New Mexico Appleseed Job Posting

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

New Mexico Appleseed

STAFF ATTORNEY

Albuquerque, New Mexico or Santa Fe, New Mexico

Practice Areas:  Hunger, homelessness, community development, poverty law, Native American

Job Description

Reporting to Executive Director, the Staff Attorney is responsible for research, analysis, and writing for the organization on a wide variety of poverty-related issues such hunger, homelessness, and foster care.  Primary responsibilities include legal research and writing, policy analysis and advocacy, legislative drafting, negotiation, community education, and collaboration with non-profit, community-based, and governmental organizations.  This position does not involve litigation.  Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain expertise in the laws, regulations, and guidance for housing and child welfare programs, USDA meal programs, and other areas related to poverty or public benefits as needed.
  • Research and write legislative reports, memos for internal and external distribution, fact sheets, talking points, and presentations.
  • Give formal and informal presentations to a variety of audiences, including legislators, state and federal agencies, and community members.
  • Advocate in a collaborative and positive manner for policy change with state agencies, school districts, and community stakeholders.
  • Work with community stakeholders to implement policies at state and local levels.
  • Draft legislation, regulations, and MOUs.
  • Occasional travel around New Mexico and the Navajo Nation is required.  Longer-distance travel may be required infrequently.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

  • Proven track record of excellent, detail-oriented legal and policy research and writing.  Candidate must be able to identify issues; research relevant statutes, regulations, and guidance at all levels of government; summarize them accurately, succinctly, and coherently; make persuasive recommendations for policy changes; and edit his or her own work.
  • Proven ability to work with a wide array of professionals and community members from varying backgrounds.
  • Deep, proven commitment to public service.
  • Willingness to work “law firm” hours on a fairly regular basis.
  • Ability to create and use Excel spreadsheets and do basic math.
  • Bar admission in any state preferred; willingness to take the New Mexico Bar required.
  • Two to five years of experience as an attorney preferred.
  • Two to five years of experience doing advanced research and writing preferred.
  • Journal experience a plus.
  • Economics background a plus.
  • Proficiency in Spanish or Navajo a plus.
  • Connection and/or commitment to New Mexico a plus.

 

Personal Qualities:

  • Intellectually curious, with a passion for research and writing
  • Highly detail-oriented
  • Very organized and able to prioritize projects
  • Extremely hard and dedicated worker
  • Flexible and easygoing
  • Willing to do both the exciting policy work and the less exciting grunt work involved with a small nonprofit
  • Self-starter
  • Ability to take and offer constructive criticism
  • Sense of humor
  • Can communicate with anyone from all walks of life

Salary:  $45,000 to $55,000 depending upon experience.  Benefits:  health insurance; 403(b) plan (unmatched); generous leave policy.  Great office atmosphere.

Application Instructions:

To apply, send a cover letter, law school transcript, writing sample and resume to Jennifer Ramo at jramo@nmappleseed.org.