Place-Based State Advocate, Environmental Health

• Advance state-level laws and policies that protect communities from climate change and environmental health risks, focusing on climate risk reduction, homeowner insurance reform, and water affordability.
• Assist with achieving local- and state-level goals across the Environmental Health Department’s portfolio, including promoting air quality, eliminating toxic chemicals, and fighting fossil fuel development in the Southeastern US.
• Build and sustain partnerships with communities most affected by environmental and climate injustices, including Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, as well as low-income and rural communities.
• Collaborate with a wide range of allies, including environmental organizations, consumer advocates, labor and faith communities, and state and local decision-makers.

This role directly advances policies that protect communities from climate change and environmental health risks, with a focus on equity and justice, ensuring clean air, clean water, and healthy communities for all.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least five years of professional experience in environmental or related policy work, including a minimum of two years working in Virginia.
• Demonstrated experience working with environmental justice organizations and frontline or marginalized communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media and public-facing advocacy.
• Ability to register as a state lobbyist and travel occasionally (approximately 10% of work time).

Competitive salary range of $115,000 to $130,000, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. NRDC operates under a hybrid work model with 8 days per month in the office.

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with over 3 million members and 800 experts, working to safeguard the Earth, its people, and natural systems by confronting the climate crisis, protecting nature, and ensuring rights to clean air, water, and healthy communities.