Description:

A Non-Profit Environmental Advocacy Organization is seeking a Managing Staff Attorney to work with the Environment, Equity & Justice Center team in our New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Santa Monica, or San Francisco office.

Position Summary:
This Associate Director & Staff Attorney will work in close collaboration with members of NRDC's Programs and Departments to advance community-led campaigns and environmental justice. The ideal candidate is flexible, thrives in collaborative environments, embraces solving complex and nuanced problems, and is a strategic thinker with excellent communications and interpersonal skills. They will represent NRDC and the Environment, Equity and Justice Center in internal and external forums.

To apply for this position please include a resume, cover letter, and pre-existing legal writing sample that reflects your own work.

Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Lead the development of cross-disciplinary community-led campaigns with staff in the Center and across the organization to advance community-driven solutions and priorities of our EJ and community partners.
Provide in-depth subject matter expertise in community lawyering and advise on a wide range of legal, environmental justice, social justice, and movement building issues.
Integrating community lawyering strategies and community-led advocacy into the Center's core functions and vision, and NRDC more broadly in furtherance of the organization's commitment to equity and justice.
Collaborate with staff across the organization to strengthen NRDC's operational capacities to advance EJ campaigns and to integrate community-driven strategies in their advocacy by advising on substance and approach.
Develop strong and collaborative relationships with EJ leaders and represent NRDC in external coalitions and partnerships to inform and improve institutional relationships with EJ communities.
Develop cases and advocate in administrative and legislative processes, including but not limited to conducting factual, legal and policy research, drafting comment letters, drafting briefs and other pleadings, and advocating on bills, ordinances, and regulations.
Manage full-time staff, consultants, fellows, interns, and work closely with the Center staff to ensure that the Center's priorities and activities are integrated and mutually supporting.

The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position's responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:
Education & Experience:

Juris Doctor degree
Member of the Bar in the state where the position is located
In-depth project management, legal and policy advocacy skills with a minimum of 6 years of experience in environmental or social justice lawyering, and at least 4 years of experience working in EJ coalitions to provide legal and policy support.
And/or equivalent education or experience

Skills, Abilities, Competencies

In-depth knowledge of environmental and civil rights laws and policies, EJ principles, and community-lawyering.
Forward-looking, and strategic thinker with strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
Team player with a proven ability to develop cross-disciplinary strategies to advance EJ campaign priorities and collaborate in a complex/matrixed organizational structure.
Exceptional research, writing, communication, organization, and analytical skills.
Experience and demonstrated success working in diverse coalitions and in partnership with community groups, particularly BIPOC-led groups, with a proven ability to forge common ground.
Experience with public speaking on technical and non-technical topics, with an ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, including on EJ principles and approach.
Demonstrated commitment to incorporating and growing the use of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in NRDC's work.
Ability to contribute effectively as a member of a team and collaborate across a large non-profit organization.
Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to forge strong working relationships as a people manager.
Strict adherence to confidentiality requirements and discretion with sensitive information.
Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse colleagues, leaders and partners.
Ability to occasionally travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10% annually.
Commitment to NRDC's mission, values, and DEI principles.