Director of Legal Strategy

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the organization's long-term legal strategy.
• Establish work plans for the Legal Department based on the priorities of the organization.
• Supervise, mentor, recruit, and evaluate legal staff, interns, and fellows.
• Build the long-term strength and reputation of the Legal Department.
• Identify emerging legal risks and opportunities.
• Advise the President & CEO on litigation.
• Oversee litigation in state and federal courts.
• Direct administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies.
• Prepare briefs, motions, petitions, comments, testimony, and appellate filings.
• Manage outside counsel, experts, and litigation budgets as appropriate.
• Collaborate with grants manager, program and communications department on applications funding for general operating support.
• Collaborate with the grants manager on grant applications to support the legal department.
• Oversee provision of legal support to communities facing local environmental health risks through Clean Wisconsin’s Environmental Health Initiative.
• Oversee legal research to support program departments.
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure initiatives are supported by sound legal analysis.
• Maintain relationships with law firms, universities, and partner organizations.
• Represent Clean Wisconsin in legal forums and professional associations.
• Help communicate the impact of the Legal Department to institutional funders and major donors when appropriate.

Requirements

• Excellent strategic judgment.
• Outstanding oral and written communication.
• Ability to manage complex litigation.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Discretion and sound judgment.
• Commitment to accuracy.
• Flexibility and creativity.
• Sense of humor.
• Commitment to Clean Wisconsin's mission.
• Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Skills

• J.D.; Wisconsin Bar admission or eligibility.
• 10+ years of litigation experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading an organization, program or initiative (including fundraising responsibilities).
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Environmental, administrative, energy, public utility, natural resources, or appellate practice (preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range for the position is $130,000-$150,000, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match, life and disability insurance, commuter benefits, a flexible hybrid work environment, paid time off and holidays.

Working Conditions

• This position is based in our Madison, WI office.
• We offer a hybrid environment with periodic travel throughout Wisconsin, occasional evening meetings, and court or administrative appearances.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume describing your qualifications to hiring@cleanwisconsin.org. For best consideration, please submit by August 13. Be sure to include “Director of Legal Strategy” as the subject line of your email.