Climate Research and Policy Director, Natural Resources Defense Council – Washington, DC

Organization: Natural Resources Defense Council

Position Title: Climate Research and Policy Director

Location: Washington, DC

Hours and Compensation: Full-time

 Application Deadline: Open until filled (filed September 16, 2014)

Description: The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the nation’s most effective environmental action organization. We use law, science and the support of 1.3 million members and online activists to protect the planet’s wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff played a major role in shaping some of America’s bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, and many of the implementing regulations; our air pollution cases played a major role shaping current clean air policy throughout the country. Today, our staff of more than 430 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy and communications experts, and others, work out of offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Livingston, Montana and Beijing.

NRDC is seeking a Climate Research and Policy Director to work with the Climate and Clean Air program in our Washington, DC office. We are seeking a candidate with expertise in energy systems analysis, climate science, and climate policy.

Responsibilities:

• Design and direct energy systems research and analysis relating to NRDC’s federal, state, and international climate protection and clean energy priorities;
• Manage a staff of research analysts and advocates;
• Shape and advocate policies for regulatory, legislative, and other actions to limit the carbon pollution that is driving dangerous climate change;
• Engage in external representation and advocacy including: representing NRDC in coalitions; engaging with government officials and stakeholders from industry and other sectors; testifying before Congress and agencies; and speaking to media and in other public forums to spread NRDC’s climate policy and science messages;
• Staying up-to-date on recent climate science research summarizing key findings for public dissemination.

Qualifications:

• D. or M.S. degree in energy analysis, climate policy and science, or another relevant field;
• At least ten years work experience in energy or climate environmental field;
• At least five years of relevant experience developing and demonstrating the knowledge and skills described below:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to distill and summarize recent climate science research;
  • Ability to lead, manage, and participate on teams that work collaboratively toward shared outcomes;
  • Ability to design and direct climate/energy policy research and analysis;
  • Ability to quickly analyze complex scientific and technical material;
  • Ability to analyze complex, ambiguous problems by figuring out what to calculate, not just how to calculate;
  • Ability to sift and synthesize large amounts of information to identify key elements;
  • Ability to determine priorities strategically;
  • Authoritative leadership presence;
  • Ability to engage and influence business, civic and nonprofit leaders.

How to Apply: To apply, please create a profile and upload your resume and cover letter. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.