Policy Advocate, Colorado

Earthjustice is hiring a Colorado Policy Advocate in Denver, CO, to develop and implement strategies on environmental issues such as clean air, water, and climate justice. The role involves lobbying, research, and collaboration with litigators to promote environmental health and justice. The position offers a hybrid work environment, requiring at least one day in the office while allowing remote work flexibility. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in policy advocacy.
About the position

Earthjustice is seeking a Colorado Policy Advocate who will play a crucial role in developing and implementing legislative and administrative strategies in Colorado. This position focuses on critical issues such as environmental justice, oil and gas regulation, clean air, clean water, and climate and clean energy. The Colorado Policy Advocate will be a member of Earthjustice's Rocky Mountain Regional Office (RMO) based in Denver, which has a long-standing commitment to protecting the environment and advocating for the rights of communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm. As the leading environmental law organization in the nation, Earthjustice partners with clients to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The organization is dedicated to protecting biodiversity, transitioning society away from fossil fuels, and ensuring that all people have the right to a healthy environment. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a proven track record of achieving significant and lasting environmental protections. The Rocky Mountain Office, established in 1972, focuses on issues in the Intermountain West and Southwest, working to transition states from reliance on fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. The office is also committed to defending public lands and wildlife from threats such as fracking and mining. The office is located in downtown Denver, close to federal and state courthouses and public transportation, and is situated in a bike-friendly area with access to many bike paths. The work environment is hybrid, allowing staff to work in the office at least one day per week while providing flexibility to work remotely as needed. The Colorado Policy Advocate will collaborate with RMO litigators to identify key goals that promote environmental health and justice for impacted communities. Responsibilities include lobbying the Colorado legislature, developing advocacy materials, researching legislation, drafting new policies, and maintaining a leadership position within the Colorado environmental community. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in policy and legal advocacy, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to environmental justice and public interest work.

Responsibilities
• Collaborate with RMO litigators to identify key goals that promote environmental health, clean energy sources, and justice for disproportionately impacted communities.
,
• Directly lobby the Colorado legislature, Governor's Office, and key administrative agencies and commissions.
,
• Develop advocacy materials, including legislative and policy memoranda, reports, briefing papers, letters, fact sheets, memos of support, action alerts, and blogs.
,
• Research and analyze proposed legislation and policies, sometimes with the assistance of internal policy analysts, litigators, and/or program associates.
,
• Draft new legislation and policies, as well as amendments to existing laws and policies.
,
• Track and analyze legislation and policy initiatives relating to priority issues.
,
• Testify in support or opposition of priority legislation proposed each session.
,
• Participate in select stakeholder processes convened by administrative agencies.
,
• Work with Earthjustice's Policy and Legislative Department as well as other state advocates to share relevant information and strategies.
,
• Contribute to the RMO's strategic planning efforts.
,
• Work with our communications team on media outreach efforts.
,
• Maintain a leadership position within the Colorado environmental community on priority issues.
,
• Serve as spokesperson for Earthjustice on priority legislative issues.
,
• Supervise projects performed in connection with legislative and administrative issues by associate attorneys, assistants, interns, or contractors.

Requirements
• Bachelor's Degree required; JD preferred but not required.
,
• At least five years of policy and legal advocacy experience.
,
• Demonstrated experience working with and influencing the legislative process in a collaborative environment with numerous stakeholders.
,
• Ability to translate Earthjustice priorities into legislative language and implement effective lobbying strategies, often with partners, to ensure passage into law.
,
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects on firm deadlines.
,
• Excellent writing and oral communications skills.
,
• Detail-oriented with good organizational skills.
,
• Proven ability to work in coalitions and with allies, especially with environmental justice organizations and communities.
,
• Experience in working with traditional and social media.
,
• Entrepreneurial and creative spirit with proven ability to work independently and proactively.
,
• High levels of emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.
,
• Experience with scientific or technical issues related to oil and gas, the electric sector, climate, energy, and/or environmental justice issues preferred but not required.
,
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
,
• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with scientific or technical issues related to oil and gas, the electric sector, climate, energy, and/or environmental justice issues.

Benefits
• Competitive salary range of $116,200 - $129,100 based on experience and location.
,
• Excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
,
• Mission- and employee-focused work environment.
,
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
,
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.