What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Conservation Law position at Defender of Wildlife?
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFEPOSITION DESCRIPTIONJOB TITLE: Vice President, Conservation Law & Director of Biodiversity Law CenterSALARY: $210,000 - $229,000FLSA: ExemptDEPARTMENT: Biodiversity Law Center LOCATION: Washington, D.C., Denver, CO, or remoteREPORTS TO: Senior Vice President, Conservation Programs NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 7 Direct, 8 IndirectLAST REVISED: November 2025POSITION SUMMARYThe Vice President of Conservation Law and Director of Biodiversity Law Center is a senior management position responsible for developing and implementing strategies for furthering Defenders’ conservation goals through litigation, administrative law, and policy advocacy. The position requires extensive knowledge of federal environmental, natural resources and administrative law, and substantial litigation experience. Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing litigation to further Defenders’ conservation goals, supervising Defenders’ litigation program, managing senior attorneys, providing legal and strategic advice to Defenders senior staff, and serving as in-house counsel on conservation related legal and policy matters.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESAs a member of the senior leadership team, actively engage in the development and implementation of Defenders-wide strategies in support of the broader organizational culture.Develop and implement strategies to advance Defenders’ conservation goals through litigation, legislative analysis, and policy advocacySupervise senior attorneys, review legal pleadings and briefs, provide advice on legal strategyManage, hire, evaluate and promote the professional development of Conservation Law staffServe as in-house counsel to Defenders’ staff on conservation related legal and policy mattersServe as primary liaison with Litigation Committee of the Board of DirectorsActively participate in the development and advancement of Defenders' wildlife and natural resources conservation policiesMaintain effective working relationships with key government agency administrators, congressional staff, and other conservation organizationsDevelop and oversee legal budgetSome travel requiredPerform all other work-related duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONSEducation: Juris Doctor degree with bar membership in at least one stateExperience: 15 years of experience in federal natural resource/environmental law and litigation; 7 years management/supervisoryAn equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defendershttps://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for V.P., Conservation LawExtensive knowledge of federal natural resource and environmental lawExtensive litigation experience, particularly in the federal courtsExperience managing attorneys Experience managing a litigation docketAbility to develop litigation, advocacy and policy strategiesCommitment to public interest lawPHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDSPhysical ActivitiesCheck all that applyFrequency(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)ConstantlyAscending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.NMoving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.NRemaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.CMoving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.O Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.N Communicating with others to exchange information.CRepeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.COperating machinery and/or power tools.NOperating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.NAssessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.C Environmental ConditionsCheck all that applyFrequency(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)ConstantlyLow temperatures.High temperatures.Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.Noisy environments.Hazardous conditions.Poor ventilation.Small and/or enclosed spaces.No adverse environmental conditions expected. C Physical DemandsCheck only one Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.XLight work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.Visit www.defenders.org to apply.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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.Please be advised this position is non union-eligible.
Salary : $210,000 - $229,000