Science. Solutions and Policy Associate

The Climate Reality Project is a nonprofit organization founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. Our mission is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every sector of society. 

At The Climate Reality Project, we come to work every day to help solve the climate crisis. We do it by working from the ground up, empowering people and communities worldwide to fight for their future and together drive a just transition to clean energy. 

We are committed to building a more just and equitable world, one where all voices are heard and respected regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical ability. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other historically marginalized communities. We encourage applicants to read our diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice statement on our website. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Science, Solutions, and Policy Associate is primarily responsible for assisting the team with a range of research and analytical tasks, reviewing outward facing content, and providing support to programs and campaigns. The position entails research and content creation centered on climate change impacts and solutions, energy and climate policy and other relevant issues. Additionally, the Science, Solutions, and Policy Associate works closely with the Presentations Associate to support the vetting, organizing, updating, reconstructing, and releasing of PowerPoint presentations to the Climate Reality Leadership Corps volunteers.  

Currently reporting to the Science, Solutions, and Policy Deputy Director, the Science, Solutions, and Policy Associate has no direct reports. 

This position is within a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment will be subject to a collective bargaining agreement between Climate Reality and the union.  

This is a full time, exempt, benefits-eligible, hybrid position. The Climate Reality Project offers a flexible hybrid schedule, with staff working from our office in downtown Washington, DC at least two days per week to enable and encourage collaboration within and among teams. The salary range for the role is $65,000-$66,300 USD per year. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Primary responsibility of the role is to research climate and energy related issues and draft memos and briefs that will be utilized across the organization and externally 
• Regularly perform manual reconstruction of presentation slides from Keynote to PowerPoint. This includes manipulation of slide text, media, animations, and other attributes so that PowerPoint versions of presentations are identical to those created in Keynote 
• Track and analyze relevant policy developments globally, including climate, energy, and finance commitments 
• Review, vet, edit, and develop support materials and communications for programs and campaigns. This might include writing plain-language text for social media platforms or other external communications 
• Attend events such as seminars, webinars, hearings, briefings, and symposia related to climate science, energy technologies, and domestic and international climate and energy policy  
• Summarize reports, briefings, and hearings 
• Support and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our operations and enrichment of our culture, for example by serving on ad hoc or ongoing work groups, assisting with the onboarding and training of colleagues, and participating in efforts to assess, refine, and strengthen our culture and practices 
• Support and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our operations and enrichment of our culture, for example by serving on ad hoc or ongoing work groups, assisting with the onboarding and training of colleagues, and participating in efforts to assess, refine, and strengthen our culture and practices  
• Other duties as assigned 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES  

• Excellent research skills 
• Excellent attention to detail and a passion for accuracy 
• Exceptional organizational skills 
• Strong written and oral skills 
• Advanced presentation skills and knowledge working with Keynote and PowerPoint software, highly desired 
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously 
• Flexibility to accommodate irregular and sometimes long work hours 
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer required  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree—or equivalent experience 
• One to two years of experience relevant to the position 
• Working knowledge of or strong interest in becoming an expert on domestic and international climate policy and negotiations 
• Working knowledge of the basics of climate change and climate-change drivers and solutions 
• Comprehensive knowledge of legislative processes 
• Working knowledge of Mac and PC operating systems 

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES  

The Climate Reality Project has adopted a competency-based approach to job definition, hiring, performance assessment, and professional development. The following are our seven organization-wide competencies and examples of how they manifest for this role. 

1. Teamwork and Collaboration: Builds and sustains productive working relationships with colleagues; actively listens to others and seeks to understand diverse perspectives; follows through on commitments.  
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances; takes initiative to solve problems, improve processes, and/or achieve outcomes; learns quickly when faced with new situations or systems.  
3. Written and Verbal Communication: Written communication is clear and concise; verbal communication is intentional and straightforward; provides timely and helpful information across the organization as needed; gives and receives constructive feedback in a thoughtful manner.  
4. Time and Project Management: Possesses a strong work ethic i.e., a sense of ownership over tasks, commitment to following things through, and a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done; manages multiple competing priorities, tasks, and projects effectively, appropriately seeking help from others when needed.  
5. Professional Development: Shows commitment and acts to continuously improve; connects with advocates, experts, mentors, and resources, and actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged through internal and external training opportunities; accepts assignments that broaden capabilities.  
6. Climate Justice: Works to understand and achieve anti-racist principles to disrupt the systems of white supremacy, privilege, classism, sexism, and racism; seeks to understand how systemic racism and environmental injustice impact individuals and frontline and fenceline communities; works to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment in Climate Reality spaces (workplace, events, trainings, and other convenings). 
7. Climate Reality Mission and Focus: Is passionate about Climate Reality's role and mission and can act as a Climate Reality ambassador to a diverse set of audiences.  

ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES  

In addition to organization-wide competencies, each role has its own competencies. Below are examples of how each competency manifests in this role. 

1. Policy & Research: Conducts internet and other research on climate, energy, and related policy and issues; generates memos and data and provides analysis and insights on issues and policies relevant to the organization's goals.  
2. Technology and Data Systems: Uses technology and software relevant to job duties effectively (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, research software and tools, etc.); manages internal electronic document storage effectively, including for the purposes of donor stewardship; reconstructs presentation slides from Keynote to PowerPoint. This includes manipulation of slide text, media, animations, and other attributes so that PowerPoint versions of presentations are identical to those created in Keynote.  
3. Partnerships & Relationships: Tracks engagement and builds buy-in; coordinates with and supports the work of other departments and teams across the organization.  
4. Advocacy & Advising: Understands the major policies in the field and the major advocacy organizations engaged in the climate community.  

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

The Climate Reality Project provides a total benefits package that helps you manage your health, protect your income, and prepare for the future. 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance - Employee premiums are fully paid by The Climate Reality Project 
• Life, short-term disability, and AD&D insurance 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• 401(k) Retirement Account with a (%) matching contribution 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement 
• Generous paid time off policies 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people ofcolor are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Climate Reality, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in this job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. 

The Climate Reality Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities and termination. 

Please send a cover letter and resume to hiring@climatereality.com