Environmental Justice Organizer

The Public Interest Law Center is seeking an Environmental Justice Organizer to work in our environmental justice practice. The Law Center uses high-impact legal strategies to advance the civil, social, and economic rights of communities in the Philadelphia region facing discrimination, inequality, and poverty. We use litigation, community education, advocacy and organizing to secure access to fundamental resources and services. You can learn more here: www.pubintlaw.org.

The Organizer is a full-time employee and works as part of our environmental justice team as they develop and implement organizing campaign strategies to achieve their goals, with an emphasis on the Garden Justice Legal Initiative and the Philadelphia Land Justice Coalition. The Organizer will help build and maintain relationships with community members and organizations, mobilize impacted gardens and residents around specific issues, engage in policy research and community education, monitor legislative and policy changes related to urban agriculture and environmental justice, and together with community leaders, identify advocacy opportunities and implement strategies to achieve community goals. You can learn more here: https://www.pubintlaw.org/practicearea/environmental- justice/.

The Environmental Justice Organizer position will begin as soon as practicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 years’ community organizing experience.

• Experience building and facilitating coalitions or organized groups to develop campaign objectives and strategies.

• Proven ability to implement a successful campaign strategy, manage relationships, manage largescale projects, move people to action, and build consensus.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Experience with, and/or enthusiastic interest in, policy analysis.

• Knowledge of, and experience with, government and the legislative process.

• An understanding of systemic inequities and a commitment to environmental justice

• High degree of emotional intelligence.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and digital databases.

Core Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the newly formed Philadelphia Land Justice Coalition and implement organizing tactics to further the Coalition’s goals around urban garden land security. Establish the Coalition as a key stakeholder with a seat at the table to influence City policy decisions around land allocation and preserving gardens and green space.

• Provide organizing support to existing campaigns and projects through the Garden Justice Legal Initiative, including efforts such as improvements to the operations of the Philadelphia Land Bank and securing garden parcels formerly encumbered by US Bank liens.

• Manage and facilitate Vacant Land 215 programming.

• Recruit residents in Philadelphia to support the Law Center’s efforts to address air and noise nuisances from auto body shops and junkyards operating in their community through flyering, door to door outreach, hosting meetings, and facilitating workshops.

• Engage stakeholders in supporting environmental justice campaigns and legislation.

• Participate in Law Center strategies and initiatives.

The position is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Organizer will report to an attorney in our environmental justice team. The Law Center has a hybrid workweek, which consists of three days in the office – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – for all staff, with an option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Applicants must be available some evenings and weekends.

The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience – in an ideal candidate, $50,000 to $60,000 annually. The Law Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; retirement plan with employer match; ample paid time off and holidays; paid parental leave; and paid family and medical leave.

The Public Interest Law Center is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are eager to receive applications from people of all diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to, people of color, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness, and members of the LGBTQ community. The Law Center invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our organization and legal practice.

The Law Center is committed to protecting the safety of children with whom it comes in contact.

How to Apply

To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references to hiring@pubintlaw.org.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with preference given to candidates who submit their application by March 12, 2025.

The Public Interest Law Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.