Associate Vice President, Strategic Litigation

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an Associate VP of Strategic Litigation to join our team working for a healthy and thriving New England for all. CLF’s Strategic Litigation team works on groundbreaking environmental law cases, currently including climate-change liability claims against the world’s largest oil and gas producers and cases that will reduce nutrient pollution that fuels toxic algae outbreaks. Other cases may address the negative consequences of plastics in the environment, climate change related greenwashing claims, or hold parties responsible for release of emerging contaminants into the environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside and support the Vice President (VP) of Strategic Litigation to set and implement programmatic and legal direction and priorities consistent with the organization’s strategic plan. Through excellent supervisory, delegation, and organizational skills as well as keen knowledge of litigation, you will support the Vice President in guiding the team.

The position is strongly preferred to be based in Boston, MA but being based in CLF’s Providence, RI or New Haven, CT offices will be considered. There is also some opportunity for remote and flexible work within New England.

What you’ll do: 

• Work alongside and support the VP, Strategic Litigation to refine the vision and implementation strategy for CLF’s strategic litigation work, ensuring it is aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities;
• Support the VP’s vision by assisting with managing the day-to-day operations of the program including assigning work, acting as a sounding board, and helping to solve problems;
• Act as a senior member of the program team including taking the lead on major cases/initiatives as assigned and being a resource to other members;
• Engage in effective and inclusive management practices that support team members and ensure a healthy and inclusive workplace culture;
• Hire, supervise, mentor, and coach team members;
• Represent CLF and other parties in litigation and administrative proceedings;
• Negotiate civil penalties, injunctive relief, and fee and cost recovery;
• Work closely with the team to build partnerships with people and communities most impacted by the issues we work on and where CLF policy, programmatic and legal actions will have the greatest impact;
•  Work with CLF’s development team and the VP on fundraising efforts;
• Work with CLF’s finance team and the VP to develop and manage an annual program budget;
• Work with CLF’s communications team and the VP on communications and marketing efforts; and
• Represent CLF, the program, and/or the program VP before partner communities, public officials, supporters, and other audiences.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law, especially litigation, and substantial experience in managing people and projects;
• A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state (New England state is preferred);
• Demonstrated success in navigating complex policy and programmatic initiatives; 
• Experience starting and building new initiatives, teams, or large-scale endeavors;
• A collaborative leadership style, with proven ability to lead, manage, and support interdisciplinary teams;
• Strong skills in networking, fundraising, financial management, and communications; and
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with various lived experiences. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background.

About CLF

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. A non-profit, member-supported organization, CLF uses the law, science, and the market to solve the region’s most challenging environmental problems, from climate change to ocean conservation to transportation. Every day, CLF advocates stand up for New Englanders—in statehouses, courthouses, boardrooms, regulatory hearings, and community gatherings—to forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF frequently works with communities of color, and those that are economically or otherwise disadvantaged, which often suffer disproportionately from the impacts of environmental degradation.

CLF is committed to diversity among our staff, volunteers, boards, and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive.

Compensation & Benefits

CLF offers a competitive salary, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive, and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected. The starting salary range for the position is $110,000 - $132,000 if based in Boston and $99,000-$119,000 if based in a CLF office outside of MA; actual salary will reflect experience, qualification, and where the selected candidate is based. 

We recognize the value of work-life balance and also strive to create opportunities for growth for all employees through professional development.

CLF considers the health and safety of its staff members and their families, our guests, our visitors, and the community at large to be a top priority. All offers to work, intern, or volunteer with CLF are conditioned on the candidate complying with CLF’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.