Manager, Equity in the Energy Transition Initiative

Position Summary: 
 

Resources for the Future (RFF) is seeking to hire a Research Initiative Manager to lead and conduct work in two related areas within RFF’s Equity in the Energy Transition (EET) Initiative.  

First, the Manager will play a leading role in managing the activities of the Resilient Energy Economies (REE) initiative, a collaboration between RFF, Columbia University, the University of Notre Dame, and Montana State University that funds research and holds convenings across the United States. Managing the REE initiative includes overseeing an active portfolio of research grants to scholars across the United States and Canada, helping to arrange convenings of scholars, policymakers, and economic development practitioners around the United States, communicating with and expanding the REE community of practice, and helping to coordinate other initiative activities.  

Second, the Manager will lead discrete research and project management activities related to  specific research projects within EET. The EET initiative carries out research and policy engagement to inform policymakers seeking to design an equitable transition to a net-zero emissions energy system. Research activities include gathering data and conducting analysis to understand how fossil fuel-dependent communities can develop more resilient economies, as well as how low-emissions energy technologies affect host communities—for better and for worse. Policy engagement includes working with academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders from industry, NGOs, and elsewhere to share information and build a network of experts focused on delivering an equitable energy transition. Stakeholders have a range of perspectives on energy systems and policies, so the research associate needs to be comfortable working with people from a wide range of backgrounds with varying policy preferences. 

 
Please note that this position is currently grant-funded for two years, with likelihood for extension.  

Responsibilities: 

• Lead in managing the activities of the Resilient Energy Economies initiative, including coordinating research grants, planning meetings at locations across the United States, and supporting other initiative activities such as fundraising and stakeholder engagement.  
• Working with the EET initiative leader, lead the coordination of policy engagement activities and engage directly with policymakers and other stakeholders in Washington, DC and elsewhere.  
• Confidently and independently manage project tasks (such as data gathering, analysis, and writing) across a variety of research activities. 
• Help produce a range of media based on research activities, including journal articles, reports, blogs, webinars, and other formats.  
• Participate in RFF institutional activities, including team meetings, staff presentations, and other activities.  

Qualifications: 

• Minimum education/work experience: A master’s degree in public policy, economics, political science, geography, or a related social science field AND 2+ years of related work experience; OR a bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of experience. 
• Preferred education/work experience: A master’s degree in public policy, economics, political science, geography, or a related social science field AND 4+ years of related work experience; OR a bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience. 
• Experience working on energy policy issues, ideally focused on issues related to coal, oil, and natural gas systems  
• Outstanding oral and written communications skills. 
• Outstanding organizational skills.  
• Experience managing complex professional projects.  
• A high degree of independence in carrying out designated management and research activities.  
• Excellent data analysis skills, preferably including geospatial analysis. 
• Ability to constructively engage with a wide range of stakeholders on energy policy issues, including those in academia, government, industry, and environmental nonprofits.  
• Technical Requirements: 
  • Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook  
  • Internal communications platforms like Teams, Zoom   
  • R or another flexible programming language, preferably with experience using and analyzing geospatial data 

Compensation and Benefits:   
 

• Salary range: $88,500 - $105,000 
• Medical, Dental, and 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
• On site amenities: State of the Art Fitness facility on site and free to all employees with equipment and regular group classes (Yoga and HIIT, also free to employees) Deli on site, Parking on site, DC based Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking)
• RFF contributes up to 15% of your salary to a 403(b) retirement account, depending on employee age in addition to a 401(a)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.
 

Working Conditions

The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.
 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration or other programs.  RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future. 

RFF has made the safety of our staff and community a top priority. As a part of that commitment, all staff and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. RFF will require all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to work in our office.   

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