(Sr.) Legislative Representative

About Earthjustice

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 people’s 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 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 two Legislative Representatives. One position will provide legislative and administrative strategy development and implementation on issues related to clean air issues, including protection and advancement of the Clean Air Act. For this position, we are open to candidates at a Legislative Representative or Senior Legislative Representative level depending on experience.

The other position will be a Sr. Legislative Representative that focuses on providing leadership on the electrification of the transportation, building, and industrial sectors, including the advancement of policies that promote a zero-emissions economy and defend and build on the policy progress made through measures like the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and related issue priorities.

The positions directly interface with relevant congressional offices, committees, and staff, as well as executive branch offices such as the White House Council on Environmental Quality and other related executive branch offices, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, 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.
• Track legislation and policy initiatives relating to assigned issues.
• Work with the Legislative Director and internal experts to develop positions and strategies on relevant legislation and administrative actions.
• Collaborate with litigation staff on legislative and administrative advocacy strategies.
• Develop lobby and education materials, including fact sheets, letters, action alerts and blogs.
• Coordinate with Communications to develop media strategies, social media, blogs, op-eds, and other communication tools.
• Perform policy, legislative and legal analysis.
• Plan and implement public education and advocacy initiatives.
• Develop and maintain trusting relationships with key decision-maker staff.

Coalition and Partnerships (20–30%)

• Maintain a leadership position within the DC environmental community on assigned issues.
• Represent Earthjustice in coalitions and with allies.
• Create opportunities for partner engagement in advocacy and strategy development.
• Expand coalitions in support of assigned issues.
• Facilitate relationships between litigators and advocacy partners.
• Coordinate briefings, seminars, and informational sessions with partners.
• Support partners’ media outreach as appropriate.
• Plan and execute events such as fly-ins, lobby days, etc.

Internal Coordination/Administration (15%)

• Represent PAL on Earthjustice working groups.
• Liaise with Legislative Director, litigators, and communications staff.
• Support fellow PAL lobbyists as needed.
• Coordinate with lobbyists on shared or cross-cutting issues.
• Keep PAL leadership informed of relevant work.
• Contribute to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
• Submit attendance, time accounting, and reimbursement requests on time.
• Participate in strategy meetings related to litigation and advocacy.

*A Senior Legislative Representative/Counsel will also:

• Manage and coordinate relationships between litigators and advocacy partners.
• Support fundraising efforts related to issue areas.

Supervision (5% — potential future supervision -10%)

• Supervise projects by Earthjustice Legislative staff or contractors.
• Senior Legislative Representative/Counsel may supervise one employee.

Qualifications

Legislative Representative/Counsel Qualifications

• 2–6 years’ experience with the legislative process.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. JD candidates receive Legislative Counsel title.
• Familiarity with administrative rulemaking and the legislative process.
• Knowledge of key agencies (FERC, DOE, PHMSA, etc.) preferred.
• Strong organizational, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Proven coalition and media engagement experience.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to DEI principles and an inclusive work culture.

Sr. Legislative Representative/Counsel Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in legislative or federal agency advocacy roles.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience. JD candidates receive Sr. Legislative Counsel title.
• Extensive knowledge of rulemaking and legislative processes.
• Professional relationships with Congress and federal agencies.
• Familiarity with U.S. environmental/energy law a plus.
• Ability to lead D.C. environmental community engagement on assigned issues.
• Strong communications and organizational skills.
• Proven record in coalition building, media use, and independent strategy development.
• Dedication to inclusive hiring and workforce development practices.

Compensation

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.

Legislative Representative/Counsel Salary Range in Washington, D.C.: $109,700 – $121,900

Sr. Legislative Representative/Counsel Salary Range in Washington, D.C.: $135,800 – $150,900

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a:

• Resume
• Cover letter

Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. 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.