Senior Research Fellow

Organizational Profile

RFFsmission is to improve environmental energy and natural resource decisions through impartial evidencebasedeconomic 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. We envision a future where climate change no longer threatens our wellbeing and where smart environmental decisions help to uplift communities around the world. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future while having shaped many of the worlds most successful environmental decisions and policies over the past 70 years.Successful RFF Fellows conduct highquality publishable research; develop and lead new research projects; and actively participate in communication of research results and other forms of policy engagement.Our people are the key to our success. We hope you will join us.

Our workbroadly centersonthe economicsanddesignofsmart strategies to achieve overall netzero emissions of greenhouse gases and to confront climate change risks and build resilience.We alsoincreasingly emphasize issues related to equity economic transition and disaggregated climate and policy impacts.

Summary

Resources for the Future is seeking senior PhDLevel 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 RFF 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 climaterelated issues is required. Our connections to policy audiences team of economic and policy experts and location in Washington DC provide a unique platform for seasoned research leaders who want to leverage their expertise into realworld change.

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 publicfacing events and write briefs blogs and short articles for nonacademic 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 Presidents 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.
  

Qualifications

• A PhD in economics or closely related field and more than 15 years of postdegree 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 20 years of postdegree professional experience in climate policy research and engagement.
• Peerrecognized 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.

Desirable Previous Experience

• Experience working within or closely with government agencies and a network of governmental and nongovernmental 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.
• Outstanding oral and written communications 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.

Application Procedures

All applicants should use RFFs online application process at www.rff/careers. 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 email

Benefits:

• Compensation: $200000 $250000 annual
• Medical Dental Vision through Cigna
• 35 hour work week
• Flexible summer hours 4 day work week JuneSept)
• 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 up to 15 of your salary to a 403(b) retirement account depending on employee age in addition to a 401(a)
• Commuter benefit plans (pretax 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. RFFs Vision for a Diverse Equitable and Inclusive Future.

RFF has made the safety of our staff and community a top priority. As a part of that commitment all staff and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID19 as defined by the CDC. RFF will require all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID19 to work in our office.

Visit our FAQ page to find out what its like to work at a worldclass policyoriented research organization in the heart of Washington DC.