(Sr.) Legislative Representative

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 (please see details below about the differences between each position).

The other position will be a Senior 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 issue area experts to develop positions and strategies.
• Coordinate with litigation staff when developing advocacy strategies.
• Develop lobby and education materials, including fact sheets, letters, action alerts, and blogs.
• Collaborate with the Communications Department on media strategies and outreach.
• Perform policy, legislative, and legal analysis.
• Plan public education initiatives for assigned issues.
• Develop and expand relationships with key decision-maker staff.

Coalition and Partnerships (20–30%)

• Create and maintain leadership positions within relevant environmental communities.
• Represent Earthjustice in coalitions and with allies.
• Engage partners in strategy development and advocacy opportunities.
• Cultivate partnerships and expand coalitions.
• Encourage relationships between litigators and advocacy partners.
• Coordinate events such as briefings, seminars, and fly-ins.

Internal Coordination/Administration (15%)

• Represent PAL on Earthjustice working groups.
• Liaise with Legislative Director, litigators, and communications staff.
• Support other PAL lobbyists as needed.
• Coordinate with other lobbyists on shared or cross-cutting issues.
• Keep PAL leadership informed on relevant work.
• Support Earthjustice’s DEI mission through training and internal initiatives.
• Ensure timely reporting and participate in relevant strategy meetings.

*A Senior Legislative Representative/Counsel will also:

• Manage relationships between litigators and advocacy partners.
• Support fundraising efforts as needed.

Supervision (5% – potential future supervision 10%)

• Supervise projects or staff working on assigned issues.
• Senior roles may have direct supervisory responsibility.

Qualifications

Legislative Representative/Counsel

• 2–6 years’ experience with the legislative process.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in applicable field (JD for Legislative Counsel title).
• Familiarity with rulemaking and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of key agencies like DOE, FERC, PHMSA preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in coalitions.
• Experience with media and public education.
• Commitment to DEI and a healthy work culture.

Sr. Legislative Representative/Counsel

• 6+ years in legislative or agency advocacy roles.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience (JD for Sr. Legislative Counsel title).
• Extensive knowledge of federal rulemaking and legislative processes.
• Strong relationships with congressional committees and federal agencies.
• Familiarity with U.S. environmental and/or energy laws a plus.
• Proven success in developing and executing strategies.
• Leadership in coalitions and outreach efforts.
• Strong media, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently.
• Commitment to inclusive recruiting and work culture.

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.

Salary (Washington, D.C.):

• Legislative Representative/Counsel: $109,700 – $121,900
• Sr. Legislative Representative/Counsel: $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.