Senior Research Fellow

RESOURCES FOR THE FUTURE•Washington, DC

3d•$200,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Resources for the Future is seeking senior PhD-Level researchers in economics or a closely related field who have a strong desire to engage policy audiences and make a lasting impact on environmental decisions. We seek candidates with expertise on the analysis of environmental, natural resource, and/or energy policies – particularly related to U.S. economic policy issues (for example, candidates with expertise in climate risks and resilience and/or the industrial, fuels, electricity, forestry, and agricultural sectors). Successful RFF Fellows develop and lead research projects with other research staff, actively engage with diverse policy and stakeholder audiences (including federal, state, and local governments, as well as by the private and civil sector), communicate in the public arena, and contribute to fundraising efforts. Senior fellows are expected to: Conceive and design research projects and produce original research suitable for publication in the peer reviewed literature, policy publications, and RFF publications. Manage financial, personnel, and operational dimensions of research projects. Provide analysis of policy issues and engage with decisionmakers and stakeholders. Lead and participate in public-facing events and write briefs, blogs, and short articles for non-academic audiences. Coordinate broader research programs and provide guidance for team research projects. Support and lead fundraising efforts that reach government, foundation, corporate, individual, and other donors. Participate in RFF institutional activities, including team meetings, staff presentations, and presentations to members of the RFF Board and President’s Council. Mentor junior research staff, including interns, Research Analysts, Research Associates, and newer Fellows. Support and implement RFF principles regarding external policy, development, and media engagement, and internal workplace operations.

Requirements

A PhD in economics or closely related field, and more than 15 years of post-degree professional experience in environmental, energy, or natural resource policy research; OR,
An alternative graduate degree (e.g., MA, JD, or MPP in fields related to environmental economics) and at least 20 years of post-degree professional experience in environmental, energy, or natural resource-related policy research.
Peer-recognized expertise in one or more environmental, energy, and/or climate issues.
A record of research publications and/or leadership and management of teams producing research publications.
Demonstrated research leadership skills, including project and program management experience involving larger teams.
Outstanding oral and written communications skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within or closely with government agencies, and a network of governmental and non-governmental contacts related to environmental policy issues.
Demonstrated ability to establish and lead new areas of research and policy engagement with lasting impact on environmental decisions and policy.
Management or supervisory experience leading, coaching, and mentoring staff, with increased responsibilities over time.
Fundraising experience with government, foundations, corporations, multilateral organizations, and/or individuals.
Experience with strategic communications, including outreach to media and target audiences in the public, business, and nonprofit sectors.
Demonstrated interest in, and capability to work as part of a team to develop and execute strategy on an organizational level.
Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with organizations, universities, and/or multilateral institutions.

Responsibilities

Conceive and design research projects and produce original research suitable for publication in the peer reviewed literature, policy publications, and RFF publications.
Manage financial, personnel, and operational dimensions of research projects.
Provide analysis of policy issues and engage with decisionmakers and stakeholders.
Lead and participate in public-facing events and write briefs, blogs, and short articles for non-academic audiences.
Coordinate broader research programs and provide guidance for team research projects.
Support and lead fundraising efforts that reach government, foundation, corporate, individual, and other donors.
Participate in RFF institutional activities, including team meetings, staff presentations, and presentations to members of the RFF Board and President’s Council.
Mentor junior research staff, including interns, Research Analysts, Research Associates, and newer Fellows.
Support and implement RFF principles regarding external policy, development, and media engagement, and internal workplace operations.

Benefits

Compensation: $200,000 - $250,000
Medical, Dental, Vision through Cigna
35-hour work week
Flexible summer hours (4-day work week June-Sept)
Flexible work arrangement policy (hybrid work)
11 paid holidays
4 weeks PTO to start, increases to 5 weeks after 5 years, in addition to 13 paid sick days per year
State of the Art Fitness facility on site and free to all employees with regular group classes
Deli on site
Parking on site
RFF contributes 5% of your salary to a 403(b) retirement account
Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking)