Earthjustice Careers

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect peoples health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage in the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. 

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. 

The Earthjustice Policy & Legislation (PAL) team is hiring a Senior Legislative Representative to provide legislative and administrative strategy development and implementation on issues related to industrial chemical pollution and regulatory toxics issues. This position will report to the Legislative Director of Healthy Communities.  

The position directly interfaces with relevant congressional offices, committees, and staff, executive branch offices, and other related offices and entities. This will be hybrid from the Washington, D.C., office twice/weekly. 

*Please note, candidates with a JD will receive the title of Sr. Legislative Counsel. 

Responsibilities 

Lobby Strategy Development and Implementation (60%) 

• Develop and implement legislative and administrative advocacy strategies relating to assigned issues.
• Directly lobby Congress and the Administration
• Educate the Administration and Congress on key legal challenges and rulings.
• Serve as spokesperson for Earthjustice on assigned issues. Tracks legislation and policy initiatives relating to assigned issues.
• Works with the Legislative Director and, as warranted, internal issue area experts to develop positions and strategies on relevant legislation and administrative actions.
• Works with relevant litigation staff when developing and implementing legislative and administrative advocacy strategies and positions that are related to the practice areas.
• Develops lobby and education materials, including but not limited to fact sheets, letters, action alerts and blogs.
• Works with Communications Department to develop media strategies and conducts media outreach and the creation of social media, blogs and op-eds and other strategic communications tools on assigned issues
• Perform policy, legislative and legal analysis.
• Plan and implement initiatives to educate the public and foster broader public advocacy for assigned issues.
• Develop, maintain and expand trusting relationships with staff of key decision makers. 

Coalition and Partnerships (20-30%) 

• Creates and maintains a leadership position within the DC environmental community on assigned issues, as well as with regional and local environmental and social justice communities as appropriate.
• Represent Earthjustice in coalitions and with allies on assigned issues.
• Create opportunities for partners and allies to engage in education and advocacy on assigned issues and to be engaged in strategy development as appropriate.
• Cultivate and expand the range of allies, thoughtful partnerships and coalitions in support of assigned issues.
• Facilitate and encourage relationships between litigators and advocacy partners as appropriate.
• Coordinate briefings, seminars, and informational sessions with partners as well as support partners traditional and social media outreach as appropriate.
• Plan and execute events such as fly-ins, lobby days, etc.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Internal Coordination/Administration (15%) 

• Represents PAL on Earthjustice working groups related to assigned issues.
• Liaison with Earthjustice Legislative Director, relevant litigators, and communications staff working on assigned issues.
• Act as a team player, including assisting other PAL lobbyists when pressed to complete actions pertaining to their assigned issues.
• Coordinate with other PAL lobbyists on shared legislation or cross-cutting issues.
• Ensure PAL V.P., Legislative Director and other PAL lobbyists are aware of the work you are doing that may impact them, for coordination, etc.
• Contribute to Earthjustice’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) mission through involvement in trainings and internal working groups.
• Ensure timely submission of attendance, time accounting and reimbursement requests.
• Participate and contribute to strategy meetings regarding possible or pending litigation bound to impact advocacy efforts on covered issues.
• Assist in efforts to cultivate diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization and the broader environmental community. 

*A Senior Legislative Representative/Counsel will also have the following responsibilities: 

• Manage and coordinate relationships between litigators and advocacy partners as appropriate.
• Assist in fundraising efforts related to assigned issue areas as requested by the Earthjustice Development Department. 

SUPERVISION (5%  potential future supervision -10%) 

• Supervise projects and other efforts performed on assigned issues by Earthjustice Legislative Counsels, Representatives, Associates, Assistants, Interns or contractors.
• Senior Legislative Representative/ Counsel may be assigned direct supervisory responsibility for one employee. 

Qualifications 

• 6+ years experience in the legislative or federal agency advocacy process.
• Masters degree or equivalent experience. Candidates with JD will receive the title Sr. Legislative Counsel.
• Substantial knowledge and experience with administrative rulemaking process.
• Substantial knowledge with legislative process at the federal level.
• Substantial professional working relationships with relevant congressional committees, key staff of relevant federal agencies and departments, and other regulatory bodies.
• Familiarity and experience with administrative rulemaking process.
• Substantial knowledge of, and experience with, the legislative process primarily at the federal level.
• Experience with U.S. environmental and/or energy laws a plus.
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful legislative and administrative strategies and implement public education initiatives.
• Maintain leadership within D.C. environmental community on assigned issues.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects and deadlines.
• Detail oriented and good organizational skills.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in coalitions and with allies and ability to grow these relationships.
• Significant experience working with traditional and social media.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively.
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
• Contributes to recruiting, hiring, developing and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. 

Salary is dependent on experience and location. 

Sr. Legislative Representative/Counsel Salary range in Washington, D.C.: $140,000 - $155,500  

To Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a: 

• Resume 
• Cover Letter 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.