Federal Legislative and Policy Attorney – Chesapeake Bay Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Federal Legislative and Policy Attorney in the EPR department to be based at our DC office.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
Established in 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act’s impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.

CBF has a staff of approximately 210 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
CBF’s headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first U.S. Green Build Council’s LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world’s most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CBF has an annual budget of approximately $30 million and is supported by over 300,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
CBF’s Environmental Protection and Restoration department defends and restores the Chesapeake Bay by protecting the Bay’s natural resources from pollution and other harmful activities by fighting for strong and effective laws and regulations; restoring the Bay’s essential habitats and filtering mechanisms; and involving citizens in CBF’s environmental efforts by recruiting, training, and incorporating them as effective partners and leaders.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

The Federal Legislative and Policy Attorney will work with the Federal Executive Director, other Federal Office staff, and with other CBF departments to formulate position statements and strategies on federal environmental legislation, regulations, and other related policies. Serves as legal advisor on all aspects of the Federal Office policy and advocacy programs. Advocates CBF position to Members of Congress and their offices, federal agencies, partner organizations, business/community decision-makers, other stakeholders, and the general public. Assists in drafting all written testimony and draft language submitted by CBF for bills and amendments. Handles legal aspects of State Office policy and advocacy programs, including and response to agency positions and activities. This is a term position expected to last until June 30, 2025.

Essential functions include:
1. In coordination with the Federal Executive Director, initiates pro-active change in statute, regulation, or policy that furthers CBF goals/objectives; responds to others’ proposed changes in statute, regulation, or policy.
a. Monitors all federal regulatory and legislative developments that affect Bay’s health.
b. Interprets relevant codes, statutes, regulations, and case law.
c. Prepares synthesis/summary of issues and proposed solutions.
d. Prepares formal proposals, with advocacy materials, for new legislation, regulations, or policies.
e. In coordination with Federal Executive Director, works with litigation department in managing EPR’s engagement in federal regulatory issues and drafting comment letters.
f. Lobbies and negotiates with high-ranking government officials, legislators, business and community leaders.
g. Develops and maintains key contacts in Congress and the various federal agencies.
h. Works with affected industry/community leaders, state government representatives and personnel, and other concerned individuals to inform and advance CBF’s position on public policy issues.
i. As the need arises, serves on partner coalitions, legislative or executive task forces and issue-oriented work groups.
2. Engagement with CBF’s Making History Campaign
a. Works in collaboration with the Federal Executive Director and CBF’s Making History Campaign director to implement the 1 Million Voices strategic plan.
b. Works with other CBF staff to create content to engage and educate grassroots activists through the Bay Advocacy Institute.

3. As appropriate under the circumstances, handles various ad hoc legal issues that arise outside legislative or regulatory contexts. This may include referral to outside specialists.

4. Work to ensure that systems, organizational culture, and practices are aligned with CBF’s mission, values and commitments related to DEIJ.
5. Develop and refine programs and activities to ensure equitable practices and support the development of a diverse and effective team.
6. Ensure an inclusive working environments that supports diverse populations

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Law degree and admission to federal, DC or at least one state bar, excellent public-speaking and written communication skills, and at least five years’ experience working on complex environmental issues including lobbying experience for non-profit advocacy groups. Educational background in environmental law, administrative law, science, ecology, or related topics. Helpful: knowledge federal lobbying rules.

Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ability to receive and give supportive feedback to foster equity and inclusion in working relationships. Ability to recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers. Having flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.

Salary Range: $105,000

Please note this is a campaign-funded position that is expected to be funded for multiple years. However, as with any position that is dependent on campaign money, there is the risk of unexpected funding problems and the position can no longer be funded through the campaign. IF that should happen, CBF will review the position at that time to determine if it can then be funded from other sources of income within the organization.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on CBF website.

CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE

Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Success depends on people from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking collective action. Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.

To increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will:

* Recruit and retain a staff, board, and membership that reflect the diversity of people living within the Chesapeake Bay region;
* Strengthen and broaden the diversity of our partnerships;
* Celebrate and value the diversity of staff; and
* Fight to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.

CBF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.