The Initiative for Energy Justice is hiring two Senior Policy Analysts to advance research and policy analysis within energy justice topics. We are seeking applicants with sharp analytical skills, exceptional writing capabilities, and a depth of expertise in energy justice. Researchers with a track record of designing and implementing qualitative or quantitative research projects from start to finish are encouraged to apply. This is an exciting opportunity to address disparities in energy policies and public systems by providing anti-racist, intersectional policy recommendations and analysis focused on serving all communities.
The Senior Policy Analyst plays an important role in evaluating energy policies and making recommendations for how they may be improved. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver timely and efficient policy research, analysis, reporting, and resources for a research and educational think tank that is dedicated to advancing an equity-centered just transition across all U.S. states. IEJ is looking for applicants who are committed to tackling large scale climate, clean energy, and energy justice challenges. This opening is seeking a unique skill set, specifically research and writing, to join the IEJ’s programs team.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Policy Analyst will create research projects and publications in alignment with IEJ’s strategic plan and research objectives. This includes conducting background research with academic and community partners, refining project proposals with IEJ’s programs team and independently project managing research and key deliverables, such as design, publication, and communications strategies. The Senior Policy Analyst will also be responsible for actively tracking and analyzing the latest research and trends in the energy sector, assisting in the translation of research insights to policy and practice, and supporting program management through technical assistance, meeting planning, and innovative engagement strategies.The ideal candidate for the position must be an exceptional writer, project manager, and thought leader. In alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities, the Senior Policy Analyst will also advance program goals through the development of work plans, budgets, and effective stewardship of any research projects they instigate. Overall, IEJ is seeking a highly motivated collaborator who is interested in addressing disparities in energy policies and public systems and is committed to anti-racist, intersectional policy work focused on serving all communities.
** This is a remote, US-based, position and not a lobbying role. **
Responsibilities:
1) Research and Writing
- Initiate policy research and analysis for new/existing energy justice research projects; synthesize research findings to identify and recommend best practices; publish and publicize long-form robust findings to stakeholders.
- Write and edit clear and concise short-form op-eds, articles, briefs, proposals, and reports that translate complex policies and analyses into digestible information and policy recommendations for different audiences, including advocates and policymakers.
- Assist with closing research gaps in existing work products and provide edits, citations, and project management.
- Extract, collect, and aggregate data across databases, survey responses, and other data sources; ensure data quality by checking existing data for consistency and accuracy; coding data for analysis; analyzing coded data for research findings and policy recommendations.
- Synthesize and create actionable research conclusions that provide informed recommendations for regulatory intervention, legislative advocacy, or executive action.
2) External Engagement and Communications
- Present research and policy findings at IEJ trainings, webinars, funder meetings, via the media, or at various conferences and other forums.
- Manage distribution and audience engagement plans through active participation in planning meetings and listening sessions with partners and clients to develop report themes and content.
- Partner with stakeholders to identify actionable research and engage in participatory research methodologies.
- Participate in or organize convenings to identify new research topics, partner with advocacy organizations advancing IEJ’s policy recommendations, or learn about a diverse array of energy justice policy needs.
3) Internal Collaboration
- Edit and provide supervisory support on junior team members’ writing products and publications.
- Collaborate with staff on crafting collateral material, publication schedules, and marketing on research findings and reports.
- Provide information in a distilled format for IEJ trainings, webinars, funder meetings, media, legislators, regulators, or other audiences.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrates prior experience in self-initiated research and policy within energy justice topics
- 5-8 years of professional experience in policy, government, or nonprofit work
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and especially in writing
- Strong policy analysis techniques and problem solving skills
- Interest or experience in applying equity, inclusion, diversity, and justice concepts in policy development or policy analysis of energy justice projects
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in public policy or related field or equivalent experience/training
- Deep knowledge of key policy stakeholders and energy/environmental justice landscape
- Previous experience in regulatory and legislative processes as they pertain to energy policy, preferably in state-level regulatory advocacy and/or bill negotiation
- Familiarity with data analysis software, mapping software, dashboards, and other tools to support data analysis, with an emphasis on racial and social demographics, geographic location, and other factors