Senior Associate General Counsel

Overview

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.

Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America's foundational environmental laws. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels.

Position Summary

NRDC is seeking an expert in employment law and labor relations to oversee the vertical within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) comprising employment, labor, and benefits. This role will manage other OGC attorneys and provide legal counsel to key partners, including the People & DEI Team (PODEI). This position will be responsible for the implementation and oversight of the collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to PODEI and others on consistent application of employment policies, including performance management, accommodations, employee classification, and employee relations.
• Oversee compliance with employment requirements applicable to NRDC's multistate U.S. workforce, including wage‑and‑hour standards, leave laws, and pay‑transparency obligations.
• Advise on international staff considerations, coordinating with local counsel as needed.
• Develop strong relationships with key PODEI managers and stakeholders.
• Draft, revise, and maintain employment‑related policies, handbooks, and compliance frameworks.
• Review PODEI-related vendor agreements to ensure responsible handling of workforce data.
• Develop and deliver training for managers and staff on employment‑law obligations and workplace conduct.
• Advise on legal requirements relating to employee benefits programs and compensation-related matters.
• Evaluate employment data practices for legal risk and advise on process improvements.
• Monitor legislation, regulations, and judicial developments relating to benefits, compensation, and employment law.
• Advise on employee relations matters and manage litigation, investigations, and disputes.
• Staff relevant NRDC committees, such as the Board HR subcommittee.
• Support the implementation of NRDC's first collective bargaining agreement and future bargaining activities.
• Manage, delegate, and provide guidance and mentorship to direct reports.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Current license in good standing to practice law.
• 8+ years of experience with federal, state, and/or international legal issues in the exempt organization field in the areas of employment, labor and benefits matters; at least 4 years of in-house experience and/or subject matter leadership strongly preferred.
• Experience successfully managing junior attorneys and paralegals.
• Experience working within a union environment.

Skills, Abilities, Competencies

• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and succinctly.
• High-level of emotional intelligence and ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Excellent drafting, research, and written and oral communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical ability, sound judgment, and strategic orientation.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple assignments.
• Integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters.
• Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to travel to NRDC offices as needed (approximately 15-20%).
• Commitment to NRDC's mission, values, and DEI principles.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently: Perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently: Ability to interact and communicate with employees and others as necessary.
• Frequently: Attend planned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkers.
• Occasionally: Ability to attend events and activities in the office or offsite.

Additional Information

NRDC is an equal opportunity employer. We offer competitive salaries ($180,000 - $200,000), excellent benefits, and a supportive, hybrid working environment. Employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month.

To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter.