Office Manager

The Southern Environmental Law Center is seeking an Office Manager in our Charlottesville, VA office. This individual will join our Administration team and report to the Director of Administration. The Office Manager will work with the Virginia Office Director and the Director of Administration to oversee office operations in our headquarters office, manage a large team of administrative staff members, onboard new staff, and relay information on policies and procedures in the Charlottesville and Richmond offices. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees the flexibility to work in-person and remotely. This position has flexibility to work remotely one day per week. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Oversee operations for our combined Virginia and Headquarters office in Charlottesville, supporting several departments that total 65 employees; also provide oversight for office operations in Richmond, which includes 13 staff members.
2. Help plan and lead monthly staff meetings; relay information about new policies and procedures to staff.
3. Manage onboarding and offboarding processes; serve on the Onboarding Committee.
4. Manage and lead a team of eight administrative staff members, including legal assistants supporting our team of 28 Virginia-based attorneys and program staff; management roles include hiring and training responsibilities; ensure legal support coverage for court filings and other significant projects.
5. Conduct annual performance reviews for administrative staff members and set employee goals aligned with departmental and organizational objectives.
6. Develop and submit annual office budgets, review coding and actuals throughout the fiscal year.
7. Oversee facility management, including suite access, parking, and on-site and off-site file storage.
8. Serve as primary contact with property management, maintenance staff, and business vendors.
9. Maintain emergency action plans and inclement weather processes.
10. Direct the administration of the summer intern program.
11. Plan and lead inclusive office social events that strengthen team cohesion, celebrate milestones, and contribute to a positive and connected workplace culture.
12. Liaise with visiting staff and assist with planning and hosting meetings.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Minimum eight years combined of relevant administrative and management experience including:
3. 2+ years of legal or policy experience, preferably in a law firm, environmental, or nonprofit space, or a willingness to learn in-depth about the practice of law and environmental advocacy if no previous experience in this area.
4. 4+ years of people management experience, with a consistent track record of success managing and mentoring individuals in-person and remotely, including hiring and training staff.
5. Technical Capabilities. Demonstrates a strong working knowledge and practical experience in utilizing digital tools, including Microsoft applications (Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and specialized platforms for legal operations and administrative processes.
6. Excellent communicator. Strong written and verbal communicator with experience collaborating across large groups of staff and across departments; skilled at adapting communication style and handling sensitive situations with professionalism.
7. Budget management experience. Demonstrated experience developing budgets and tracking spending; ability to see the big picture and be detail-oriented.
8. Superb judgment. Capable of working independently while demonstrating sound judgment in determining when to seek direction from leadership.
9. Solutions-oriented. Adaptable and solutions-focused, with a positive mindset. Encourages team input to foster collaboration and continuous improvement.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated environmental interest and experience in a personal or professional setting.
2. A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

About SELC:

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at

Compensation & Benefits:

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary range for this position is $80,000 – $93,800 based on experience. For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page.

SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.

SELC will also provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for an SELC position, up to a specific dollar amount and contingent on the move being at least 50 miles from the current primary address.

To Apply:

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and professional references. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is Sunday, December 7th, 2025. However, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified persons of all backgrounds—including traditionally underrepresented individuals such as people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates—are strongly encouraged to apply.

Tagged as: Law/Policy