The position will report to the Director of Domestic Climate and Energy Policy. Experience in climate and energy policy is not required.

This role will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. The Research Associate will be part of a dynamic department that supports work across American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:

• Strengthening health and ending the pandemic
• Building an economy for all
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Restoring social trust and strengthening democracy

Responsibilities:

• Conduct and support research and analysis on climate and equity policy issues in coordination with American Progress’ Energy and Environment Department, including by conducting research, proofreading, fact-checking, and editing documents.
• Help develop a range of written products to influence the policy debate on key climate issues, including memos, reports, rapid-response statements, op-eds, and social media.
• Elicit and provide feedback on written products.
• Provide research support to members of the Energy and Environment Department and draft memoranda for internal audiences.
• Assist in the coordination and planning of meetings, events, and issue-based coalition work as needed.
• Engage in rapid-response research and writing in response to policy developments.
• Perform light administrative duties, such as helping track publications and timelines; tracking congressional hearings, regulations, and other political developments; and coordinating meetings.
• Represent American Progress in external meetings with Capitol Hill staff and coalition partners to advance its work.
• Help embody a culture of justice, equity, and inclusion by performing tasks with these values at their core.
• Develop and maintain expertise in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Understanding of how environmental issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality and a passion for working to dismantle these systems.
• At least two years of professional experience. This can include internships, activist roles, or other positions, and volunteer experience may be considered. Experience in climate and/or environmental policy is preferred.
• Research and analytical skills, including attention to detail and proficient quantitative skills, including the ability to digest and summarize technical and policy reports and to interpret and create spreadsheets and data visualizations.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication, including the ability to communicate policy matters to a nonpolicy audience.
• Ability to independently plan ahead, prioritize, allocate time, balance projects, and coordinate with internal and external partners.
• Willingness to take ownership of independent projects.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a team setting.
• Commitment to treating all partners, internal and external, with courtesy and respecting those of different cultural backgrounds.
• Understanding and willingness to learn how power, privilege, and oppression manifest at the individual, interpersonal, and team levels.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals, particularly progressive values including environmental and social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Knowledge of the legislative and administrative policymaking process is a plus.

American Progress offers full and competitive benefits packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by IFPTE Local 70 and has a starting salary of $50,000.

When American Progress’ offices reopen, employees will be expected to work in the office three days per week. We will continue to monitor the current health emergency and adjust plans as needed in the future. Any changes to our current policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.