Legal and Stewardship Associate

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) seeks a Legal and Stewardship Associate to provide critical support for the Foundation’s land acquisition and stewardship programs. This role involves legal research, document drafting, title review, and assistance with enforcement and compliance. The ideal candidate brings strong legal training, real estate or land use experience, and a commitment to VOF’s conservation mission.

The position offers a competitive starting salary commensurate with experience, with benefits including health, vision, dental, 401k, STD/LTD, FSA, life insurance, and a generous PTO plan. This is a 32-hour workweek position with a hybrid work arrangement based out of VOF's Irvington, VA office. EEO/AA. Open until filled. 

Key Responsibilities

Acquisitions Support

• - Draft and review conservation easement templates and related legal instruments
• - Review title reports, surveys, and plats
• - Assist with due diligence and tax disclosure requirements
• - Coordinate with external counsel and communicate with landowners and project partners
• - Support development of acquisition policies and template updates for legal/regulatory compliance

Stewardship Support

• - Assist with review and documentation of encroachments (e.g., utility expansions, timbering)
• - Draft consent agreements and communications related to easement compliance
• - Conduct legal research and assist in interpreting applicable statutes and regulations
• - Review requests for amendments and boundary adjustments
• - Support case development for potential violations or enforcement actions

Administrative & Policy Duties

• - Organize and maintain legal and stewardship documentation
• - Contribute to policy research and internal guidance updates
• - Assist with the preparation of materials for staff, board meetings, and agency reporting
• - Track legal and regulatory developments affecting VOF’s work

Required:

• - LL.M., J.D., or equivalent legal training, with relevant coursework or experience in property or environmental law
• - At least 5 years of legal, real estate, regulatory compliance, or related experience
• - Demonstrated ability to analyze deeds, plats, and legal instruments
• - Excellent drafting, research, and organizational skills
• - Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects independently
• - A demonstrated interest in land conservation or public service
• - Some travel is required

Preferred:

• - Familiarity with conservation easements, public utility law, or local land use regulations
• - Experience working with nonprofit, government, or environmental organizations
• - Residence in or availability to work in the Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck region

Cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references are required as part of the application.

Reasonable Accommodation: During the selection process, applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation.

 
The Virginia Outdoors Foundation does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.

Questions or requests related to the position can be emailed to the Human Resources Manager, Sara Brooks at [email protected].

Position is Open Until Filled

VOF Job Site