Research Fellow (Mid-Career and Senior)

RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial, evidence-based economic research and policy engagement. We are committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. Our connections to policy audiences, team of economic and policy experts, and location in Washington, DC provide a unique platform for research leaders who want to leverage their expertise into real-world change.

Resources for the Future is seeking 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. Successful Mid-Career and Senior Fellows develop and lead research projects with other research staff, actively engage with diverse policy and stakeholder audiences, communicate in the public arena, contribute to fundraising efforts, and help set organizational strategy. Expertise and research production in energy, environmental, and/or climate-related issues is required.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and design research projects and produce original research suitable for publication in the peer reviewed literature, policy publications, and RFF publications.
• 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.

In addition to the above, Senior Fellows will:

• Lead donor engagements to secure research funding for themselves and others.
• Manage large research projects (successful management of budgets, timelines, team members, and donor interactions).
• Be a recognized leader in their field, be able to represent the organization at the highest levels, and contribute to public discussions through writing, public and media appearances, conferences, and meetings.

Qualifications

• A PhD in economics or closely related field, and more than 5 years (for Mid-Career Fellow) or 15 years (for Senior Fellow) of post-degree professional experience in environmental, energy, or climate policy research; OR,
• An alternative graduate degree (e.g. MA, JD, or MPP in fields related to environmental economics) and at least 10 years (for Mid-Career Fellow) or 20 years (for Senior Fellow) of post-degree professional experience in climate policy research and engagement.
• Peer-recognized expertise in one or more environmental, energy, and/or climate issue(s) commensurate with position.
• A record or research publications and/or leadership and management of teams producing research publications commensurate with seniority.
• Demonstrated research leadership skills, including project and program management experience involving larger teams commensurate with experience.

Desirable Previous Experience

• 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.
• 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.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• 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.
• For Senior Fellows: Management or supervisory experience leading, coaching, and mentoring staff, with increased responsibilities over time.

Work Location & Benefits

• Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience, within a range of $150,000–$180,000 (Mid-Career) and $200,000-$240,000 (Senior).
• Washington, DC-based position with flexible or hybrid work arrangements
• 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
• Parking on site
• RFF contributes 5% of your salary to a 403(b) retirement account
• Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.

Working Conditions

The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration or other programs. RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.

Visit our FAQ page to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.

Application Procedures

All applicants should use RFF’s online application process. The required items are a letter of application describing interest in the position focusing on the relevant area(s) noted above and a resume/curriculum vitae. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Should you experience any difficulty in applying online, or if you have other questions about the position, please contact hr@rff.org.