Research & Policy Analyst, Clean Energy

The Research and Policy Analyst supports the Clean Energy Program, focusing on strategic and technical assistance in support of advocacy strategies at state and federal level to prevent the buildout of fossil free generation, eliminate barriers to clean energy adoption, and to secure policies and practices that support a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. We are seeking a Research and Policy Analyst to support our programmatic focus on preventing and minimizing climate and community harms from existing and forecasted large load from cryptomining and AI/data centers.

This position focuses on researching, analyzing, writing and editing advocacy and technical documents to advance our advocacy for effective regulatory actions by state public utility commissions, state and federal agencies, Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent System Operators, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The RPA should have excellent research and writing skills and superlative communication and writing skills.  

The Research and Policy Analyst writes and edits comment letters and other advocacy documents, represents Earthjustice in advocacy work with government decision makers, develops the factual basis for lawsuits, and develops and maintains relationships with clients and other partners. The RPA performs analytical work and facilitates internal firm-wide coordination on load growth issues. This position sits within the Clean Energy program, supports the full range of work performed by the team, and reports to the Senior Research and Policy Analyst. 

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. 

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C 

Strong preference for a candidate that can work hybrid approximately once a week from a CEP office (New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, or San Francisco).

Candidates in other locations may be considered.  

Responsibilities: 

Research and Analysis 

• Design and conduct research and analysis in support of advocacy and litigation objectives.
• Generate research notes, memoranda, summaries, tables, and other visuals as needed (including GIS Mapping).
• Review, organize, and interpret factual and technical information that supports program topics.
• Track trends, changes, and developments in scientific, legal, political, and regulatory matters. Monitor developments in programmatic priorities by tracking and analyzing legislation and policy initiatives relating to assigned issues.
• Develops strategies for using information requests to support case investigation and broaden outreach and advocacy efforts.
• Take on special projects as assigned.
• Work with the Communications Department to enhance the visibility of load growth issues.
• Works with staff and partners to formulate model policies and policy recommendations.
• Assist managing and executing on research projects and project deliverables.
• Help design and propose research and data gathering strategies. 

Outreach and Advocacy 

• Supports community outreach and/or building partnerships to advance interests on load growth.
• Provide support for client coalitions by participating in committee groups, attending conferences, and tracking political and regulatory developments. Create recommendations using insights gained from outreach efforts to support the development of priorities (e.g., informing case selection); communicate key findings to relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• May represent Earthjustice before government bodies and external coalitions to advance client and organizational interests; prepare comments and attend hearings as required. 
• Create and maintain strong relationships with staff from relevant government agencies; attend meetings to advance interests on assigned issues. 

Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned: 

• This role includes special projects or additional tasks as assigned, including project management, participation in hiring committees, organization-wide working groups and initiatives. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Natural or Applied Sciences.
• Some relevant experience, either professional, personal, or academic.
• Research, writing, analytical and communication skills, including the ability to quickly understand complex scientific issues and communicate this knowledge to attorneys and other audiences.
• Experience with scientific or technical issues related to land use, the electric sector, climate, energy, and/or environmental justice issues preferred, but not required.
• Strong organizational skills; attention to detail with proven ability to solve complex problems, work independently and meet deadlines, and work in collaboration with others .
• Creativity, initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for advocacy opportunities and presentations.
• Contributes towards an equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages partnership, active listening, and integrating diverse perspectives.
• Supports Earthjustice’s core values of partnership, inclusion, justice and excellence.  

Salary & Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer a congenial, flexible, hybrid work environment and a casual dress code. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Salary depends on experience and location.

Salary for New York City and San Francisco: $104,300 - $115,900
Salary for Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago:$99,200 - $110,200
Salary for Philadelphia: $94,000 - $104,400
Remote (U.S.): varies by location

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following via Jobvite:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, energy, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; (2) what your experience and skills you would bring to this position; (3) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues; and (4) why you are interested in the Clean Energy Program’s work.
• Writing sample, preferably 4-5 pages that reflects your work.

We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are given equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor specified under applicable laws that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.