Lead Counsel, US Tax Incentives for Clean Solutions

Duration

This is a two-year fixed-term position with the opportunity for extension.

Location

This position is based in Washington, D.C. or Boulder, CO.

Overall Function

The Lead Counsel, U.S. Tax Incentives for Clean Solutions will serve as a senior member of Environmental Defense Fund’s U.S. Legal and Regulatory team. The Lead Counsel will be responsible for developing and implementing high impact strategies on complex legal and regulatory policy matters related to federal tax incentives for clean affordable solutions that create jobs in the U.S. The work will entail important collaboration with key partners and allies and will incorporate EDF’s core values, its abiding respect for all people, and supporting a culture where all staff can thrive.

The Lead Counsel position will help manage and collaborate with attorneys, analysts, consultants, and other experts to achieve and support progress on key priorities. This position will engage directly with senior policymakers, leading legal and regulatory experts, private sector leaders and associations, and NGO partners and allies. They will engage in strategic communications about the important benefits of clean affordable solutions in cutting costs and creating domestic jobs and the important role of tax investments in incentivizing these solutions. The Lead Counsel will report to the General Counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop integrated legal and regulatory strategy to protect and defend U.S. tax incentives that invest in clean affordable solutions with a focus on investments that reduce pollution in high emitting sectors.
• Lead EDF’s strategic engagement in complex federal regulatory, policy and legal tax and tax-related proceedings including litigation.
• Work effectively with key policymakers, the private sector, and non-governmental partners and allies through rigorous engagement, collaboration, and professionalism.
• Lead, collaborate with, mentor and support colleagues, legal fellows, interns and consultants who have legal, policy, and analytical expertise.
• Effectively communicate benefits of tax investments for people and communities including cost savings, competitiveness, manufacturing and quality jobs, and energy security.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Develop strategic objectives, work plans and key results, engage in strategic planning, and incorporate nimble approaches that can rapidly adapt to changing contexts and unpredictable developments.
• Lead the team’s effective and professional engagement with partners both internal and external.
• Lead collaboration with Development, develop strategic vision for resources to support and advance work, draft and contribute to Development proposals, reports and other fundraising materials, and participate and advance EDF outreach to members.
• Respond to emerging organizational priorities and professionally represent EDF at various important internal and external events.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant professional experience, a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, and current membership with good standing in the State Bar required.
• Expertise in federal tax law incentivizing clean affordable solutions as well as extensive understanding of administrative law and proceedings, legal advocacy, and litigation.
• History of achieving high impact progress in advancing clean affordable solutions through regulatory and administrative advocacy in complex proceedings, litigation, policy strategy, legislative efforts, and strategic engagement.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization’s interests in litigation and complex policy proceedings, before senior government officials, with senior leaders in the private sector, and in vibrant partnerships with non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative strategies, forge and operationalize path-breaking ideas and solutions, and create, recognize and build on key opportunities for progress.
• Experience managing and mentoring attorneys and interns, technical experts, operations staff, and budgets.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, public speaking, advocacy, and written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to effectively and respectfully lead staff in a dynamic and creative environment with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience across multiple time zones.
• Proactive and organized with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt plans and strategies in response to new events and information.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.