Research Analyst, Connective Mobility

World Resources Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization seeks a candidate for a hybrid role focused on the Electric School Bus Initiative. The position involves engaging stakeholders, conducting research, and providing technical assistance to support the equitable transition to electric buses. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research, data analysis, and a commitment to equity and diversity.

Benefits

Global network and learning opportunities

Impactful work in a mission-driven organization

Diversity and inclusion focus

Flexible hybrid work model

Generous leave policy

Comprehensive health and retirement benefits

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in electric vehicles or transportation.
• Strong research, data analysis, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage with stakeholders to provide technical assistance and support funding programs.
• Conduct research and produce findings for electric bus adoption.

Skills

Research

Data Analysis

Communication

Project Management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s preferred

Job description

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You will be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

To be eligible for this position in the US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland, or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the program:

As part of the Electric School Bus Initiative, the 480,000 school buses in the United States account for 80% of all buses nationwide, yet just over 3% are electrified currently. School bus electrification presents a unique opportunity to accelerate decarbonization while providing tangible benefits to communities across the US. This transition can help normalize electric mobility for a new generation and address historic under-investments in communities of color, low-income, and rural communities. Through the US Electric School Bus Initiative, created in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund, WRI aims to create unstoppable momentum toward equitable electrification of all US school buses. Overcoming barriers such as cost, infrastructure, and policy requires a systemic approach engaging a broad ecosystem of stakeholders and prioritizing inclusive planning with impacted communities.

Our focus areas include:

• Supporting school districts in the equitable transition to electric buses
• Collaborating with workforce providers and manufacturers across the supply chain for a sustainable transition
• Working with electric utilities to improve infrastructure, rates, tariffs, and vehicle-to-grid strategies
• Engaging policymakers to promote demand, reduce barriers, and increase funding
• Partnering with communities to facilitate school bus electrification and providing necessary tools and resources

Job highlight:

You will integrate equity into your work, supporting stakeholders including school districts, manufacturers, and workforce providers. You will interact with various stakeholders to ensure they have the funding, resources, and guidance needed for electric bus adoption. You will contribute to knowledge products, conduct research, and support scaling efforts.

Key responsibilities:

Research & Knowledge – Technical Assistance (90%):

• Engage with stakeholders to identify topics, provide technical assistance, and support funding programs
• Maintain relationships with stakeholders and seek new partnerships
• Support data collection, analysis, and stakeholder interviews
• Conduct research and produce stories, analysis, and trends
• Manage data analysis, cleaning, and database management
• Prepare communications materials
• Disseminate findings through publications and events
• Center equity in all technical assistance work, prioritizing underserved communities

Team responsibilities (10%):

• Organize meetings, webinars, and events
• Participate in peer review processes
• Coordinate within the team and across WRI
• Travel as needed to represent the initiative
• Assist in fundraising and proposal development

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields; master’s preferred
• 3+ years of relevant experience in electric vehicles, transportation, or related areas
• Understanding of policy, electrification, and justice issues
• Strong research, data analysis, and communication skills
• Organizational and project management skills
• Commitment to equity and diversity
• Ability to present complex info clearly
• Adaptability and teamwork skills
• Proficiency in English
• Work authorization in the US; visa sponsorship not available

Salary:

US$69,000 - $78,000, commensurate with experience.

Application process:

Submit a resume and cover letter by May 30, 2025. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Apply through the WRI Careers portal.

What we offer:

• Global network and learning opportunities
• Impactful work in a mission-driven organization
• Diversity and inclusion focus
• Participation in working groups and affinity groups
• Flexible hybrid work model
• Generous leave policy
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits

About Us:

WRI works to improve lives, protect nature, and stabilize climate through research, policy influence, and partnerships in over 50 countries.

Our mission and values:

To move society toward environmental sustainability and intergenerational equity. Our core values are integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect.

Our culture:

We promote gender and social equity and provide equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or other protected characteristics.