Senior Research Analyst

~ The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a leading national nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C., seeks a qualified research analyst for its Policy Program. ~

ACEEE is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of around 50 staff members founded in 1980 that acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors.

Position Overview

ACEEE seeks a Senior Research Analyst to focus on local policy as a member of its Utilities, State, and Local Policy team. The position provides a balance of research, analysis, and outreach on energy efficiency policy in the United States as it relates to policy and program implementation by local governments and in cities and metropolitan regions.

Efficiency policy issues within the scope of the position include those related to multifamily housing, utility incentive programs, local government operations, building regulations, water and wastewater service provision, and land use/transportation decisions. ACEEE's local policy work also emphasizes issues of local job creation, economic development, and environmental health benefits of energy efficiency.

Focusing on energy issues across economic sectors at the local level, the research analyst will have a variety of research opportunities in one of ACEEE's most dynamic and multi-disciplinary programs.

The core responsibilities of the position include: 

• Acting as the day-to-day coordinator of a project to improve the energy efficiency of multifamily housing by sustaining existing relationships and building new partnerships between utilities and the housing community. The analyst will work directly with utilities to help improve their multifamily energy efficiency programs and collaborate with affordable housing organizations. 

• Serving as a core staff person for developing technical assistance research for local governments and other local implementation partners, such as energy utilities, and tracking local energy efficiency policy developments. Projects will include developing case studies and "how to" introductions to various energy efficiency topics. 

• Providing major contributions to the biennial City Energy Efficiency Scorecard and the related local policy database, which provide peer comparisons among U.S. cities on energy efficiency policy and performance metrics. 

Note: Working at ACEEE, the analyst will lead projects of high visibility and credibility in the energy efficiency, housing and policy communities. As a researcher and project coordinator, the position offers unmatched access to national experts in energy efficiency as well as critical sources of primary data in government agencies and utilities. It also provides an opportunity to develop expertise and leadership experience on one or more topics of energy efficiency policy and programs.

ACEEE and its Utilities, State and Local Policy Program are dynamic, growing, and comprised of a highly motivated and collegial team.

Expectations and Responsibilities: 

• Highly analytical and detail-oriented. The analyst will conduct rigorous and peer-reviewed primary research dealing with complex quantitative and qualitative data.
• Excellent writing skills. The analyst is expected to produce several detailed research reports, white papers, fact sheets, and blog posts on energy efficiency policy and programs. 
• Superb organizational and project coordination skills. The position requires experience coordinating complex, long-term projects independently and as part of teams. The analyst must also balance multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills. He/she will maintain close relationships with a large network of stakeholders across the country in federal, state, local government and in the private sector to inform research and broaden the reach of ACEEE research and technical assistance. The analyst must also coordinate and collaborate with numerous ACEEE staff members on cross-cutting research projects.
• Articulate and thoughtful. As an author of highly visible reports, the analyst will conduct media interviews and present at conferences and events. The analyst must be able to clearly explain research and positions to laypeople, other experts, and skeptical audiences. 
• Highly motivated, self-starter. The analyst will have to stay apprised of energy efficiency policy and program developments in the utility, buildings, transportation, and industrial sectors. 
• Tech-savvy and quick learner. The analyst will also contribute to pages on ACEEE's website including those related to Local Energy Efficiency Policy. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree strongly preferred. Degree or rigorous coursework in policy analysis, urban planning, economics, engineering, and/or science;
• Three or more years of work experience, with demonstrated project development, coordination and leadership experience;
• Experience in policy analysis or planning, preferably including work on local government issues, including housing or transportation, and energy, environmental, and/or utility policy. Experience working with affordable multifamily housing and utility efficiency programs is strongly preferred but not required;
• Experience with or sound knowledge of energy efficiency; and
• Demonstrated passion for clean energy, economic development, and environmental issues. 

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Preferred Start Date: On or about March 31, 2014. Position is based in Washington, D.C.  

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Here!" to send a cover letter, resume, and brief (1-2 pages) writing sample - and type "Local Policy Research Analyst" into the subject line. We do not accept phone calls.