Senior Attorney

The position will primarily work with TNC’s Northeast Division within the United States, with additional work as assigned across the United States. The Senior Attorney will provide legal services on complex matters to advance Conservancy priorities and appropriately manage risk for assigned programs and ensure that transactions and activities are legally sound and consistent with the Conservancy’s values, mission, policies and procedures. The Senior Attorney will clearly articulate complex legal concepts and options to assigned programs. They will be responsible for providing legal advice and support regarding matters relating to all aspects of the Conservancy’s programs for assigned business units, particularly conservation real estate and financing matters.

The Senior Attorney may also provide advice on complex non-real estate conservation projects; contracts and grants, legal support for the Conservancy’s engagements and relationships with large corporations, advice regarding dam removal projects, public policy, tax-exempt law issues and philanthropy. They will work as part of a team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff. While this is a remote role that may be located anywhere in the United States, this position will be expected to work on Eastern Time Zone hours. This position may have supervisory responsibility for paralegals and may be asked to supervise other attorneys, legal volunteers, and/or outside counsel.

Some examples of the type of TNC projects implemented in the Northeast Division:

Kennebec River Restoration

Living Shorelines in New England

Northeast Habitats & Highways

At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of work that you can believe in, where you are helping to address the most pressing environmental issues and making a difference every day. You can help make an impact on nature and its fate in a rapidly changing world; apply practical and innovative solutions; and achieve results through teamwork and new partnerships.

The Nature Conservancy’s Global Legal Team is seeking an experienced transaction attorney with real estate experience and strong communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will have excellent judgment and be able to advise multiple decision-makers about uncertain risks and challenging choices in a matrixed organization. They will also have the emotional intelligence, authenticity, integrity and disposition to build trust and guide the organization forward in ways that are equitable, fair and inclusive, while navigating difficult or potentially contentious conversations in result-oriented, non-confrontational ways.

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent and license to practice law in at least one jurisdiction in the United States.
• 5 years relevant legal experience or at least 3 years relevant legal experience coupled with assumption of significant responsibilities for a geographic area or subject matter expertise.
• Experience negotiating complex transactions and agreements.
• Experience with real estate transactions.

• Experience in one or more of the following areas of law: environmental law, Federal Indian law, energy law, tax-exempt law, complex grants and contracts, and/or land use law.
• Experience in tax-exempt law and legal issues related to charitable contributions. 
• In-house experience and/or law firm experience advising sophisticated clients and senior management.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $100,000 - $160,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.