Job Description
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 sp