Advocacy Director

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is now accepting applications for an Advocacy Director. This position is open to individuals with 10 or more years of direct experience in state and local advocacy, including work with attorneys and on advocacy campaigns that incorporate litigation. This individual will report to our Program Director.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

This is a full-time, exempt position that may be based in Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chapel Hill, NC; Charleston, SC; Charlottesville, VA; Nashville, TN; or Washington, DC. Employees must reside within SELC’s six-state region, the greater Washington, DC area, or Maryland. SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. The anticipated start date is between June and August 2026, with some flexibility based on candidate availability.

About the Position

The Advocacy Director leads a team of policy advocates to advance our programmatic objectives, strategically deciding how to best invest in our advocates across state and program priorities, and cultivates policy advocacy skills throughout the organization.

The Advocacy Director is a new position for SELC and will be charged with formalizing SELC’s advocacy structure and integrating the structure into the organization’s matrix. The initial responsibilities of the Advocacy Director will include working with the Program Director to define and fill the advocacy structure and build support and enthusiasm for the new approach within the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise the State Advocacy Manager, Program Advocacy Manager, and other direct reports.
• Oversee the hiring, supervision, and mentoring of the state and program advocacy teams, ensuring team members meet or exceed job expectations and have the training, resources, feedback, and support needed to maximize their performance and development.
• Partner with the Program Director, Office Directors, and Program/Initiative Leaders to develop an annual workplan that identifies and allocates resources for state and program advocacy priorities that will advance SELC’s strategic goals and organizational objectives.
• Provide ongoing advice and oversight on state and program advocacy to ensure alignment with organizational, program/initiative, and state priorities.
• Establish and maintain internal systems to support effective advocacy.
• Develop and manage the advocacy budget.
• Lead advocacy training and skill development for SELC staff, including advocates, attorneys, and administrative staff.
• Collaborate with Office Directors and Program/Initiative Leaders to cultivate a culture of proactive, creative, and strategic advocacy.
• Work collaboratively with Communications staff to support advocacy initiatives.
• Actively partner with the Development team on fundraising efforts related to advocacy, including cultivating, maintaining, and expanding relationships with major donors and foundations, and managing key funders relationships for the team.

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of direct experience in state and local advocacy, including work with attorneys and on advocacy campaigns that incorporate litigation.
• Experience with environmental advocacy in the South.
• Ability to design and implement innovative organizational and programmatic structures.
• Proven success in managing staff and building high-performing teams, including experience designing and implementing systems for goal setting, execution, and accountability across hybrid teams.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit advocacy, including mentoring and coaching staff through strategic advocacy campaigns.
• Commitment to SELC’s mission and values.
• Willingness to travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

About SELC

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 250, including more than 160 legal and policy experts and advocates. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, SELC has offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and values diverse perspectives. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at https://www.southernenvironment.org/.

Compensation & Benefits

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The salary range for this position is $175,400 – $187,900, commensurate with experience. For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page.

SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.

SELC will also provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for a SELC position, up to a specific dollar amount and contingent on the move being at least 50 miles from the current primary address.

To Apply

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a recent advocacy campaign summary (no more than two pages) that involves litigation. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is May 8, 2026. However, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

APPLY NOW

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified individuals of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.