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Coordinator, Conservation Law

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE:  Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Conservation Law
REPORTS TO: VP, Conservation Law
SITE: Headquarters, Washington DC
SALARY: Up to $45,000 annually
FLSA: Non-Exempt
LAST REVISED: June 2020

Summary:

This professional-level position involves a broad range of administrative and advocacy responsibilities in support of the Department. This role has lead responsibility for assuring the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced department, including staff attorneys with administrative and other support on legal cases; administering Defenders’ litigation docket, Conservation Law Department budgets and web content; handling information requests on legal program issues; representing the department in internal and external meetings on select issues; and coordinating office procedures to facilitate accomplishment of workplans. In addition, the coordinator regularly functions as the Vice President’s liaison to staff, environmental organizations, Defenders' members and the general public. 
This role is expected to develop strong knowledge of current legal cases and projects and provide general assistance to staff members on various matters relating to those projects. This position requires substantial discretion in determining how to meet assigned goals and competing deadlines.
Ideal candidates for this role are extremely well organized and have excellent administrative skills; possess strong oral and written communication skills; be capable of articulating Defenders’ position on complex issues; and possess a commitment to natural resource conservation.

Essential Responsibilities:

Administrative:
·        Manage the budget and the administration for the legal department, including processing invoices, expense reports, and assisting with travel arrangements for staff attending outside meetings or conferences
  • Compile and edit documents; schedule meetings; photocopy and fax documents; and assist department staff in understanding and complying with administrative procedures, copy and fax; manage and distribute information; attend all relevant internal staff meetings
  • Coordinate scheduling, location, and the distribution of relevant materials and room or A/V set-up for select meetings, as needed. Take meeting notes and prepare formal or informal minutes as appropriate
Program Support:
·        Maintain information for the legal departments, including the compilation of quarterly board reports and the management of the litigation docket;
·        Edit briefs and assist with litigation filings; Assist in the writing and research of comments; Conduct factual and legal research; Participate in meetings on behalf of legal staff;
·        Partner with HR for Legal Intern / Law Clerk hiring process;
  • Respond to information requests from members and other interested parties and distribute Defenders’ published reports;
  • Assure effective internal communication with other Defenders’ staff and departments and coordinate logistics for responding to letter sign-on requests from other organizations;
Etc.:
  • Troubleshoot problems with computers in conjunction with the IT department; create and maintain relevant databases.
  • Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work; Act as office liaison to Headquarters, field staff, and third parties
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned and be an energetic, enthusiastic and committed advocate for all Defenders’ programs.
Travel:
  • This role may require occasional travel.


Qualifications:

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed below.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Experience

1+ years legal experience, environmental focus preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·        Ability and willingness to model the tenets of Defenders’ Commitment Statement: Mission, Transparency, Respect & Trust, Appreciation, Empowerment & Accountability, Professional Growth, Fairness, Diversity, Safety, Work/Life Balance, and Pride. 
·        Demonstrates a willingness and ability to productively engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.  
·        Ability to approach work in a collaborative and inclusive style, with a track record of working in a solutions-oriented manner. Ability to effectively address and manage conflict. 
·        Ability to work independently as needed, problem solve, and exercise sound decision-making skills in fluid environments to meet job expectations and achieve goals in an accurate and timely manner. Ability to effectively navigate through change and maintain flexibility. 
·        Ability to represent Defenders to external entities and the public in a professional manner while exercising tact, diplomacy, and discretion.  
·        Demonstrates a willingness and ability to productively engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. 
·        Ability to effectively navigate through change and maintain flexibility  
·        Ability to effectively address and manage conflict 
·        Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and general computer literacy. 
·        Personal interest and commitment to conservation 

Work Expectations and Environment:

General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so. This role may require occasional travel.
All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
Defenders of Wildlife embraces the values of fairness and equity in society – including our workplace and our movement. We are committed to providing a professional, fair and safe workplace free of harassment and discrimination. We believe that the conservation of biological diversity is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and cultures. We strive toward a collective goal of including all people in the conservation of our Nation’s wildlife and wild places. More than co-workers, we are teammates and partners in our mutual goal of respecting our planet and all who live on it.
Visit Our Values and Diversity page to learn more about who we are and how we operate.

Application:

Interested applicants please apply with a cover letter through our careers portal at http://www.defenders.org/jobs
It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.