Research Associate, Conservation Policy

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and analysis on conservation, climate, energy, and equity policy issues in coordination with American Progress’ Energy and Environment department, including conducting internet research, proofreading, fact-checking, performing data analysis, and editing documents.
• Help develop a range of written products to influence the policy debate on key conservation issues, including memos, reports, rapid-response statements, op-eds, and social media content.
• Engage in rapid-response research and writing in response to policy developments.
• Perform light administrative duties, such as helping track publications and timelines, tracking congressional hearings and other political developments, and coordinating meetings.
• Represent American Progress in external meetings with Capitol Hill staff, coalition partners, and media contacts to advance American Progress’ work.
• Support the development of the Conservation Policy team’s strategic plan and work toward achieving the team’s objectives.
• Help embody a culture of justice, equity, and inclusion by performing tasks with these values at their core.
• Develop expertise in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least two years of professional experience in conservation and/or environmental policy or a related field.
• Research and analytical skills, including attention to detail and proficient quantitative skills. Experience with GIS and Excel a plus.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication, including the ability to communicate policy matters to a nonpolicy audience.
• Ability to independently plan ahead, prioritize, allocate time, balance projects, and coordinate with internal and external partners.
• Willingness to take ownership over independent projects.
• Eagerness to learn and develop expertise in the conservation policy field, including public lands and ocean policy, energy policy, and ensuring equal access to nature.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a team setting.
• Understanding of how environmental and conservation issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality, with a passion for working to dismantle these systems.
• Commitment to treating all partners, internal and external, with courtesy.
• Understanding of and willingness to learn how power, privilege, and oppression manifest at the individual, interpersonal, and team levels.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals, in particular progressive values including environmental and social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a preference for candidates who apply by May 5.