Application Guide

How to Apply for Communications Specialist, Legal & Regulatory

at Environmental Defense Fund

🏢 About Environmental Defense Fund

Environmental Defense Fund is a globally recognized nonprofit with a science-based, market-driven approach to solving environmental challenges. What makes EDF unique is its combination of rigorous scientific research with practical policy solutions and corporate partnerships to create scalable impact. Someone might want to work here to be part of a fast-paced organization that delivers tangible results on climate change and pollution issues.

About This Role

This Communications Specialist role focuses specifically on legal and regulatory policy communications within EDF's environmental advocacy work. The position involves translating complex legal and regulatory developments into compelling narratives for media and public consumption, directly supporting policy wins through strategic communications. This role is impactful because effective communication about environmental regulations can influence public opinion, shape policy debates, and drive real-world environmental protections.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with monitoring regulatory announcements and news coverage, then drafting rapid-response communications about developing environmental policy issues. This could be followed by pitching experts to media outlets, coordinating with legal and policy teams on messaging, and developing social media content to explain complex regulations to public audiences—all while managing multiple deadlines for different policy initiatives.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For

  • Has 3-5 years of experience in policy communications, preferably with exposure to environmental, legal, or regulatory issues
  • Demonstrates ability to translate complex legal/regulatory language into accessible communications for diverse audiences
  • Has established media relationships with environmental, policy, or legal reporters and can point to successful media placements
  • Can provide examples of working under tight deadlines to produce high-quality communications materials (op-eds, press releases, blogs)

📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental Defense Fund

1

Highlight any experience communicating about environmental regulations, climate policy, or legal proceedings in your resume

2

Include specific metrics in your application (e.g., 'secured 15 media placements for EPA rule announcement' or 'drafted 20+ op-eds with 75% placement rate')

3

Research and reference EDF's recent legal/regulatory campaigns in your materials (e.g., methane regulations, clean air standards, environmental justice initiatives)

4

Demonstrate understanding of EDF's bipartisan approach by showing how you've communicated complex issues to diverse audiences

5

If you have nonprofit experience, emphasize how you've worked with limited resources to achieve communications goals

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Explain your understanding of how communications drives policy change in environmental advocacy', 'Provide a specific example of translating complex legal/regulatory information into compelling public communications', "Demonstrate knowledge of EDF's current legal/regulatory priorities and how your skills align", 'Highlight experience working in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines on policy-sensitive materials']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → EDF's current legal and regulatory campaigns (check their 'Our Work' section and recent press releases)
  • → The specific environmental regulations EDF has recently advocated for or against
  • → EDF's leadership team and their communications style/priorities
  • → Recent media coverage of EDF's legal and regulatory work to understand their current communications footprint
Visit Environmental Defense Fund's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you communicate the implications of a complex environmental regulation to both technical and general audiences?
2 Describe your experience building relationships with journalists covering environmental policy or legal issues
3 How do you prioritize communications tasks when multiple regulatory announcements are happening simultaneously?
4 What strategies would you use to amplify EDF's legal victories or regulatory advocacy through social media?
5 How have you handled communicating about a policy loss or setback while maintaining organizational credibility?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic communications materials without tailoring to environmental policy or EDF's specific approach
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how legal/regulatory communications differs from general PR
  • Not showing awareness of current environmental policy debates or EDF's position on key issues

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Environmental Defense Fund!

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