Founded in 2018, the Clean Energy Transition Institute is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to accelerate an equitable transition to a clean energy economy in the Northwest by advancing deep decarbonization strategies. We provide unbiased research and analysis to guide climate and energy policy and a neutral platform to help diverse stakeholders debate and resolve the trade-offs associated with deep decarbonization.
In just three years, the Clean Energy Transition Institute has become a reliable source for independent analysis of how to transform the Northwest to a clean energy economy. We developed the research and modeling that showed how the region could decarbonize affordably by 2050, which led to our being chosen by the Washington State Department of Commerce to conduct the technical analysis that underpins the Washington 2021 State Energy Strategy.
That work, in turn, led to our providing analysis that substantiated the Montana Governor’s 2020 Climate Solutions Council’s recommendations for decarbonization strategies and modeling in Oregon, where our work helped win passage of the nation’s most ambitious clean energy standard in June 2021.
We are focused now on helping Washington and Oregon get on the path to decarbonization by 2030 by translating high-level modeling results into concrete actions and explaining how the clean energy transition can unfold in the Northwest.
As the Institute’s Research Director, you would play a critical role in developing and focusing our research and policy analysis and building the team that would develop the data and analytics to guide policy makers in moving the region swiftly to a clean energy future. You would report directly to the Executive Director.
The Research Director will be responsible for setting the Institute’s research direction; developing assumptions for the studies we commission; managing experts we work with to provide top-notch data and analytics; establishing our research protocols; and hiring in-house research analysts. You will analyze studies, policies, and data related to deep decarbonization; develop strategies and roadmaps to achieve an equitable clean energy transition in the Northwest; write and edit reports and blogs; and present our findings at convenings and conferences.
We seek a Research Director with existing knowledge of deep decarbonization and energy systems as well as a proven track record of producing high-quality research and data analysis, who is committed to a rapid and equitable clean energy transition in the Northwest. Successful candidates will have a minimum of three years post-graduate school in a think tank, academic institution, or policy institute, ideally where they were engaged in energy analysis related to decarbonization strategies and clean energy policy, systems, and technology. Ideal candidates will be highly organized with excellent analytical and data analysis skills, keenly attentive to detail, and independent, creative thinkers capable of working in a start-up environment.
We are looking for a skilled Research Director with strong verbal and writing skills who gathers, synthesizes, and presents complex data and information (both qualitative and quantitative) in an accessible manner to influence climate and clean energy policy. For this position, we particularly value:
We actively seek applicants and employees of diverse race, religion, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, political ideology, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, and medical conditions.
This is a competitive, full-time position, with compensation commensurate with the job requirements and the candidate’s experience.
Please email your resume, cover letter, and writing sample assembled in a single PDF and labeled with your name to info@cleanenergytransition.org. Your electronic cover letter can be addressed to Eileen V. Quigley, Executive Director, Clean Energy Transition Institute.