Lead Researcher, Climate + Energy

Philanthropy Northwest; United States; Remote; USD 106,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Philanthropy Northwest seeks a Lead Researcher for Climate & Energy to drive policy transitions to clean energy in Cascadia. This position involves rigorous research, strategy development, and collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders to influence climate policy while emphasizing diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• At least eight years in policy development or research.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information effectively.
• Experience in climate and energy policy preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex research and shape public policy debates.
• Produce clear, compelling articles and policy memos.
• Mentor junior staff and expand collaborative networks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Self-direction

Job description

Home Jobs Lead Researcher, Climate + Energy

$106,000-125,000 + 10% retirement contribution

Job Category:

Research

Job Category - Other:

Research, Writing, Advocacy, Climate and Energy solutions, Policy

Organizational Overview:

Sightline Institute is committed to making Cascadia—the region stretching from Alaska to northern California and from the Pacific to the Rocky Mountain states—a global model of sustainability, with strong communities, a green economy, and a healthy environment. Founded in 1993, Sightline is one of the region’s premier public policy think tanks, influencing legislation many times—and media coverage hundreds of times—each year.

In our programs on climate and energy, housing and cities, and democracy and elections we identify and promote reforms that yield outsized improvements for the region’s people and places. We believe sustainability exists at the intersection of environmental health and social justice and have an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

A nonprofit, nonpartisan, and independent public policy research center, Sightline provides research reports, articles, and commentary; maps, graphics, and tools; framing and messaging guidance. Sightline’s influence depends on the depth and breadth of our researchers’ expertise and their persuasiveness in presenting analysis and arguments. We aim to draw attention to and build support for data-backed solutions to specific public problems through close engagement in policy debates. We advise and inform public officials, advocates, and the media, and we collaborate with diverse allies and unconventional coalitions in pursuit of our mission. Learn more at www.sightline.org.

Role Responsibilities:

Position Summary

The Lead Researcher, Climate & Energy will serve as a senior strategist, thought leader, and high-impact contributor to Sightline's efforts to transition Cascadia off coal, oil, and gas to a future of abundant clean energy. They will conduct complex, field-leading research; help set and advance the program’s strategy; and shape public policy debates, including around electrification, clean energy buildout, wildfires, and the managed phase out of fossil fuels. This position is a rare opportunity to influence climate policy at the state-, local-, and provincial-levels, at a time when national-level climate policy is at a standstill.

The Lead Researcher will report to Sightline's Director of Climate and Energy. They will be part of a high-functioning, collaborative cadre of researchers, communicators, and advocates, supported by a strong administrative and fundraising team.

Conduct original, field-leading policy analysis and research with practical relevance that advances the Climate and Energy program’s goals and supports Sightline’s mission.

Produce thorough, clear, accurate, and compelling long-form articles, policy memos, and other written products that advance the program’s strategy.

Contribute meaningfully to setting the program’s strategic direction and expansion into new areas, including by identifying and vetting promising policy opportunities that align with Sightline’s mission and values.

Cultivate numerous strategically valuable external relationships with policymakers, agency staff, partner organizations, funders, and journalists and effectively represent Sightline externally.

Expand Sightline’s network of collaborators and potential allies to build politically effective coalitions.

Help drive Sightline’s legislative and advocacy goals, including by working with policymakers and allies to advance relevant bills.

Mentor junior staff, helping to build a high-performing and supportive team environment (The position does not have any direct reports, though could in the future as the program continues to expand.)

Candidate Qualifications:

Desired Skills and Experience

At least eight years of professional experience in policy development, research or program analysis, and/or strategy development.

Excellent analytical skills and an ability to quickly sift through large amounts of information to identify key points and develop practical, strategic, and compelling arguments.

Top-notch written and oral communication skills, including an ability to succinctly and accurately convey complicated information to diverse audiences.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Comfort and skill working independently to manage project workplans, set and meet deadlines, and prioritize effectively among competing responsibilities.

Demonstrated experience quickly mastering new subject matter areas, developing compelling arguments, and effecting change.

A track record of building respectful and effective relationships and collaborating with people across differences, including racial, ethnic, gender, cultural, and political differences.

The ability to be self-directed and self-motivated while working well in a team.

An eagerness to learn and incorporate feedback.

Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Familiarity with or experience working on issues of social and/or environmental justice preferred.

Experience working in climate and energy preferred, but not required.

Experience working with government preferred, but not required.

Commitment to Sightline’s mission and values.

Sightline believes in mentoring talent and providing opportunities for growth. If you are somewhat underqualified or overqualified for the position as described or have relevant experience and transferrable skills different from those listed here, but still feel you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. Sightline may opt to make an offer at one level above or below the Lead Researcher level, depending on applicant experience.

Include your resume, cover letter, and a 2-4pg writing sample into one PDF and email to [e-mail]. Our preference is for writing samples that include analysis or recommendations related to a public policy issue (environmental or otherwise). The best writing sample to send would be one of which you are sole author and that is similar in style and tone to articles published at Sightline.org.