Land and Community Program Leader

About the role

The Southern Environmental Law Center is seeking a Land and Community Program Leader. This individual will report to our Program Director. This position is open to practicing attorneys with 8 or more years of experience. 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SELC's leader and principal spokesperson on regional and national issues related to the Land and Community Program.
• Develop and implement Program goals, priorities, and annual work plans in partnership with the Deputy Director, Director of Programs, Initiative Leaders, Office Directors, and staff, in alignment with SELC’s strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities to advance regional and national change within the scope of the Program and elevate key priorities, emerging issues, and resource needs to SELC leadership.
• Provide strategic guidance to Communications, Federal Affairs, Development, and leadership teams on Program priorities, advocacy strategies, and implementation efforts across SELC offices.
• Partner with Communications staff to guide public messaging and coordinate strategic Program-related communications and opportunities across SELC offices.
• Assume lead responsibility for select litigation, advocacy, or other Program work and contribute to SELC’s broader strategic vision and resource planning.
• Review and provide feedback on Notices of Early Involvement and Litigation Approval requests related to the Program.
• Partner with the Development team to cultivate, maintain, and expand donor and foundation support for the Program, including managing relationships with key funders.
• Manage the Program’s expert and consultant budget and coordinate training and professional development resources for Program staff.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant legal practice experience.
• Active license to practice law or eligibility to become licensed in one of SELC’s six states or Washington, D.C.
• Demonstrated expertise in transportation, land use, resilience, or related areas of environmental law and policy.
• Significant experience developing and advancing strategic advocacy, litigation, or policy initiatives related to transportation, land use, or resilience.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to set a clear strategic vision, identify ambitious long-term organizational priorities, lead teams through complex and evolving advocacy challenges, and effectively supervise staff with varying roles and experience levels.
• Creative and forward-thinking approach to program development, including the ability to identify emerging opportunities to transform transportation and resilience policy across the South.
• Excellent judgment and strategic decision-making skills, including the ability to balance competing priorities, allocate resources effectively, and focus organizational engagement where it will have the greatest impact.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse set of clients, partners, government officials, and stakeholders.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate technical and legal issues into plain English.
• Strong independent initiative and the ability to lead cases or matters alongside a team.
• State or federal litigation experience.
• Commitment to SELC’s mission and values.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Qualifications

• Experience with state and/or federal lobbying.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits: SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The base salary range for this position is $175,400- $190,100. Actual placement within the range will depend on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity considerations. For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page. SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer. SELC will also provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for a SELC position, up to a specific dollar amount and contingent on the move being at least 50 miles from the current primary address.