Director, Economics Analysis Hub

Environmental Defense Fund•Rayne Township, PA

36d•Remote

About The Position

The Economics Analysis Hub (Hub) is a new unit at the Environmental Defense Fund that conducts rapid analysis of climate economics questions to inform organizational priorities, decision makers, and policy needs. The Director will have the opportunity to shape, build, and grow the Hub into a nimble partner and incubator for innovation. The Director will be a senior economist with dual experience in academic research and applied policy analysis who can establish the Hub’s standards and services, oversee intake and delivery of economic analyses, ensure quality control, build strategic partners, mentor staff, and cultivate major donors in support of the Hub's activities. In collaboration with a dedicated team and EDF’s Economics Advisory Council, the Director will conceive, plan, organize, and research projects that shape policy through rigorous, though rapid, economic analysis. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a builder’s mindset that also possesses an exemplary scientific record, demonstrated through publications, policy testimony, strong communication, active involvement in advisory panels and boards, and a strong reputation as a leader in the environmental/climate economics community. This position reports to the Chief Economist.

Requirements

PhD with 5+ years related experience in policy-oriented research, with demonstrated expertise in environmental, energy, or climate economics.
Experience managing teams and collaborative research projects.
Strong reputation as a leader in the economics community.
Exemplary research record evidenced by publications in top-tier economics or policy journals, policy testimony, and participation in advisory panels/boards.
Thorough understanding of mainstream economic modeling techniques in environment, energy, and climate issues, as well as core econometric concepts and methods as demonstrated by advanced degrees and professional publications.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex economic analysis into actionable policy recommendations.
Skill in translating complicated research and analytical concepts for non-technical audiences and translating results into practical solutions.
Excellent written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences.
Proven ability to work effectively across cultures and with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency, inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Advanced proficiency in: Algebraic programming software (e.g., GAMS, Matlab). Statistical and econometric methods and software (e.g., R, STATA, SAS). Data visualization.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with environmental non-profit organizations.
Expertise in multiple modeling frameworks, including general equilibrium and partial equilibrium approaches.

Responsibilities

Lead the Economic Analysis Hub’s operations and manage a team of economists, research staff, and graduate research assistants to deliver high-quality, policy-relevant economic analysis and guidance.
Lead intake, prioritization, and delivery for economic inquiries inside and outside of EDF to produce economic analyses with rigorous quality assurance protocols, ensuring timely responsiveness to critical policy opportunities.
Manage a team of economists, analysts, and fellows effectively to achieve Analysis Hub goals, including delivering timely responses and building a new enterprise.
Collaborate closely with internal (EDF staff) and external stakeholders/clients to provide services and co-develop analytical solutions.
Communicate research methods and Hub results effectively for internal and external users, including in public forums/conferences, and produce publishable manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and policy outlets to build the Hub’s reputation for analytical capacity that advances real-world and policy guidance.
Establish, disseminate, and maintain the best modeling practices and methodologies in economics, consistent with leading approaches in the field.
Lead in developing new quantitative tools for and with EDF’s staff and partners.
Build and maintain a library of statistical and computational models, including CGE frameworks, integrated assessment models (IAMs), sectoral models (e.g. power, transport, industry), and distributional analysis tools.
Support EDF’s partners in building their own analytical capacities in the Economics space by participating in and leading collaborative projects, organizing and providing modeling training.
Maintain a high level of personal expertise in research and an excellent reputation in your area of specialization through continued scholarly engagement and contributions to the field.
Organize and facilitate expert discussions and modeling forums with industry leaders, policymakers, decision-makers, and academic researchers on energy, environmental, and climate economic modeling techniques, practices, and green growth pathways, critically assessing strengths and limitations of various modeling approaches.
Establish, develop, and support connections between EDF and the international academic and research community, public, and other organizations in the field of economic analysis.
Cultivates donors in support of the Hub's activities by effectively communicating the impact and value of rigorous economic analysis for support policy design.
Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
Additional responsibilities as assigned to support EDF's mission and strategic priorities.

Benefits

strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization.

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