Senior Research and Policy Analyst, Right to Zero

The Senior Research and Policy Analyst supports our programmatic focus on energy and air pollution issues by providing strategic and technical assistance. The position focuses on analyzing, writing and editing advocacy and technical documents, and developing and maintaining relationships with government decision-makers, clients and other partners to advance our advocacy.  This role is preferred hybrid in Washington, D.C., with possibility for hybrid in another Earthjustice Office. 

This position sits within the Right to Zero team and reports to the Director of Right to Zero.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

This is a hybrid position that will be based out of the office approximately 3 days per week. Washington, D.C., is the preferred location for this role. 

Responsibilities:

Research and Analysis

• Researches and creates technical analyses and documents in support of current and potential advocacy projects and litigation cases
• Works with staff and partners to formulate model policies and policy recommendations
• Works with lawyers and outside experts to help design and manage expert reports, testimony, and analyses in addition to making them understandable
• May identify and recruit scientists and technical experts
• May independently design and propose research and data gathering strategies
• Designs, drafts and manages submissions of letters, reports and supporting materials
• Develops strategies for using information requests

Outreach and Advocacy

• Engages in direct advocacy with government agencies and legislative bodies
• Develops, implements and manages community outreach and/or building partnerships, acting as a key agent in developing strategies, assessing advocacy and other engagement opportunities using insights gained from outreach efforts
• Cultivates thoughtful partnerships, allies and coalitions in support of assigned issues
• Serves as a technical and policy expert, advocate and potentially spokesperson. May prepare comments, attend hearings and deliver testimony as required

Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned:

• This role includes special projects or additional tasks as assigned, including project management, participation in hiring committees, organization-wide working groups and initiatives
• This position may manage non-legal interns
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Experience with transportation, energy, air pollution, climate and/or environmental justice policy issues preferred
• Graduate degree in related field or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Experience analyzing scientific and technical documents, and researching, synthesizing and presenting science and policy issues to expert as well as public audiences
• Strong research and organizational skills; attention to detail with proven ability to solve complex problems, work independently and meet deadlines 
• Ability to understand policy, complex facts, scientific and technical issues quickly and synthesize this information in a way that makes it understandable to various audiences 
• Excellent research, writing, oral communication and computer skills, including data analysis skills (Word, Excel, Internet, Adobe, Outlook, PowerPoint, Westlaw/LexisNexis, GIS) 
• Demonstrated experience in effective communication and collaboration with: colleagues, clients, partners, agency staff, community-based organizations and technical experts 
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations 
• Desire and ability to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences 

Compensation:

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer a congenial, flexible, hybrid work environment and a casual dress code. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Salary depends on experience and location.

Salary range in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, CA, Seattle, WA, Chicago, IL, Honolulu, HI & Los Angeles, CA: $106,500 - $118,300

Salary range in San Francisco, CA or New York, NY: $112,100 - $124,500

Salary range in Juneau, AK, Denver, CO, Philadelphia, PA & Anchorage, AK: $100,900 - $112,100

Salary range in Tallahassee, FL, Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, Houston, TX: $95,300 - $105,900

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following via Jobvite:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; (2) what your experience and skills you would bring to this position; (3) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues; and (4) why you are interested in the Right to Zero campaign.
• Writing sample, preferable 4-5 pages that reflects your work.

For this position, we are looking to hire a candidate who is available to start no later than February 2025. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by December 15, 2024. After that, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are given equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor specified under applicable laws that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.