Staff Attorney, Conservation Programs

POSITION TITLE Staff Attorney, Conservation Programs DEPARTMENT / PROGRAM Conservation Programs REPORTS TO Vice President, External Affairs STATUS Regular, Full-Time, Exempt LOCATION Washington, DC preferred (hybrid); other states considered: AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(c)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

Research and analyze ocean conservation and management law, regulation and policy to support program work Track, monitor and analyze administrative, legislative and judicial developments affecting ocean conservation and management Work in concert with Ocean Conservancy's program and GR teams to formulate and advocate legally and scientifically sound conservation positions before federal and state regulators, legislators, the media and the public Regulatory Engagement & Litigation Oversight Oversee Ocean Conservancy’s conservation‑related litigation and coordinate with outside counsel on matters where OC is a party Draft and review oral and written comments, testimony and proposed legislative language Work with Government Relations to develop and articulate OC's legal and policy positions for internal and external audiences, including Executive and Legislative branch staff Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with the executive team, program staff, conservation science staff and Government Relations to align legal strategy, tactics and positions with OC's broader conservation goals Work with partner organizations and coalition allies in service of shared conservation objectives Program‑Embedded Legal Support Serve as the primary legal point of contact for conservation program teams Review advocacy products — reports, campaigns, public statements — for legal soundness before release Coordinate with coalition partners' counsel to align legal strategy on joint advocacy and litigation efforts General Organizational Legal Support Collaborate with Ocean Conservancy’s General Counsel on general legal issues facing the organization REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE Mission alignment with Ocean Conservancy’s conservation goals Three or more years of marine conservation legal experience required Political and institutional fluency (Hill, agencies, courts) Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with demonstrated advocacy skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with coalition partners and the ability to communicate complex legal, policy or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences Experience drafting regulatory comments, testimony or legislative language Deep familiarity with federal marine conservation laws and administrative procedure; ability to anticipate change, develop ideas and apply them within a holistic understanding of the organizational context. A strategic thinker with creativity, energy, discipline and commitment to oversee delivery of multiple projects and the ability to adapt to external changes. A high‑level performer who remains attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger strategic vision in mind. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to facilitate cross‑program work and to work effectively with partners to affect change and build political will. Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi‑disciplinary team approach. EDUCATION/TRAINING Law degree and admission to a state bar with five or more years of legal experience required. Graduate or undergraduate degree in marine or environmental science and familiarity with federal marine conservation laws preferred. COMPENSATION Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location and unique background. The expected salary range for this role is $105,000 - $120,000 annually. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range. HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in‑person while building strong connections across the institution. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.