Policy Director

ABOUT BRIGHTLINE

Established in 2005 in San Francisco, Brightline Defense is an environmental justice nonprofit that bridges policy advocacy and on-the-ground partnerships to promote sustainability and opportunity in frontline communities. We are committed to reshaping the environmental landscape to ensure that all communities, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, more sustainable, and inclusive future.

Brightline’s current efforts focus on:

Policy Development & Advocacy
Engaging frontline communities in advocating for environmental and workforce policies that benefit people and nature.

On-the-Ground Partnerships
Sharing knowledge, training, and building coalitions that empower frontline communities to advocate and prosper from sustainable development.

Meaningful Connections
Acting as a bridge between community members and policymakers, regulators, and industry to ensure community needs shape plans for economic growth and environmental protection.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Policy Director

Brightline Defense is seeking an entrepreneurial Policy Director with the ability to develop and contribute to the development of legal/regulatory affairs strategy in support of ambitious policy objectives. The Policy Director is an advocate for clean air, renewable energy infrastructure, equitable workforce development, and environmental justice in California.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Analysis & Regulatory Affairs (60%)

• Define and realize the long-term vision, strategies, and priorities for leveraging and building legal and policy expertise in the environmental justice movement.
• Research and analyze topics such as equitable deployment of renewable energy and green jobs.
• Analyze state and federal climate policies affecting environmental justice communities.
• Support legislative hearings, administrative advocacy, and regulatory proceedings.
• Co-create public comments, white papers, policy designs, and technical reports.
• Act as Brightline’s point person on regulatory education and communication.

Organizational Leadership & Management (20%)

• Serve as a member of the organizational leadership team.
• Supervise the Senior Policy Associate and lead fellowship programs.
• Manage legal consultants and participate in budget management.
• Support fundraising efforts related to the policy agenda.

Coalition Building (20%)

• Convene and facilitate meetings with coalition partners.
• Foster information sharing on state and federal regulatory issues.
• Track policy and regulatory dockets and identify strategic engagement opportunities.

ABOUT YOU

The incoming Policy Director is driven by a belief in and commitment to Brightline’s vision. The successful candidate is entrepreneurial, self-directed, and has a track record as a policy advocate or legal strategist. The candidate should have a deep commitment to environmental justice principles and a strong grasp of economic, social, and political forces shaping environmental policy in California.

Core Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to Brightline’s mission and goals.
• At least 5 years in public policy with a proven track record.
• At least 2 years of intentional leadership and management experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of movements and regulatory processes.
• Outstanding research, analysis, and communication skills.

Strongly Preferred:

• JD
• Background in environmental, climate, energy, regulatory, or civil rights policy.

Preferred:

• MS in public policy or public administration.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Brightline is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized communities.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Competitive nonprofit compensation, salary range $125,000 – $140,000. Year-end bonus, comprehensive health care, 3% retirement match, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Hybrid work policy. All staff required to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume, sample legal brief/memo, and cover letter to jobs@brightlinedefense.org with “Policy Director” in the subject line.

Answer the following:

1. What motivates you to spend your time and talent on climate and environmental justice?
2. Briefly share a policy win you played a key role in. What was the goal, coalition, and what did you learn from the experience?

Submission in a combined PDF or Microsoft Word file is preferred. This position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.