Research & Policy Analyst, Northeast Regional

Earthjustice

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Research and Policy Analyst will support the Northeast Regional Office's focus on developing and implementing strategies at the New York State and federal level to secure policies and practices that support a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The Research and Policy Analyst will support our programmatic focus on modernizing New York’s aging power grid by securing a zero-emission electric grid by 2040. This position focuses on researching, analyzing, writing and editing advocacy and technical documents to advance our advocacy for effective regulatory actions by state public service commissions, state and federal agencies, Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent System Operators, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The Research and Policy Analyst will conduct data analysis, develop recommendations, and communicate research findings through written reports, visualizations, and presentations to the Northeast Regional team, policymakers and non-technical audiences. The Research and Policy Analyst should have a strong technical background and quantitative skills, excellent writing and communication skills, some experience working on climate and energy policy, and, ideally, understand electric and gas utility regulation. This position sits within the Northeast Regional team and reports to a Supervising Senior Attorney. This is a hybrid position based out of the New York office. The Northeast Regional team comes into the office on a regular schedule of two days each week.

Requirements

• Experience with transportation, energy, air pollution, climate and/or environmental justice policy issues preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Natural, Social or Applied Sciences.
• 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 interpret and communicate technical energy and policy information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, think critically about the intended audiences, and create visuals to aid in understanding of complex topics, with direction from Supervising Senior Attorney.
• 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.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and differing subject matter, including strong organizational skills and proficiency in project management tactics and best practice.
• 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 .
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for advocacy opportunities and presentations.

Nice To Haves

• Ideally, understand electric and gas utility regulation.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct policy/legislative research and analysis on various clean energy and/or environmental health topics that advance the New York office’s strategic priorities.
• Continuously build subject matter expertise and confidence and engage with energy issues by conducting technical research and analysis, tracking current issues relevant to the assigned project, and presenting findings within Earthjustice and to project partners.
• Review, organize, and interpret factual and technical information that supports program topics.
• Track trends, changes, and developments in scientific, legal, political, and regulatory matters.
• Monitor developments in programmatic priorities by tracking and analyzing legislation and policy initiatives relating to assigned issues.
• Draft and file information requests to state and federal agencies; manage correspondence with government officials; review responsive records to generate insights that support clients and case development.
• Generate products through data analysis, data visualization and GIS software to build narratives and strengthen the factual basis for litigation and advocacy efforts.
• Work with the Communications Department to enhance the visibility and goal of a zero-emission electric grid.
• Research and create technical analyses and documents in support of current and potential advocacy projects and litigation cases.
• Work with staff and partners to formulate model policies and policy recommendations.
• Work with lawyers and outside technical 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.
• Support community outreach and/or building partnerships to advance interests in achieving a zero-emitting, reliable and equitable electric grid.
• Represent Earthjustice before government bodies and external coalitions to advance client and organizational interests; prepare comments, attending hearings, and deliver testimony as required.
• Provide support for client coalitions by participating in committee groups, attending conferences, and tracking political and regulatory developments. Create recommendations using insights gained from outreach efforts to support the development of priorities (e.g., informing case selection); communicate key findings to relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Create and maintain strong relationships with staff from relevant government agencies; attend meetings to advance interests on assigned issues.
• Support clients and partners by identifying and assisting with projects to build the capacity of community-based groups.
• Engage in direct advocacy with government agencies and legislative bodies.
• Cultivate thoughtful partnerships, allies and coalitions in support of assigned issues.
• Serve as a technical and policy expert, advocate and potentially spokesperson. May prepare comments, attend hearings and deliver testimony as required.
• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits
• Congenial, flexible, hybrid work environment
• Casual dress code
• Qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level