Director of Communities and Toxics

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a Director of Communities and Toxics to join CLF’s Environmental Justice (EJ) team working for a healthy and thriving New England for all. CLF’s Environmental Justice program works in partnership with communities, civic leaders, other advocacy groups and the private sector to advance CLF’s mission and create lasting and equitable change across the region. Staff in the EJ program bring expertise in law, policy, and community organizing, to the most urgent challenges facing New England, from climate change to transportation justice and addressing the waste crisis.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside the VP of Environmental Justice to set and implement programmatic priorities, including working with communities to fight the siting of harmful facilities and reduce exposures to toxics in daily life. The director will support advocates across the region in developing and advancing litigation and policy initiatives, as well as strengthening community partnerships to advocate for environmental justice and to advance local and statewide policies and decisions that better protect the health and environment of communities that have been historically marginalized.

The position is preferred to be based in Boston, MA, but New England-based candidates will also be considered. There is an opportunity for some remote and flexible work within New England.

What you’ll do:

• Work alongside and support the VP, Environmental Justice to refine the vision and implementation strategy for CLF’s community justice and toxics work, ensuring it is aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities;
• Support the VP’s vision by assisting with managing day-to-day initiatives including supervising staff, assigning work, acting as a sounding board, and helping to solve problems;
  • Build and maintain alliances with community groups, other advocacy groups, and residents to identify environmental problems disproportionately affecting the health of people and neighborhoods in New England;
  • Support the intake process for the EJ program;
• Act as a senior member of the program team, including taking the lead on major initiatives as assigned and being a resource to others;
  • Work with other CLF advocates to identify and implement legal and policy strategies to advance environmental justice issues identified in partnership with community members;
• Work closely with other senior leaders on the EJ team to execute a team-wide strategy;
  • Engage in effective and inclusive management practices that support team members and ensure a healthy and inclusive workplace culture;
  • Assist with hiring, supervising, mentoring, and coaching team members;
  • 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, as requested.What you’ll need

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, including litigation and policy experience;
• Demonstrated experience in managing people and projects;
• A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in any state (New England is preferred) is required;
• Experience working on environmental justice issues, preferably in the New England region;
• 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;
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Experience with the siting of polluting facilities, toxics, community engagement, and related issues is a strong plus.

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 state houses, court houses and board rooms, regulatory hearings, and community gatherings—to forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF 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.

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 when based in Boston is $130,000 - $153,000; actual salary will reflect experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

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

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