Bethany C. Roberts
Carbonado,WA
Summary
Results-oriented director and legal professional with 10+ years of experience in program management, legal and policy advocacy, reform, and implementation, movement building, gender equality and social inclusion, climate change, human rights, and sustainable development. Proven ability to lead and manage complex projects, organizational change initiatives, build strong cross-sector partnerships, manage matrixed teams, and navigate multifaceted legal and political landscapes. Expertise in designing and implementing impactful strategies for initiatives at program, organization, and global levels. Seeking a director-level or legal position in an impactful organization that values sustainability and inclusivity.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director
Landesa Center for Women's Land Rights
01.2021 - Current
- Spearhead the strategic direction and operational management of the Center for Women's Land Rights, overseeing a team of legal, social science, advocacy, and management professionals.
- Secure funding and build collaborations with multiple stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and private investors. I grew the Center's portfolio from $200,000 per year to $2,000,000 per year budget in the first year as Director.
- Facilitate strategy direction and provide oversight for Stand for Her Land, a global advocacy initiative focused on women's land rights in over 10 countries. Includes significant collective and strategic engagement in global advocacy spaces focused on gender equality, climate change, food security, and women, peace, and security.
- Integrate gender equality and social inclusion strategies and tools into all aspects of project design and implementation across Landesa programs, in collaboration with all teams and leadership.
Program Manager
Landesa Center for Women's Land Rights
10.2018 - 12.2020
- Managed a portfolio of land rights projects across Africa and Asia as well as global projects, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
- Led design, implementation, and management of organizational change initiative on gender integration in programs and projects.
- Led stakeholder engagement that resulted in the growth and development of global advocacy on human rights and climate change, including support to the development of a climate program at Landesa.
- Initiated, built, and led partnerships with key actors from academia, civil society, and government sectors to achieve program outcomes and ensure local and national sustainability.
- Conducted field research and data analysis to inform land policy reforms and investment strategies in over five countries.
Attorney & Gender and Land Tenure Specialist
Landesa
09.2015 - 10.2018
- Provided legal expertise and strategic guidance on land tenure issues, regulatory reforms, and international human rights advocacy across more than 10 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and Southeast Asia
- Conducted legal research, drafted policy recommendations, and provided training to government officials and communities to support reforms within formal and customary legal systems, and to contribute to policy and legal advisory services including under USAID's "Feed the Future" Program (e.g., Ghanaian Land Bill; issues including compulsory acquisition, large-scale investments, spousal rights, and women's rights). investments, spousal rights, and women's rights)
- Managed relationships with key partners, including intergovernmental bodies (UNFCCC, UNCCD, UNCBD, and treaty-monitoring bodies (CESCR and CEDAW)) and national-level entities (government agencies, parliamentary groups, civil society, etc.) to advance women’s land rights
- Designed and delivered capacity building training programs on gender equality and social inclusion for local staff and partners
Associate Attorney
Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC
11.2014 - 08.2015
- Conducted legal research and drafting across diverse legal areas (securities, employment, trust administration, etc.).
- Represented clients in litigation and legal processes, including court proceedings and mediation
- Supported business development and client retention in collaboration with senior attorneys and partners
Executive Director
Bald Solidarity
03.2008 - 06.2014
- Successfully managed all aspects of a non-profit organization, including legal incorporation, board recruitment, governance, fundraising, program development, event planning, financial management, and volunteer recruitment and management.
Education
LL.M. - Law of International Sustainable Development
University of Washington School of Law
J.D. -
University of Washington School of Law
M.P.A. - International Development and Nonprofit Management
University of Washington
B.A. - Intercultural Studies
Northwest University
Skills
- Legal Research & Analysis
- Policy Analysis and Advocacy
- Legal, Policy, and Regulatory Reform
- International Law
- Global Advocacy (climate change, human rights, movement building)
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
- Program Management
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Fundraising
- Grant Writing
- Report Writing
- Public Speaking
- Training & Facilitation
Certification
- Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar since 2014.
Affiliations
- Running, weight-lifting, reading, nerdy podcasts, mindfulness, cats.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director
Landesa Center for Women's Land Rights
01.2021 - Current
Program Manager
Landesa Center for Women's Land Rights
10.2018 - 12.2020
Attorney & Gender and Land Tenure Specialist
Landesa
09.2015 - 10.2018
Associate Attorney
Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC
11.2014 - 08.2015
Executive Director
Bald Solidarity
03.2008 - 06.2014
LL.M. - Law of International Sustainable Development
University of Washington School of Law
J.D. -
University of Washington School of Law
M.P.A. - International Development and Nonprofit Management
University of Washington
B.A. - Intercultural Studies
Northwest University
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