Senior Policy Advisor

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is now accepting applications for a Senior Policy Advisor.  

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. SELC’s work focuses on the following program areas: climate change, environmental justice, clean energy, healthy air, transportation and land use, clean water, wetlands and coasts, and forest protection.  

The Senior Policy Advisor will play a critical role in advancing SELC’s mission by leading advocacy efforts on complex environmental issues through in-depth policy research and analysis, building strategic partnerships, engaging in public communication, and direct advocacy to decision makers. The ideal candidate will have at least eight years of public policy experience, including roles in Congress or federal agencies. 

This is a full-time, exempt position with a flexible start date. The position may be located in any SELC office. All employees must reside in a state where SELC has an office or in Maryland/Washington, D.C. Relocation reimbursement is available for those moving to join us. 

Primary Responsibilities:  

The Senior Policy Advisor will: 

• Design and execute multifaceted advocacy campaigns in conjunction with SELC’s legal, policy, and communications staff. 
• Track, analyze, and assess federal, state, and local legislation, policies, and regulations related to environmental issues. 
• Collaborate with state and local partners to develop strategic policy recommendations and support the implementation of advocacy plans. 
• Cultivate strong relationships with SELC’s clients, partners, and external stakeholders, including public officials and government agencies. Represent SELC in strategic partnerships and collaborations, and engage with environmental organizations and community groups from diverse backgrounds to promote coordinated advocacy efforts. 
• Support policy initiatives by working with lawyers, scientists, and policy advocates to draft and refine regulatory language and comments on proposed legislation. 
• Partner with the communications team to influence external decision-makers, increase political leverage, and develop clear, impactful content to engage scientists, policymakers, and the public. 
• Develop and champion new strategies that produce tangible results and opportunities for SELC to advance its strategic plan within the advisor’s field of expertise. 
• Develop and maintain expertise in law and policy developments in one or more of SELC’s program areas. 
• Manage multidisciplinary projects, including developing and implementing work plans involving SELC’s communications and geospatial teams, consultants, and experts. 
• Earn a positive reputation with decision makers and clients as a capable and valued partner with significant expertise, and a leader in the advisor’s field. 
• Work collaboratively with state office and regional program teams. Carry internal responsibility as part of the office, program teams, administration, and development. 
• Communicate clearly and simply about advocacy and program work with SELC’s communications, development, and marketing teams. 
• Support SELC’s development efforts and serve as an effective representative and spokesperson before donors and other constituencies. 
• Support SELC’s collegial and collaborative approach. 

Qualifications:   

• A minimum of eight years of experience in public policy and research, with a background in environmental policy or government affairs preferred but not required. 
• Service in federal or state government is preferred but not required. 
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required; J.D. or other advanced degree preferred. 
• Proven ability to handle complex, important matters with a high degree of competence, independence, effectiveness, integrity, professionalism, and sound strategic judgment. 
• Experience as a representative or spokesperson before courts, legislatures, agencies, and/or other key audiences.  
• Excellent advocacy skills with superior written work product and oral presentation. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and environmental partners to advance organizational goals. 
• A strong work ethic and sense of initiative, demonstrated by the ability to meet internal and external deadlines.  
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. You engage in ongoing learning and are eager to contribute to our organizational efforts in this area. 

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 reflects 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 dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more.  

 Compensation & Benefits:   

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary range for this position is $115,000 – $136,000, commensurate with experience. Learn more about our benefits package. 

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

SELC offers relocation reimbursement for those moving at least 50 miles from their current primary address to accept a SELC position, up to a specified dollar amount. 

 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 and resume. 

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. We still have much progress to make, but our goal is to create and maintain a staff that, at every level, reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of the communities where we work and the clients that we serve. Persons of all backgrounds—including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates—are strongly encouraged to apply.