Internship Policy Analyst Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization.  We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country.  We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change.  We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. 

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee, and Washington, DC. 

Earthjustice Action is a separate 501(c)(4) social welfare organization founded to defend and strengthen bedrock environmental laws and ensure they remain intact and enforceable. Founded in 2017, Earthjustice Action unleashes the power of the people and ensures that elected officials listen to those who matter most: their constituents. 

In collaboration with Earthjustice’s Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans and Tribal Partnerships programs, the Research and Policy Analyst supports Earthjustice and, at times, Earthjustice Action’s programmatic focuses on federal public land and water management, fossil fuel and mineral extraction, and Federal Indian Law and policies impacted by these issues. This role specifically focuses on policy analysis pertaining to legislation, partner advocacy and agency dockets. The Research and Policy Analyst develops research and analysis, coordinates policy advocacy efforts among Earthjustice and Earthjustice Action teams, drafts technical documents and develops and nurtures partnerships that support  advocacy with decision makers.   
This position sits within the Policy & Legislation program and reports to the Legislative Director, Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans. This role is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule and will work hybrid from the DC office with a minimum of two days a week in the office.   
This is a non-supervisory position.

Responsibilities:

Research and Analysis: 

• Researches and creates technical analyses and documents in support of current and potential policy advocacy 
• Reviews and tracks legislation and policy proposals to determine their potential impact and support Earthjustice, Earthjustice Action, and our partners in responding as needed
• Works with lobbyists, lawyers and outside experts to help design and manage expert reports, testimony, and analyses in addition to making them understandable 
• May identify and recruit scientists and technical experts 
• May independently design and propose research and data gathering strategies 
• Designs, drafts and manages submissions of letters, reports and supporting materials 

Outreach and Advocacy :

• Engages in direct advocacy with federal agencies and Congress.
• Develops, implements and manages community outreach and/or building partnerships, acting as a key agent in developing strategies, assessing advocacy and other engagement opportunities using insights gained from outreach efforts (e.g., prioritizing policy asks) 
• Cultivates thoughtful partnerships, allies and coalitions in support of assigned issues 
• Serves as a senior technical and policy expert, advocate and potentially spokesperson.
• May prepare comments, attend hearings and deliver testimony as required  

Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned:  

• This role includes special projects or additional tasks as assigned, including project management, participation in hiring committees, organization-wide working groups and DEI initiatives
• This position may manage non-legal interns 
• Develops strategies for using information requests  

Ongoing Learning:

• Actively pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in a related field or equivalent experience  
• Experience with environmental justice policy issues preferred 
• 3+ years of relevant experience 
• Experience analyzing scientific and technical documents, and researching, synthesizing and presenting science and policy issues to expert as well as public audiences  
• Ability to understand policy, legislation, complex facts, scientific and technical issues quickly and synthesize this information in support of policy advocacy
• Strong research and organizational skills; attention to detail with proven ability to solve complex problems, work independently and meet deadlines 
• Excellent research, writing, oral communication and computer skills, including data analysis skills (Word, Excel, Internet, Adobe, Outlook, PowerPoint, Westlaw/LexisNexis, GIS)  
• Demonstrated experience in effective communication and collaboration with: colleagues, clients, partners, agency staff, Congressional staff, community-based organizations and technical experts  
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations  
• Desire and ability to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences
• Experience writing for peer-reviewed science journals is a plus  

PLEASE NOTE: 

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. We also offer a casual and congenial work environment.

Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required.  

The annual salary for candidates based in Washington, D.C.: $113,000 - $125,600

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

• Resume
• Cover letter 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: 

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.  As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position. 

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