DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Coordinator, Conservation Law

Hourly Rate: $28.85 - $31.25

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Biodiversity Law Center

LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington D.C

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Conservation Law

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: May 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

This position involves a broad range of administrative and advocacy responsibilities in support of the Department. This role has responsibility for assuring the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced department, including staff attorneys with administrative and other support on legal cases; administering Defenders’ litigation docket, Conservation Law Department budgets and web content; handling information requests on legal program issues; representing the department in internal and external meetings on select issues; and coordinating office procedures to facilitate accomplishment of workplans. In addition, the coordinator regularly functions as the Vice President’s liaison to staff, environmental organizations, Defenders’ members and the general public.

This role is expected to develop strong knowledge of current legal cases and projects and provide general assistance to staff members on various matter relating to those projects. This position requires substantial discretion in determining how to meet assigned goals and competing deadlines.

The coordinator must be extremely well-organized and have excellent administrative skills; possess strong oral and written communication skills; be capable of articulating Defenders’ position on complex issues; and possess a commitment to natural resource conservation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative:

Manage the budget and the administration for the legal department, including processing invoices, expense reports, and assisting with travel arrangements for staff attending outside meetings or conferences;
Compile and edit documents; schedule meetings; photocopy and fax documents; and assist department staff in understanding and complying with administrative procedures; manage and distribute information; attend all relevant internal staff meetings;
Coordinate scheduling, location, and the distribution of relevant materials and room or A/V set-up for select meetings, as needed. Take meeting notes and prepare formal or informal minutes as appropriate.

Program Support:

Maintain information for the legal department, including the compilation of quarterly board reports and the management of the litigation docket;
Edit briefs and assist with litigation filings; assist in the writing and research of comments; conduct factual and legal research; participate in meetings on behalf of legal staff;
Partner with HR for Legal Intern/Law Clerk hiring process;
Respond to information requests from members and other interested parties and distribute Defenders’ published reports;
Assure effective internal communication with other Defenders’ staff and departments and coordinate logistics for responding to letter sign-on requests from other organizations, etc.
Troubleshoot problems with computers in conjunction with the IT department; create and maintain relevant databases;
Facilitate and promote the integration of inclusion & belonging into Defenders’ work; act as office liaison to Headquarters, field staff, and third parties;
Perform all other related duties as assigned and be an energetic, enthusiastic, and committed advocate for all Defenders’ programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 2 years of relevant experience

An 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 Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Coordinator, Conservation Law

Ability to understand and communicate about complex environmental policy issues.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities Check all that apply	Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.	N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.	N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.	C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.	O
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.	O
Communicating with others to exchange information.	C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.	C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.	N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.	N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.	C

Environmental Conditions Check all that apply	Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Low 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.	X

Physical Demands Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.	X
Light 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 union-eligible. This position is part of a union bargaining unit represented by OPEIU Local 2.

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