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. 

This is a full-time, exempt position that may be based in Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chapel Hill, NC; Charleston, SC; Charlottesville, VA; Nashville, TN; or Washington, DC. Employees must reside within SELC’s six-state region, the greater Washington, DC area, or Maryland. SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. The anticipated start date is flexible. 

About the Position 

SELC’s Land and Community Program leader develops and implements a regional strategy to advance SELC’s mission within the scope of the Program.  The Land and Community Program focuses on three primary areas: transportation, resilience, and land use. The program advances SELC’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce environmental injustice by promoting cleaner more equitable transportation solutions. Staff in the program routinely engage on resilience strategies from local governments to the federal government. Land use, particularly at the state and local levels, connects the transportation and resilience work. The next Land and Community Program leader will have some expertise in at least one of these areas and the willingness to learn from staff experts in other areas.  

The Land and Community Program leader will be part of SELC’s regional leadership team, working with staff in each of our offices to advance the work of the program. Responsible for overall strategy and the program’s budget, the program leader will be a peer to other program leaders as well as office directors. Although the program leader’s primary responsibility will be managing and leading staff, they will also be expected to do some hands-on legal and policy work.  

Primary 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. 

Required Qualifications 

• 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. 

Desired 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.?     

About SELC 

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 250, including more than 160 legal and policy experts and advocates. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, SELC has offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC. 

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and values diverse perspectives. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at www.selc.org.  

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. 

To Apply 

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is August 20, 2026. However, applications may be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified individuals of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Department: Law Legal Clinic
Salary/Grade: EXS/10
 

Target hiring range for this position will be between $87,900 - $115,000 per year.  Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. 

Job Summary:

The Environmental Advocacy Center (EAC), within the Bluhm Legal Clinic at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and mission-driven Staff Attorney to partner with the Center’s Director in managing a diverse docket of litigation, agency advocacy, and policy matters and in teaching the clinic seminar. The EAC represents community-based and nonprofit clients in a wide range of environmental and energy matters, including litigation in state and federal courts, advocacy before state and federal agencies, and legislative and policy development.

The Staff Attorney provides direct legal representation to EAC clients and exercises independent professional judgment in managing a diverse docket of litigation, agency advocacy, and policy matters. The role serves as a primary point of contact for courts, agencies, and external partners; supervises and mentors student attorneys engaged in direct client representation; collaborates with the EAC Director on docket development, case selection, and workflow; and contributes to the Center’s strategic priorities, programmatic development, and academic and community programming within the broader Bluhm Legal Clinic community.

The position has year-round case management responsibilities, with no teaching obligations in the summer. This position is based at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in downtown Chicago, with flexible working arrangements consistent with the academic calendar. Start date is flexible.

All applications must include a cover letter, résumé/CV, a list of at least three references (names and current email and telephone contact information), a law school transcript, and a legal writing sample. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis and may be called for a preliminary round of virtual interviews, possibly followed by an on-campus, call-back interview.

Specific Responsibilities:

Legal Representation & Case Leadership

• Serve as co-counsel on litigation, regulatory, and policy matters in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies
• Exercise independent professional judgment in developing legal strategy, case theory, and advocacy approaches
• Manage a diverse docket of litigation and policy matters, including client intake and matter screening, from intake through resolution
• Conduct legal research and factual investigation; draft and file pleadings, briefs, and memoranda of law; and participate in court and agency proceedingsMaintain primary responsibility for client communications, deadlines, case outcomes, and file management
• Oversee policy projects, including developing work plans, conducting research, and engaging with policymakers

External Engagement & Partnership Development

• Serve as a primary external representative of the Environmental Advocacy Center to courts, agencies, community organizations, advocacy coalitions, and movement partners
• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships that advance the Center’s litigation and policy goals
• Identify and develop new matters aligned with the Center’s mission and strategic priorities
• Lead and participate in trainings, presentations, and public-facing programming that promote the Center’s work and impact

Student Supervision, Mentorship & Clinical Instruction

• Provide substantive supervision and mentorship to student attorneys engaged in direct client representation
• Lead case planning, feedback, and professional identity development for student attorneys
• Coordinate student workflow, assignments, and deadlines across active matters
• Collaborate with the EAC Director on docket priorities, case selection, and student supervision models
• Contribute to the instructional mission of the clinic seminar and broader Bluhm Legal Clinic programming

Program Development, Strategy & Compliance

• Contribute to the Center’s docket planning, strategic priorities, fundraising efforts, and programmatic growth
• Support institutional and funder compliance, reporting, and documentation requirements, as applicable
• Assist in developing systems and processes to strengthen case management, student supervision, and operational effectiveness
• Contribute to communications, website content, and visibility efforts for the Center and Clinic

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Three to five years of relevant legal experience
• Strong academic credentials

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Evidence of outstanding promise as a teacher and litigator
• Demonstrated ability to perform core lawyering and litigation skills independently (i.e. preparing and submitting basic court or agency filings, efficient legal drafting, managing client communications, etc.)
• Significant subject-matter experience in some combination of environmental law, energy law, community lawyering, administrative law, legislation, and complex litigation in federal and Illinois courts
• Demonstrated ability and interest in lawyering across differences and working with community-based client organizations
• Experience or interest in teaching, supervising or mentoring law students or entry-level attorneys
• Active membership in good standing in the Illinois bar or active membership in good standing in at least one state bar and the ability to sit for the Illinois bar within six months.

Benefits: 

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental  leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. 

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more


Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

Environmental Appeals Board Judge(s) adjudicate administrative appeals involving the review of decisions made under all major environmental statutes the EPA administers and includes permit decisions, appeals from enforcement decisions issued by the Office of Administrative Law Judges, petitions for reimbursement under section 106(b) of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and appeals from pesticide licensing and cancellation proceedings under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Judges serve as the final approving body for proposed settlements of enforcement actions initiated at EPA by the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

Specific duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:

- Serving as the final decision maker in the consideration and resolution of appeals or other requests for a decision in all administrative proceedings under the Clean Air Act, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Clean Water Act, Noise Control Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986, and the Equal Access to Justice Act, in accordance with procedural regulations governing the conduct of such proceedings under which the Administrator has delegated authority to the Environmental Appeals Board.

- Directing the receipt, processing, review, and analysis of appeals or other requests to the Administrator for decision making.

- Hearing and resolving novel and difficult factual and legal issues in accordance with Federal Administrative law(s) as seen in the Administrative Procedure Act and pertinent court decision.

- Making recommendations and serving as factfinder on issues for which an independent and objective analysis is required.

- Representing the Administrator in adjudicatory matters with internal and external partners, including, but not limited to: Congress, Agency Administrative Law Judges, Assistant and Associate Administrators, Regional Administrators, as well as industry, academia, state and local governments, the public and non-governmental groups.

- Developing and providing advice to Agency personnel on new or revised administrative procedures.

- Performing the full range of human resources functions and duties for the Environmental Appeals Board staff.