Legislative Associate or Legislative Director

~ With nine offices across the region (Charlottesville, VA; Chapel Hill, NC; Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; Washington, DC; Birmingham, AL; Nashville, TN; Asheville, NC; and Richmond, VA), the Southern Environmental Law Center is widely recognized as the Southeast’s foremost environmental organization and regional leader. ~

SELC works on a full range of environmental issues to protect the South’s natural resources and the health and well-being of its people. Although its regional focus is the Southeast, much of its work is national in scope and impact.

SELC works in Congress and state legislatures to inform environmental laws; in regulatory agencies to implement environmental laws and policies; and in the courts to enforce the law, stop the worst abuses, and set important precedents. The organization works collaboratively with more than 100 national, state, and local groups to enhance their efficacy and achieve common conservation goals. It currently has a staff of 145, with over 80 attorneys, including some of the nation’s leading experts in their respective fields. Additional information is available at www.southernenvironment.org.

SELC prides itself on collegiality, teamwork, and mutual respect among its staff and board. We seek to bring these same values to our work in partnership with organizations, communities, and people of all backgrounds that share our mission to protect the environment of the South. The South has a rich natural diversity and an equally rich cultural diversity. To better fulfill its mission, SELC is committed to broadening the diversity of its staff. We believe this will strengthen our organization and our effectiveness in responding to the many environmental challenges affecting the South and its people.

Position Overview

The Southern Environmental Law Center is seeking a legislative associate or a legislative director, with 5-10 years of experience, or more, to join its Government Relations team in Washington, D.C. This is an excellent opportunity to join an organization that is successfully addressing some of the most important and challenging environmental issues facing the Southeast and the nation.

Responsibilities

• SELC’s government relations team works in Congress and federal agencies to advance policy objectives that enhance environmental protection and quality of life in the Southeast.
• The team is closely connected with attorneys in our offices across the region and brings SELC’s law and policy expertise to bear on federal policymaking.
• The legislative associate or legislative director works with the team to implement SELC’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
• Duties include developing and executing legislative or administrative advocacy strategy in coordination with our attorneys, monitoring legislative hearings, tracking legislation and policy issues, working with SELC policy and legal staff to develop support materials, representing SELC at coalition meetings, participating in meetings with congressional and administrative staff, and coordinating the DC office’s social media presence.
• This advocate must be able to work independently and take the lead on issues.
• This is a 3-year appointment. Start date is as soon as possible.

Qualifications

• We are seeking a highly motivated individual with 5-10, or more, years of experience in legislative and/or environmental policy making, and a strong work ethic and sense of initiative.
• Experience on Capitol Hill, in an Administration position, or in an advocacy role at an NGO is required.
• The successful applicant will have excellent academic credentials, strong writing, communication and interpersonal skills, a demonstrated ability to work well in a collegial setting, and a strong personal commitment to SELC’s mission.
• A graduate degree is preferred but not essential.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is at least $55,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience, and a strong benefits package.

To Apply

If you have these qualifications and are seeking a challenging and rewarding environmental advocacy position, please click "Apply" below to upload your letter of interest, resume, and at least three references.