Full-Time Senior Researcher
Job Description
Salary range: Salary Estimate US base Average $75,000-95,000 per year commensurate with qualifications, geographic location, and includes a competitive benefits package.
Travel: Some international business travel may be required, including overnight stays
Start Date: ASAP
About Us
The Pacific Institute is a global water think tank that combines science-based thought leadership with active outreach and engagement to influence local, national, and international efforts in water sustainability and resilience. Our vision is to create a world in which society, the economy, and the environment have the water they need to thrive now and in the future. Since 1987, we have worked with diverse groups ranging from major corporations to frontline communities with a mission of creating and advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. Our work is routinely featured in national and global top-tier media, and we engage more than 270 partners, including NGOs, utilities, policymakers, businesses, and others.
About the Role:
This position will report to the Senior Researcher and Technical Lead. We are seeking a high-caliber corporate water stewardship professional with extensive technical expertise in the development and implementation of corporate water stewardship concepts and practices. The individual will support the Pacific Institute and CEO Water Mandate’s technical work program on corporate water stewardship and support the technical work underpinning the CEO Water Mandate’s flagship initiative, the Water Resilience Coalition.
Responsibilities:
- Support the development and piloting of leading practice in the following areas:
- Corporate water resilience assessments and impact measurement;
- Contextual and science-based water target setting;
- Stacked benefit accounting of nature-based solutions for watersheds;
- Net Positive Water Impact and other collective action approaches; and
- Resilient access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
- Promote, support, and review implementation of new guidance, approaches, and tools including ensuring they are accessible for companies at the strategic and/or operational level;
- Provide input into the development and maintenance of knowledge platforms and resources libraries (e.g., the CEO Water Mandate Water Action Hub and Water Stewardship Toolbox);
- Support the development of basin diagnostics for priority water basins around the world and facilitate collective action opportunities to support the Water Resilience Coalition’s goals;
- Participate in international water and climate resilience fora to engage stakeholders and present leading practice;
- Engage across the research team at the Pacific Institute to draw connections between corporate water stewardship and non-stewardship water-related activities;
- Engage stakeholders, including key partners and companies, to solicit feedback, collaborate on the development and scaling of new guidance and tools, while also acting as a sounding board to provide technical guidance and feedback on corporate water stewardship-related topics.
- Manage projects and support program management by developing templates, tracking outcomes, and coordinating internal and external meetings with stakeholders.
- Integrate and manage communications, outreach, and thought leadership work program in collaboration with colleagues, encompassing concept notes, timelines, implementation strategies, budgets, and partnerships.
- Lead fundraising for select research projects and initiatives, including independently identifying funding opportunities and writing grant proposals.
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in water resources, natural resource management, corporate sustainability, environmental science, engineering, or relevant field;
- Strong grasp and experience in corporate water stewardship concepts, methodologies, and implementation practices;
- Minimum of 7 years of work experience in relevant field;
- Demonstrated ability to initiate and conduct research on corporate water-related topics;
- Demonstrated ability to secure contracts and/or write successful grant proposals;
- Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds;
- Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills;
- Detail-oriented with focus on quality and accuracy;
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively;
- Comfortable collaborating with a diverse group of individuals to meet project objectives within established timelines;
- Ability to effectively move from strategy to details in a seamless way;
- Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced and evolving environment;
Compensation and Benefits
This position is eligible for paid vacation and benefits. The Pacific Institute offers an excellent compensation package, including a generous health, dental, and Institute-matched retirement plan and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience and reflects the field. Hiring Range: $75,000 – $95,000 (if selected for an interview, a salary range within our hiring range will be shared that is specific to the candidates’ geographic location).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Pacific Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We commit to improving DEI in our internal operations and culture for two reasons:
To stay true to our values and principles: We recognize that historical and current injustices have left out certain voices and perspectives from decision-making about accessing and managing water resources. We acknowledge that the representation of these groups in water-related decision-making and careers is an important step towards addressing past and current injustices. Because Pacific Institute participates in water-related decision making, we acknowledge that hiring and retaining a diverse staff can contribute to a broader need to address systemic injustices.
To better achieve Pacific Institute’s mission and vision: We know that having diverse perspectives makes for better research, creative solutions, and can help us achieve our mission. We recognize that a diverse team with varied perspectives, skills, and experiences is essential for generating and scaling innovative ideas that solve increasingly complex challenges. We make an active effort to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, heard, validated, empowered, and celebrated across different identities and cultures. We aim to constantly evolve our approach to DEI to reflect best practices in this work, just as we do with our water and climate research. As part of this commitment, we request that all candidates include a short statement in their cover letter to address how your addition to our staff would contribute to our DEI efforts.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A cover letter of no more than two pages, including:
- Your interest in the work of the Pacific Institute and in corporate water stewardship;
- A summary of your qualifications;
- The DEI statement described above;
- Your CV/Resume;
- A writing sample of no more than five pages.
No immigration or relocation assistance is available for this position.
No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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