to increase the engagement of Climate Reality volunteer-led US Chapters (“Chapterâ€), trained Climate Reality Leaders, and Chapter members. Currently, Chapters are focused on federal, state, and local campaigns to enact solutions to the climate crisis, including Our Climate Momentâ„¢: Let’s Get to Work, From Acts to Action, 100% Committed, regenerative agriculture practices, and petrochemical opposition in addition to local Chapter initiatives.

The Legislative Advocacy Senior Manager will manage our US federal and state policy advocacy efforts and provide strategic guidance to Chapters for our US campaigns. In addition, they will be point on identifying new state and local engagement opportunities for advocates, creating campaign plans and proposals, tracking impact, and running tests on campaign efficacy. We are looking for a team player, a strong people and project manager, and an effective communicator who will work closely with cross-team Climate Reality staff to build and drive effective campaigns and grow overall US volunteer engagement.

This is a hybrid position, currently expected to work from The Climate Reality Office in downtown Washington DC at least two days per week.

The salary for this role is $100,796/year
Duties and Responsibilities

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

Overseeing and guiding the strategic planning and goal setting for US policy campaigns.
Identifying new engagement opportunities for our Chapters and Leaders, and strategizing their implementation in coordination with the Global Campaigns Director and US Field Senior Manager.
Managing an Associate and an Organizer, and working with them as a team to executive deliverables for all US policy and IRA implementation programs.
Managing expenditures under campaign and project budgets, and responsible for deliverables and spending under funder-specific grants.
Working with US regional organizers to directly support Chapters engagement and impact in US policy campaigns.
Representing the organization in national coalition spaces, at Climate Reality events, and on Capitol Hill, ensuring the organization’s campaign priorities are in line with our key partners and the larger environmental movement.
Overseeing and creating materials for campaigns to enhance public awareness and effectiveness.
Working with other Climate Reality departments and consultants to identify and analyze policy opportunities, build impactful campaigns, and develop meaningful partnerships to support our policy efforts to drive meaningful and rapid change.
Creating an understanding with staff on how the organization’s US policy efforts support our global campaigns to solve the crisis.
Proactively measuring and gathering impact, and sharing that through program and organizational updates on a regular and ongoing basis in writing and orally.
Support and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our operations and enrichment of our culture, for example by serving on ad hoc or ongoing work groups, assisting with the onboarding and training of colleagues, and participating in efforts to assess, refine, and strengthen our culture and practices.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

Detailed knowledge of a broad range of engagement and advocacy strategies and tactics.
Demonstrated management experience and oversight of coalition building, organizing, and public speaking.
Understanding of US federal and state policymaking with Capitol Hill experience preferred.
Strong project management documentation, planning, tracking, and communicating to all stakeholders with the goal of turning in all deliverables to stakeholders successfully.
Excellent communication and organization skills, with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Experience and awareness of cultural diversity, and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of organizations and volunteers.
Proficiency with a CRM platform or online reporting system.
A dedication to solving the climate crisis with climate or environmental expertise preferred.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer required.
Fluency in language(s) in addition to English, such as Spanish, ideally one used by US Chapters, preferred.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience delivering advocacy or political campaigns.
Proven full-time employee management experience.
Proven budget creation and oversight experience.
Proven project management experience.

The Sustainability Specialist, Facility Planning and Design will serve as the in-house working expert on sustainable construction and facilities management for DCPS. They will keep up to date on standards for various sustainability programs such as LEED and WELL, and work with other members of the FPD team on strategies to implement these standards during planning and construction phases, and lead required documentation efforts for these programs. This Specialist will also work closely with the entire Facilities team and the Department of General Services (DGS) to develop and maintain monitoring and maintenance strategies for sustainability metrics across the DCPS portfolio.
The Sustainability Specialist will also serve as project lead for a limited number of large construction projects such as facility modernizations and building additions, where they will manage the day-to-day functions of the project-specific workgroups, represent Facility Planning and Design, and facilitate community engagement, with the goal of building relationships with school leadership and communities in support of school modernization projects. This collaboration will be critical to the planning and design of each school’s construction effort. This position may occasionally include work outside of normal business hours.

The Specialist, Sustainability (Facilities Planning and Design) will report to the Manager, Facility Planning and Design.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

Research and updates and changes to relevant sustainability standards and certifications, and document strategies for incorporating into DCPS portfolio
Develop and monitor energy-related Key Performance Indicators for DCPS Facilities’ programs, and work with the FPD team to incorporate them into facility construction and maintenance programs
Review existing sustainable energy programs such as EV Charging stations, Environmental Literacy Program, and Green Cleaning Program for efficacy, and make recommendations for modification and improvement
Lead documentation processes for certifications such as LEED, WELL, and NetZero on behalf of DCPS Facilities, including hosting workshops
Monitor DGS’ inventory of DCPS-occupied facilities to ensure that DCPS’s utility costs are accurate, and identify where these can be improved
Identify new sustainability and energy goals for the DCPS portfolio, and work with other Office of Operations teams to strategize their implementation
Coordinate with project teams and provide strategic advice on sustainability school updates to include on Facilities website
Serve as the representative and main point of contact of the school construction project to the community
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders during school construction projects
Communicate clearly and effectively project milestones to school leadership and other stakeholders
Coordinate with DCPS Central Office departments to provide site-specific programmatic input
Participate in project meetings with the Department of General Services (DGS) and the DCPS contracted Construction and Design team to stay up to date on the project’s design and implementation
Assist with planning and coordinating construction-related school facility moves
Liaise between school leadership, other DCPS teams, and DGS to address facility-related issues during the building turnover process
Attend local political and community meetings such as ANC meetings to represent DCPS Facilities and occasionally serve on technical evaluation panels for contracting design-build services

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of related work experience.
Master’s degree preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, urban planning, or similar preferred
Knowledge of local and federal sustainability and energy legislation and goals
Previous architecture, facilities, construction, and/or project management experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a variety of audiences.
Great interpersonal skills and good with building rapport and being a speaker-centered listener.
Previous experience in public speaking and/or meeting facilitation a plus.
Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus

JOB SUMMARY: Environmental Policy Analyst will provide leadership and policy support for the Treaty Rights and Government Affairs Department concerning a wide array of complex cultural and environmental issues of concern to the Tribe, and formally represent the Tribes in high level forums. The position will be responsible for assessing and determining what gaps exist, and what policies, programs, strategic plans and agreements are needed to support the Tribes’ treaty-reserved rights over the near and long-term, and present recommendations to tribal leaders. Will require innovation, diplomacy, problem-solving and knowledge of multiple fields to be successful. Responsible for envisioning, leading, planning, drafting, negotiating, defending, collaborating with other tribal departments (including Legal), other tribes, state and federal agency leadership and elected officials, non-governmental organizations, and state and federal legislative bodies, in order to create and execute programs, strategic plans and policies. Shall also monitor and respond on behalf of Tulalip, to proposed agency actions, external federal and state and local government legislative and policy actions. Will coordinate development of regional and statewide agreements with agency and other organizations. The position must be self-motivated, able to work very independently, work collaboratively and diplomatically, and regularly report to the Senior Environmental Policy Analyst in Treaty Rights and Government Affairs, and as directed, to the Executive Director of Cultural and Natural Resources, the Chief Operating Officer, and the Tulalip Board of Directors.

COMPENSATION: $41.06 hr *Applicant may be offered more depending on experience.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION

Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management, Policy, and/or Planning; or Law degree in Environmental Policy or related field.

MINIMUM RELATED EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years’ experience in natural and cultural resources policy, planning and management.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/PREREQUISITES

WA State Driver’s License
Personal Automobile Insurance
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a regular Full-Time position.

Princeton University’s Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment (C-PREE) at the School of Public and International Affairs is looking to hire a Senior Policy Fellow/Environmental Justice Specialist to expand the School and C-PREE’s knowledge, expertise, and teaching related to environmental justice, grounded in community-centered research and policy development support.

This role would serve as a key connector between the University and environmental justice (EJ) groups, grassroots organizations, Of Color communities, low-income communities, governmental agencies, and policymakers. Familiarity with EJ communities and issues specific to EJ on both a national level and in New Jersey would be especially beneficial. The Senior Policy Fellow will serve as an expert for Princeton on how to carefully, effectively, and fairly engage with these community organizations that have been traditionally overlooked and excluded within academia. The role will facilitate and supervise research, policy development support, organizational capacity support, and outreach related to environmental justice topics and serve as an expert regarding coproduction of knowledge.

The Senior Policy Fellow will be expected to teach a minimum of one and a half courses per year across the undergraduate and graduate-levels in the school. This role will also be expected to serve as an advisor/expert for undergraduate senior theses, and may also co-advise graduate students pursuing research in this area, providing additional capacity in an area of policy research, policy development support and community governmental engagement that is of growing interest to Princeton’s student body. You will be appointed as a Lecturer in the School of Public and International Affairs during the semesters that you teach.

The position will also have the opportunity to collaborate with SPIA’s NJ initiative and SPIA’s DC office on relevant programming, and will likely cooperate with others across Princeton’s campus including the Office of Sustainability, the High Meadows Environmental Institute, and the Program for Community-Engaged Scholarship (ProCES).

Candidates should have an extensive record of environmental justice experience, specifically having worked with environmental justice (EJ) groups, community groups, Of Color communities, and low-income communities that have experienced disproportionate pollution loads and other environmental burdens. Areas of expertise of particular interest include air pollution, food access, EJ legal issues cumulative impacts, and climate justice.

The appointment is for three years and may be renewed pending satisfactory performance and continued funding. A Master’s degree is required in a related field. A doctoral degree or other terminal degree is preferred. Expected duty time at Princeton may be 30%-100%. Salary and full employee benefits are offered in accordance with University guidelines (minimum duty time of 50% is required for benefits eligibility).

Nevada sits at the crossroads of energy markets in the western United States and holds globally significant stores of minerals and metals needed for low-carbon technology. Consequently, Nevada will play an outsized role – and shoulder an outsized conservation challenge – in how the world rises to this transformative societal moment. The Climate and Energy Strategy Director will serve as the lead staff person for the Nevada Business Unit (BU) regarding overarching climate policy and expanding TNC’s role in the clean, green, and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources across Nevada. A primary objective of this position will be to accelerate conservation-aligned renewable energy deployment to meet TNC’s dual goals for greenhouse gas mitigation and biodiversity conservation. To this end, they will strive to steer renewable energy development and critical minerals and metals mining to areas of least conflict through the promotion of “Smart-from-the-Start” planning principles. We aim to demonstrate the multiple benefits of incorporating these principles (e.g., maximizing conservation and climate benefits; minimizing environmental harms; and making the process of developing “green” infrastructure less expensive, less contentious, and more streamlined), while building the constituency for conservation compatible approaches with communities, industry, utilities, and local, state, and federal government agencies.

While working to advance these measures in Nevada, the Climate and Energy Strategy Director will have an eye on the bigger picture, envisioning and sharing how TNC’s work here can help inform high impact strategies and projects that will make the most significant contribution to TNC’s goals across the West, the nation, and the globe. They will be part of an active climate and renewable energy network and community of practice among TNC staff across TNC’s Western U.S. and Canada Division and serve as the Nevada BU’s climate lad, interfacing with TNC’s North America Climate Team. These connections to the larger TNC organization allow TNC colleagues to share knowledge, leverage learning and develop best practices as needed, and to increase collaboration between BUs and internal teams.

The Climate and Energy Strategy Director will expand internal knowledge of ways to support indigenous and Tribal communities in their transition to renewable energy and address the impacts to Native lands from mining. They will provide subject matter expertise related to climate policy and renewable energy topics for the Nevada BU and partners and assist with drafting public comments, factsheets, and communications with industry and partners. This position will work with External Affairs to coordinate strategic communications at all levels with target audiences regarding TNC’s conservation priorities and climate and renewable energy-related matters, including habitat friendly renewable energy deployment, natural climate solutions, decarbonization, etc. As needed, this position will engage and manage consultants with expertise needed to carry out responsibilities..
WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges, and our team in Nevada is dedicated to a future in which people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver to help TNC’s Nevada Business Unit engage on climate policy and develop renewable energy solutions to address the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING

BA/BS degree in climate or energy policy, renewable energy management, or land use planning, other relevant field and 7 years’ experience in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working with, presenting to, and communicating with a wide range of audiences, including elected officials, government agency staff, tribal members, executive-level individuals within the energy sector, professional and trade associations, clean energy advocates, and other environmental organizations, and the media.
Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
Experience with collaborative strategy development and implementation as well as developing and maintaining partnerships and coalitions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of and subject matter expertise related to renewable energy, especially wind, solar, and geothermal; and federal, state, and local policies and regulatory frameworks related to energy transmission, energy storage, critical minerals, and renewable energy deployment.
Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives to address greenhouse gas emission reduction, renewable energy development, and mining.
Knowledge of Tribal issues related to Tribal communities’ transistion to remewable energy and climate impacts on Tribal communities.
An understanding of energy and climate equity.
Experience building networks or organization capacity, increasing knowledge sharing, and identifying key stakeholders.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Team player with strong listening, collaborative and diplomacy skills, and ability to influence without authority.
Fluency in English.

To apply for job ID 54324, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on March, 31, 2024.

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

Position Description:

The Policy Director, Texas Coast and Water Program or for the South Central Region’s Texas Coast and Water Program is responsible for helping to develop and advance the program’s educational initiatives, policy goals, and legal efforts, in collaboration with NWF’s policy and legal staff. This position will also work, as needed, with water policy and coastal resilience experts in the National Advocacy Center in Washington, DC, and across the Federation.

The Policy Director, Texas Coast and Water Program will be a vital part of the longstanding NWF-led collaborative, Texas Living Waters, and will work seamlessly with staff at other organizations in the coalition. NWF and Texas Living Waters partner organizations work collaboratively to education on and advocate for equitable, holistic approaches to community resilience in the face of climate change, sustainable and resilient water infrastructure solutions for Texas communities with an emphasis on the most vulnerable among us, and for policies and programs that support healthy river and coastal ecosystems. TLW organizations work together in common and differentiated ways to bring their collective leadership, voice, and capacities to advance action towards shared vision and goals.

The position is located in Austin, Texas and reports to the Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program.

Principal Duties:

The Policy Director, Texas Coast and Water Program primarily works with the Texas Coast and Water Program, and may collaborate, as appropriate, with NWF’s federal water team, the Off Shore Wind Program, the Gulf Program, and other regional programs to plan and implement NWF’s educational initiatives and policy priorities related to promoting equitable investment in resilient and sustainable water infrastructure investment, flood planning, and coastal resilience.

Additionally, the Policy Director, Texas Coast and Water Program will:

Represent NWF and advance water-related policy priorities through educational outreach, community engagement, and advocacy in upcoming Texas legislative sessions (e.g., with policy briefings), with an emphasis on relationship building with lawmakers and other officials and their staff, bill analysis and tracking, developing written and oral testimony, and working in coalitions.
Research, analyze, and communicate (verbal and written) about Texas water policy and coastal policy. This includes historical and long-term inequities in water, flood, disaster recovery and resilience-related policy and programs; regulatory approaches to water planning and management to maintain water quality and to ensure water availability for people and the environment; and water infrastructure investment and using the information to develop NWF’s approach to public education and advocacy on equitable policy initiatives, with an emphasis on Texas’ most vulnerable communities.
Educate on and help advance implementation of resilient and equitable water infrastructure solutions, including advocacy for planning, funding, and implementation of programs such as Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Texas Water Fund (SB 28), SRF, Flood Infrastructure Fund and other programs.
Keep up with emerging and intersecting federal law, policy, and programs and provide internal and external guidance on their potential impacts in Texas.
Monitor Texas Commission on Environmental Quality actions in implementing Senate Bill 3 (80(R)) environmental flows regulations and work with NWF’s contracted advisors to plan and implement strategies related to improved environmental protection in water management decisions.
Coordinate with NWF’s Offshore Wind Program to educate stakeholders on the opportunity of responsibly developed offshore wind and support partner and community engagement in advocacy goals
Participate in the planning, development and implementation of the new Water Policy and Advocacy Hub in order to build a more inclusive and powerful water policy and advocacy community across Texas.
Represent NWF and Texas Living Waters in internal and external venues, coalitions, working groups, public events, etc., and present at webinars, conferences, and other events.
Develop and sustain positive working relationships with personnel working on water issues at state agencies, other conservation organizations, and water managers and other water professionals
Work with the Texas Coast and Water Program’s Senior Communications Manager to develop strategic messaging, draft op-eds and LTEs, and do media outreach and provide interviews to reporters, and related public education.
Participate in developing grant proposals and reporting program accomplishments to Texas Coast and Water funders and other program administrative tasks as necessary.

Formal Education and/or Special Training Preferred:

Master’s degree in Environmental or Public Policy or Law Degree.

Minimum Experience

Genuine and demonstrated commitment to the conservation legacy and overall mission of the National Wildlife Federation, especially the science-based and collaborative approach of the Federation to achieve its mission and strategic plan outcomes;
7+ years of relevant experience;
Proven ability to communicate complex policy issues in plain language;
Experience considering the impacts of policies and programs on historically underserved and vulnerable communities;
Knowledge of issues involving Texas water law and related state agencies, river authorities, water planning, utilities and water providers; and
Experience reviewing and commenting on regulatory proposals or actions; relevant legal experience is a plus.

Minimum Skills

Strong analytical, research and strategic thinking skills;
Attention to deadlines and details;
Project management;
Strong writing skills, including technical papers, comment letters, and outward-facing communications such as blogs and op-eds;
Ability to communicate implications of policy to team members and partners in plain language and under limited time constraints;
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team; and
Ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities for partnerships, policy advancements, and action.
The employee’s actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus.
Working knowledge of compliance considerations related to public interest advocacy

Registration Requirements:

Based on some of the job duties, you will be required to register as a lobbyist at least in Texas.