Job Tag: Law/Policy

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

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Federal Policy Fellow in the Advocacy and Restoration Department to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.

The Policy Analyst plays a key role in tracking and analyzing federal legislative and regulatory policies impacting the Bay watershed including within the state/federal partnership committed to saving the Bay. This person will coordinate and share information across the organization on federal policies impacting our organizational priorities. This is a two-year, term-limited position with the potential for extension into a third year.

Essential Functions:

Monitor, track and analyze federal legislation relevant to saving the Bay including watch and provide summaries of hearings and markups, review appropriations bills, and maintain an awareness of ongoing policy priorities as well as identify emerging policy issues.
Monitor, track and summarize actions by federal agencies including reviewing the President’s budget request and the regulatory agenda.
Support the federal and communications teams in preparing substantive policy materials including letters to the administration, federal agencies, and Congress, issue briefs, blogs, fact sheets and talking points to advocate for our position with different audiences.
Attend and provide written summaries of meetings for the state/federal partnership and coordinate and disseminate information to internal teams.
Collaborate and coordinate across the organization on federal regulatory and legislative policies impacting the Bay, including participate in internal calls, research and analyze policies on the federal level, and help develop strategies for address them.
Other duties as assigned.

Professional Experience and Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of policy experience, including on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, at a government relations firm or a nonprofit or advocacy organization, or a comparable combination of experience, knowledge and skills.

Salary Range: $69,000 – $72,000

At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic,and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature.

The Legislative and Political Organizer plays a key role in strengthening the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter’s volunteer-driven legislative and political advocacy. Working closely with the Legislative and Political Director, the Organizer focuses on building the grassroots power necessary to advance environmental priorities at the state level. The Organizer, along with the Legislative and Political Director, leads the organization and execution of citizen lobby days, district-level lawmaker meetings, and other grassroots advocacy actions. They build and support volunteer leadership teams, facilitate training for activists on legislative engagement, and coordinate ongoing volunteer communication and engagement cycles tied to key legislative and electoral campaigns.

This position requires frequent evening and weekend work for volunteer meetings and public events; requires an ability to travel within the state with a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record; and may require occasional out-of-state travel to regional or national meetings.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

Grassroots organizing & teamwork. You have experience working with groups using democratic decision-making. You have worked with partners to achieve shared goals by building pressure on a decision-maker through escalating advocacy tactics. You can manage a fast-moving, dynamic campaign plan involving multiple stakeholders, partners, volunteers, and decision-makers. You can motivate groups of people to take action for a cause and find joy in developing leaders while building grassroots power. Experience lobbying or representing elected or appointed office at any level of government is highly desirable.
Strong written, oral & facilitation skills. You can communicate complex topics clearly and concisely while tailoring your message to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. You are comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups, hosting virtual convenings, leading group discussions, and facilitating hands-on workshops. You are able to convey information and help everyone share their ideas while moving through an intentional agenda in a timely manner. Reliable communicator who regularly follows up with volunteer leaders.
Project Management: Self-starter with project management and facilitation skills. Able to work well on teams to accomplish goals. Able to facilitate others to buy into projects and timelines. Demonstrates the ability to create rapport and inspire trust. Open to feedback and learning new skills.
Equity Analysis and Practice. You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role.
Committed to evolution: You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
Tech Proficiency. Experience using Google Suite, Zoom and social media platforms.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience, and competencies:

Issue Expertise: Knowledge of environmental issues, and either expertise or an ability to develop expertise in state energy, water, transportation, climate justice, and/or conservation areas.
Political Expertise: Knowledge of the political, policy, and regulatory landscape in the state. Best candidates will have some relationships and/or an understanding of the major players in business, organizations, and government. They will also have experience working on electoral campaigns and working with candidates running for office.
Volunteer Development: Track record of recruiting and developing volunteer leaders along a progression of leadership. Skillful at building trusting, mutually accountable relationships with a diversity of volunteer leaders. Skillful at placing volunteers with roles that match their expertise and passions.
Digital Tools: Experience with digital organizing tools like Hustle or VAN.

The salary range for this position is $59,000 – $62,000 annually.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of AZA’s conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals
Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff
Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings
Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts
Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception
Participate in relevant policy coalitions
Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group
Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.
Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

Education and Experience

5+ years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or with a member service association
2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives
Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred
Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus

Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and political processes
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and non-governmental organization representatives
Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills
Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written
Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and to serve as a voice to external audiences
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members
Ability to travel required