Head of Environmental Litigation Strategy

Southern Environmental Law Center; Chapel Hill (NC); Hybrid; USD 188,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

PSLF-eligible employer

Location premium (DC)

Job summary

Southern Environmental Law Center seeks a Litigation Strategy Director, a senior leader responsible for strategy, standards, and professional development of SELC’s litigation program. The role reports to the Chief Program Officer and sits on a peer level with other senior directors.

The Director sustains excellence by guiding strategy, policy, and training while engaging with offices nationwide. Hybrid work is offered with relocation support; strong candidates based in Chapel Hill,

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of litigation experience, including first-chair responsibility in complex civil litigation.
• Active license to practice law, or willingness to seek admission in one of SELC's states or Washington, D.C.
• Strong knowledge of administrative law, civil procedure, remedies, and professional responsibility.
• Sound judgment in high-stakes litigation decisions, including when to file, settle, appeal, or pursue a different course.
• Experience developing litigators and coaching junior to senior attorneys.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with clients, colleagues, partners, and the legal community.
• Ability and willingness to travel to SELC offices and other locations as needed.
• Commitment to an equitable and inclusive workplace across the region.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Program Officer and leaders to integrate litigation into program plans and policies.
• Advise on litigation strategy, guide significant filings, and prepare for key proceedings.
• Approve major litigation decisions and oversee board updates; guide test cases and precedents.
• Monitor legal developments and advise on ethics, conflicts, and professional standards.
• Supervise and mentor attorneys to build sound judgment and advocacy skills.
• Set priorities for litigation training and foster excellence, integrity, collaboration.
• Assess litigation capacity and advise on senior hiring and resource deployment.
• Coordinate strategy with national and regional partners and maintain external relationships.
• Represent SELC’s litigation work with donors, press, and the public.

Skills

Litigation leadership

Policy integration

Mentoring attorneys

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bar admission in SELC states or DC

Job description

Southern Environmental Law Center seeks a Litigation Strategy Director, a senior leader responsible for strategy, standards, and professional development of SELC’s litigation program. The role reports to the Chief Program Officer and sits on a peer level with other senior directors.

The Director sustains excellence by guiding strategy, policy, and training while engaging with offices nationwide. Hybrid work is offered with relocation support; strong candidates based in Chapel Hill,