Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a Vice President for Connecticut to join our team working for a healthy and thriving New England for all. The Vice President for Connecticut will be a leading voice representing CLF in the state. The State VP is responsible for developing and implementing CLFs statewide legislative advocacy as well as advancing the organizations strategic priorities more broadly in Connecticut. The State VP will work collaboratively with program vice presidents and dozens of lawyers, planners, scientists, analysts and other advocates across six programs: Climate & Energy; Healthy and Resilient Communities; Environmental Justice; Clean Air and Water; Strategic Litigation; and Oceans.

The position reports to the Chief of Staff and is based in New Haven, with flexibility for some remote work.

What youll do:

• In partnership with CLF leadership, develop, refine, and implement a Connecticut legislative and policy advocacy strategy to advance CLFs strategic goals and objectives throughout the state;
• Engage in effective and inclusive management practices that support team members and ensure a healthy and inclusive workplace culture;
• Work closely with other senior staff to facilitate and coordinate the work of advocates working on campaigns, litigation, legislation, and other matters in Connecticut as part of a regional strategy;
• Represent CLF in the Connecticut state legislature, legal and regulatory proceedings, public forums, media events, and conferences;
• Work closely with other senior leaders to build partnerships with people and communities most impacted by the issues we work on and where CLF policy, programmatic, and legal actions will have the greatest impact;
• Steward the CLF Connecticut State Advisory Board to maximize impact, visibility, and efficacy of CLFs advocacy in Connecticut;
• Work closely with CLFs communications staff on media and press opportunities to highlight Connecticut advocacy and campaigns;
• Participate on CLFs Leadership Team to provide feedback on CLFs internal and external policies and strategies;
• Work with CLFs development team to set development targets and identify and cultivate philanthropic and individual support;
• Work with CLFs finance team to develop and manage an annual budget for the Connecticut office;
• Contribute to CLFs commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and organizational excellence; and
• Represent CLF before partner communities, public officials, supporters, and other audiences.

What youll need:

• A minimum of 10 years of advocacy or related experience in fields relevant to CLFs work;
• A law degree and active bar membership in good standing in Connecticut;
• A collaborative leadership style, with proven ability to lead, manage, and support interdisciplinary teams;
• Substantial experience in managing people and projects, especially in working with and overseeing lawyers and policy experts;
• Demonstrated success in navigating complex policy, legal, legislative and regulatory matters in both adversarial and consensus-building contexts;
• Experience starting and building new initiatives, teams, or large-scale endeavors;
• Experience in developing productive relationships with policymakers and a broad range of peer organizations;
• Strong skills in networking, fundraising, financial management, and communications;
• Familiarity with multi-faceted advocacy campaigns including regulatory, legislative, and litigation; and
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they dont believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with various lived experiences. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background.

About CLF

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New Englands environment for the benefit of all people. A non-profit, member-supported organization, CLF uses the law, science, and the market to solve the regions most challenging environmental problems, from climate change to ocean conservation to transportation. Every day, CLF advocates stand up for New Englandersin state houses, court houses and board rooms, regulatory hearings, and community gatheringsto forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF works with communities of color, and those that are economically or otherwise disadvantaged, which often suffer disproportionately from the impacts of environmental degradation.

CLF is committed to diversity among our staff, volunteers, boards, and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive.