Research Associate, Domestic Climate Policy
Reports to: Director, Domestic Climate and Energy Policy
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Energy and Environment
Position classification: Exempt, full time; Union - Level 3
Minimum compensation: $55,000
Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)
American Progress has an immediate opening for a Research Associate on the Domestic Climate team in its Energy and Environment department to conduct research and analysis related to climate, transportation, and energy policy. The ideal candidate will have strong writing, analytical, and research skills; an attention to detail; a commitment to addressing climate change and economic and environmental injustice; and a willingness to work on a wide range of policy issues.
The position will report to the Director of Domestic Climate and Energy Policy. Experience in climate and energy policy is not required.
This role will be driven by American Progress' mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. The Research Associate will be part of a dynamic department that supports work across American Progress' five crosscutting priorities:
Conduct and support research and analysis on climate and equity policy issues in coordination with other members of American Progress' Energy and Environment department, including data analysis, proofreading, fact-checking, and editing documents.
Help develop a range of written products to influence the policy debate on key climate issues, including memos, reports, rapid-response statements, op-eds, and social media content.
Elicit and provide feedback on written products.
Provide research support to members of the Energy and Environment department and draft memorandums for internal audiences.
Help coordinate and plan meetings, events, and issue-based coalition work, as needed.
Engage in rapid-response research and writing in response to policy developments.
Perform light administrative duties, such as helping track publications and timelines; tracking congressional hearings, regulations, and other political developments; and coordinating meetings.
Represent American Progress in external meetings with Capitol Hill staff and coalition partners to advance the organization's work.
Help embody a culture of justice, equity, and inclusion by performing tasks with these values at their core.
Develop and maintain expertise in assigned areas of responsibility.
Perform other duties, as assigned.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
At least two years of relevant professional experience, including internships, activist roles, or other positions; volunteer experience may be considered.
Understanding of how environmental issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality, and a passion for working to dismantle these systems.
Research and analytical skills, including attention to detail and proficient quantitative skills, as well as the ability to digest and summarize technical and policy reports and to interpret and create spreadsheets and data visualizations.
Proficient in written and oral communication, including the ability to communicate policy matters to a nonpolicy audience.
Ability to independently plan ahead, prioritize, allocate time, balance projects, and coordinate with internal and external partners.
Willingness to take ownership of independent projects.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines in a team setting.
Commitment to treating all partners with courtesy and respecting those of different cultural backgrounds.
Commitment to American Progress' mission, goals, and progressive values, including environmental and social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Knowledge of the legislative and administrative policymaking process is a plus.
American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by IFPTE Local 70 and has a minimum salary of $55,000.
We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress' Jobs page.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and preference will be given to applications received by 5:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 9, 2023.
Short responses to the following questions should be included in the application:
Please provide examples of policy topics that most interest you.
Please briefly describe your research and quantitative skills, including data analysis and presentation, modeling, and/or software programs.
This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.
Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.
Thank you for your interest in American Progress.
American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name "American Progress." The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.
American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.
For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaction.org.