Organizational Profile
RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement. RFF’s widely trusted research insights
and policy solutions advance a healthy environment and thriving economy, equitably supporting people and communities, and helping solve the climate crisis.
Our work centers on the design of smart strategies to achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases and enhance resilience to climate change risks. We also emphasize issues related to equity, adaptation to structural transitions arising from decarbonization, and climate and policy impacts at the community level. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future, while having shaped many of the world’s most successful environmental decisions and policies over the past 70 years.
Summary
Resources for the Future is seeking, PhD-Level researchers in economics or a related field who have a strong desire to engage with policy audiences and make a lasting impact on environmental decisions. Successful RFF Fellows conduct high-quality, publishable research; develop and lead new research projects; and actively participate in communication of research results and other forms of policy engagement.
Within the broad themes of smart strategies to achieve net-zero emissions and climate resilience, RFF is particularly interested in adding expertise in policy design and modeling focused on emission reductions and carbon dioxide removal; increased adoption of innovative technologies; emissions accounting; and private and public sector financing of low-carbon investments. This includes actions at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as by the private sector.
Candidates with expertise in other areas related to climate change will also be considered, particularly those with expertise relevant to our programs focused on climate solutions in the industrial, fuels, electricity, forestry, and agricultural sectors, as well as climate risks and resilience.
This role is located in Washington, DC with opportunities for remote work arrangements
Responsibilities
- Conceive and manage research projects and produce original research suitable for publication in the peer reviewed literature, policy publications, and RFF publications.
- Provide analysis of policy issues and engage with decisionmakers and stakeholders.
- Lead and participate in public-facing events and write briefs, blogs, and short articles for non-academic audiences.
- Help manage broader research programs and others’ research projects.
- Support and lead fundraising efforts that reach government, foundation, corporate, individual, and other donors
- Participate in RFF institutional activities, including team meetings, staff presentations, and presentations to members of the RFF Board and President’s Council
- Mentor junior research staff, including interns, Research Assistants and Research Associates, as needed
Qualifications
- A PhD in economics or closely related field, and more than 5 years of post-degree professional experience in climate policy research; OR,
- An alternative graduate degree (e.g., MA, JD, or PhDs less-closely related to economics) and at least 10 years of post-degree professional experience in climate policy research and engagement.
- Expertise related to one or more of the topics listed above, with a record of research publications and/or leading and managing teams producing research publications.
- Experience working within or closely with government agencies, and a network of governmental and non-governmental contacts related to environmental policy issues.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and lead new areas of research and policy engagement with lasting impact on environmental decisions and policy.
- Demonstrated research leadership skills, including project and program management ability.
- Management or supervisory experience leading, coaching, and mentoring staff, with increased responsibilities over time.
- Fundraising experience with government, foundations, corporations, multilateral organizations, and/or individuals.
- Experience with strategic communications, including outreach to media and target audiences in the public, business, and nonprofit sectors.
- Outstanding oral and written communications skills.
- Demonstrated interest in, and capability to work as part of a team to develop and execute strategy on an organizational level.
- Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with organizations, universities, and/or multilateral institutions.
Application Procedures
All applicants should use RFF’s on-line application process at www.rff.org/careers. The required items are a letter of application describing interest in the position focusing on the relevant area(s) noted above and a resume/curriculum vitae.
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Should you experience any difficulty in applying online, or if you have other questions about the position, please email midcareerhiring@rff.org.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision through Cigna
- 35 hour work week
- Flexible summer hours (4 day work week June-Sept)
- Flexible work arrangement policy (hybrid work)
- 11 paid holidays
- Office closed the week between Christmas and New Years Day
- 4 weeks PTO to start, increases to 5 weeks after 5 years
- 15 paid sick days per year
- State of the Art Fitness facility on site and free to all employees with regular group classes
- Deli on site
- Parking on site
- RFF contributes up to 15% of your salary to a 401(a) retirement account, depending on employee age in addition to a 403(b)
- Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking)
