The Institute for Policy Integrity is seeking applicants for an attorney position to support our role in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Region 2 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) led by West Harlem Environmental Action for Environmental Justice (WE ACT).
About the Institute for Policy Integrity:
Housed at New York University School of Law, the Institute Policy Integrity (Policy Integrity) is a non-partisan think tank dedicated to improving the quality of government decisionmaking. Our principal focus is U.S. energy and environmental policy, with a particular emphasis on climate change. We produce original scholarly research in the fields of economics, law, and regulatory policy. We also advocate for reform before courts, legislatures, and executive agencies.
About the WE ACT TCTAC:
In 2023, EPA created the Environmental Justice TCTAC Program, which are 18 centers across the nation providing technical assistance, training, and related support to communities with environmental justice concerns. The WE ACT TCTAC aims to provide underserved, rural, and remote communities in EPA Region 2 impacted by environmental injustice. The goals of the WEACT TCTAC are to (1) build power and knowledge in environmental justice communities to effectively engage decisionmakers; (2) create or strengthen environmental justice networks in the region; and (3) help groups gain access to grant and funding opportunities so they're better positioned to advance and address environmental and energy justice issues. Policy Integrity is an academic partner of the WE ACT TCTAC.
Responsibilities:
The attorney will work with Policy Integrity’s directors, lawyers, economists, and fellows to:
- Provide legal, technical, and policy assistance to TCTAC partners and communities;
- Create legal and policy training materials, and organize regional training gatherings, webinars, and workshops;
- Analyze and track emerging legal and policy issues related to environmental justice decisionmaking, regulation, and permitting/siting at the federal and state level;
- Represent Policy Integrity in TCTAC activities, as well as in partnerships with other academic institutions, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations;
- Facilitate engagements with communities and partners;
- Author reports and academic papers;
- Draft op-eds, respond to media inquiries, and discuss Policy Integrity’s work at conferences, on social media, and elsewhere; and
- Supervise legal and economics fellows, summer law clerks, research assistants, and students in the NYU School of Law’s Regulatory Policy Clinic.
This position will report to Policy Integrity’s Environmental Justice Director.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- A commitment to advancing the mission of Policy Integrity.
- J.D., with superior academic achievement.
- 3 – 6 years of relevant legal and policy experience.
- Clerkships, litigation experience, legislative experience, or advanced degrees in relevant disciplines are valued, but not necessary.
- Experience working with environmental justice communities in a principled way is strongly preferred.
- Specialized knowledge in law and policy issues related to environmental justice, environmental issues, administrative law, and/or economics is desirable.
- Experience in designing educational materials for diverse audiences is desirable.
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Ability to navigate high-stakes and complex situations under time pressure, and excellent judgement about how to approach uncertain policy considerations.
Policy Integrity is committed to a culture in which all people are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse applicants, and we consider multiple aspects of diversity.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
Benefits and Terms of Employment
In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $93,600 - $101,800. NYU considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
NYU offers an excellent, comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off and retirement contributions. Information about benefits can be viewed here. Partial relocation assistance (exact amount based on distance) will be provided. Policy Integrity staff members also have access to academic enrichment opportunities at NYU School of Law, including some faculty workshops, colloquia, and other scholarly forums.
Policy Integrity follows a hybrid schedule that requires three days in our New York City office per week.
To Apply:
Applicants should submit:
- a cover letter detailing your interest in the position or your relevant experience,
- a brief statement (less than one page) on how your background or experiences would enhance the diversity, inclusivity, or perspectives of Policy Integrity,
- a resume,
- an official or up-to-date unofficial law school transcript,
- one or two writing samples (with a strong preference for independently authored documents; blog posts, reports, public comments, or other relevant writings that showcase the applicant’s writing skills and independent thinking are very welcome, as are more traditional articles, briefs, or memoranda), and
- the names and contact information of three references.
All materials should be sent to [email protected], with “Attorney – Environmental Justice” in the subject line. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by November 27, 2024. After November 27, 2024, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.