Environmental Justice Center Director
Company: Vermont Law School
Location: South Royalton
Posted on: May 16, 2022
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Job Description:
Environmental Justice Center Director
Vermont Law School is committed to cultivating and preserving a
culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better
together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In
recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to
enrich and challenge our community. As part of our commitment to
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, candidates who
meet the qualifications for this position and who require
accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at
jobs@vermontlaw.edu. Vermont Law School strives to raise the bar
for being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit
discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, place of
birth, marital status, disability, veteran's status, HIV status,
pregnancy, genetic information, health insurance status, and crime
victim status.
Summary of Responsibilities:
This new administrative faculty position will direct all aspects of
the new Environmental and Climate Justice Center (EJ Center) at the
law and graduate school. (The Environmental and Climate Justice
Center is a placeholder name, with the official name to be chosen
in collaboration with the new Director). The new Director will take
the lead in establishing and overseeing the new EJ Center. In
addition to new programming to be developed by the Director, the
new EJ Center will serve as the umbrella for VLS's existing
Environmental Justice Clinic (EJ Clinic), multi-disciplinary
Climate Justice Practicum (CJP), and other EJ curriculum. The
position includes a two course per year teaching load. Applicants
holding a JD or other advanced degree are welcome.
Environmental and Climate Justice at VLS
For nearly 50 years, VLS has had one of the preeminent
environmental law programs in the world. VLS was among the first
schools to offer an environmental justice law class, created by
Barry Hill (former Director of the Office of Environmental Justice
at the EPA), and offered continuously for 26 years.
In 2019, VLS launched its Environmental Justice Clinic (EJC) under
the direction of Marianne Engelman Lado, former VLS professor and
current Deputy General Counsel of Environmental Initiatives at the
U.S. EPA. The clinic's docket focuses on representing overburdened
communities who are fighting for a voice while facing racial and
economic disparities in the distribution of polluting sources. The
addition of the EJC to VLS's robust experiential program provided
student training in an additional and necessary skillset: community
lawyering. Also launched in 2019 was the Climate Justice Practicum
(CJP). The CJP is a collaboration between VLS, Yale School of
Public Health, and Yale School of the Environment where students
work in interdisciplinary teams on applied projects involving law,
policy, and public health that address a full range of climate
justice issues. In addition to these offerings, a commitment to
environmental and climate justice is integrated into VLS's other
environmental programs, particularly in research and direct
services related to energy and food and agriculture. VLS is also
home to the first-in-the-nation student-run Environmental Justice
Law Society (EJLS).
In August 2021, the VLS Board of Trustees approved a new Strategic
Plan for VLS, initiating several transformational changes. The new
EJ Center will play a central role in the reimagining of our
expansive environmental programs and new educational structure.
Essential Functions and Principal Accountabilities:
Develop a strategic plan for launching the new EJ Center.
Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Environmental Programs on
incorporation of environmental justice principles and subject
matter throughout VLS's environmental programs and courses.
Once the EJ Center is launched, oversee all aspects of the EJ
Center and its programs.
Teach a total of two courses over the course of one calendar year
(in the fall, spring, or summer terms), possibly including a core
course as determined by the Dean of Faculty.
Supervise direct reports, including the Director of the EJ Clinic,
and the director of any new programs within the EJ Center.
Collaborate and coordinate with other faculty teaching courses in
or related to environmental justice.
Engage and collaborate with students in the development and
direction of the EJ Center.
Engage with prospective students.
Develop and execute media strategies, including acting as a
spokesperson for the EJ Center.
Raise funds to support the EJ Center and its programs, in
collaboration with the VLS grants office.
Be an active participant in a dynamic graduate school environment,
including collaboration with other programs and educational and
other committee assignments and meetings.
Contribute to the development and implementation of inclusive
teaching practices.
Administer the EJ Center, such as management of the EJ Center's
budget; participation in EJ Center personnel decisions along with
the appropriate members of the VLS Administration; participation in
Environmental Law Center Program Director Meetings.
Required Education, Skills and Experience:
Juris Doctorate (JD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) preferred.
Possibly Master's depending on other qualifications.
Admission to the bar (in any jurisdiction) preferred, but not
required.
At least 10 years of relevant experience.
At least 5 years of management experience.
A track record of academic or practice-based engagement on
environmental justice, just transition, and structural
inequality.
Experience directly engaging with communities most impacted by
structural inequality.
Understanding of and appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion,
justice, and belonging, including the ability to work with
students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, identities,
and viewpoints.
Enthusiasm for working with law and graduate students who are eager
to learn practical skills.
Fundraising and/or grant writing experience in an academic or
nonprofit setting.
Communications and/or marketing experience.
Law or graduate school teaching experience preferred.
Other Requirements:
Willingness to participate with the Vermont Law School faculty and
student community and follow Covid19 safety policies and guidelines
as laid out by the One VLS Action Team based on the changing
landscape of the Covid19 pandemic.
Must be able to work legally within the United States without
sponsorship.
Physical ability to perform all essential functions of the job with
or without basic accommodations.
Note: All job requirements are subject to possible revision to
reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably
accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may
exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and
safety of themselves or other employees. Employees may be required,
from time to time, to follow other job- related duties as requested
by their Department Head, Supervisor, Dean, or as outlined in the
Faculty Handbook (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and
State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
PM20PI177801209
Keywords: Vermont Law School, New England , Environmental Justice Center Director, Executive , South Royalton, Northeast
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