Federal Legislative Director

The Southern Environmental Law Center is seeking a Federal Legislative Director on the Federal Affairs team in our Washington, DC office. This individual will report to the Director of Federal Affairs and conceive, develop, and execute advocacy campaigns with minimal oversight. They are expected to be the preeminent legislative/administrative advocate within the organization on their assigned issues. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of professional work experience and provide guidance and insight derived from that experience to the rest of the Federal Affairs team and SELC as a whole.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. However, the Federal Affairs team is expected to be in the office or on the Hill on days when Congress is in session.

Primary Responsibilities:
Maintain a large issue portfolio including several inter-related issue areas.
Conceive, develop, and execute advocacy campaigns with minimal oversight.
Cultivate and maintain new and existing relationships in Congress and administrative agencies.
Seek out opportunities and represent SELC interests in various public settings, including briefings, guest lectures, or similar venues.
Provide critical political context for decision-making in various issues relating to their portfolio.
Drive internal and external messaging around area(s) of expertise, in coordination with internal communications staff.
Interface with executive agencies when appropriate for advancing SELC’s policy goals.
Assist in the development of materials for communications and development purposes.
Provide a two-way information stream between DC and staff in other SELC offices.
Build strong working relationships with SELC staff and mentor Federal Affairs team members.
Participate in environmental community meetings, with the ability to take a leadership role in these settings when appropriate.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 8 years’ work experience in a legislative or political role to include time working on or around Capitol Hill.
Deep integration in the DC environmental and conservation community.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the legislative process, including appropriations and reconciliation.
Extensive bipartisan legislative network.
Commitment to protecting communities and landscapes.

Desired Qualifications:
Advanced degree preferred but not required.
Connection to the people and places of the South.
Familiarity working with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations.
A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

About SELC:
The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at https://www.selc.org/.

Compensation & Benefits:
SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary range for this full-time exempt position is $127,000- $148,000, commensurate with experience. For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page.

SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.

SELC will also provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for an SELC position, up to a specific dollar amount and contingent on the move being at least 50 miles from the current primary address.

To Apply:
To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is Sunday, February 1st at 11:59 pm EST.