Regulatory Attorney

Use your legal skills to transform the food industry

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is at the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of animals. 

How You Will Make a Difference
In this role, you will work to level the regulatory playing field for alternative proteins. The Regulatory Attorney will be responsible for:

• Writing letters, comments, policy briefs, and fact sheets to support GFI’s policy priorities.
• Meeting with agency staff on nutritional, agricultural, public health, USDA, and FDA policy.
• Drafting submissions to regulators and analyzing regulatory proposals.
• Cultivating relationships with other nonprofit organizations, including those focused on environmental issues, public health, consumer protection, and food safety issues, to build alliances and support for the policies that will be most effective in increasing plant-based options and ensuring the safety and clear labeling of cultivated meat.
• Speaking persuasively to legal and nonlegal audiences on plant-based and cultivated meat and related regulatory and policy issues.
• Supporting GFI’s litigation efforts, including by coordinating with co-counsel on strategy, conducting legal research, and drafting motions and briefs.
• Coordinating with policy staff at GFI’s international affiliates to maintain alignment in advocacy efforts and collaborate on international issues.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For
The Regulatory Attorney must have:

• A J.D., admission to the bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia, and at least 2 years of experience as an attorney or law clerk.
• Self-motivation and a strong work ethic.
• Strong persuasive and analytical legal writing skills.
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing and in oral presentations to a range of audiences.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and with a team.
• Sound judgment in decision-making, including setting and managing priorities, proposing and meeting deadlines, and resolving logistics challenges.
• Support for GFI’s philosophy and an ability to advocate professionally for GFI’s positions.
• Comfort working in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The ideal candidate would also have:

• An understanding of food law.
• Experience working for a federal agency, or other administrative law experience.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

The Fine Print

• Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
• Reports to: Laura Braden, Lead Regulatory Counsel
• Location: Farragut Square, Washington, D.C. 
• Travel: Up to two weeks per year for company retreats.
• Benefits: Full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues.
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Salary: $65,000-$75,000

Applications accepted on a rolling basis