Research Assistant

Meridian Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people solve problems and make informed decisions about controversial and complex public policy issues. Meridian's work focuses on a wide range of issues related to climate change, agriculture, natural resources, sustainability, energy, and land use. More information is available on our website.

Position Overview: 

Meridian Institute has an immediate opening for the position of Research Assistant in its Washington, D.C. office. The Research Assistant will support research and project needs focusing on ocean and coastal policy, forest management and policy, agriculture, climate change, and community resilience, among other topics. The position requires someone with an interest in research, writing, and environmental and natural resource policy.

Responsibilities:

Primary tasks of the Research Assistant will include:

• Provide research, writing, and other types of support for projects focused on a wide variety of topics including ocean and coastal policy, forest management and policy, agriculture, climate change, and community resilience.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, testimony, press releases, meeting summaries, and meeting materials.
• Attend Congressional hearings, policy briefings, seminars, and other similar events in the Washington, D.C. area as needed and provide summary to various project teams.
• Maintain summaries of key bills in Congress on relevant topics.
• Establish media tracking system and provide a daily overview of news articles on particular topics.

Qualifications: 

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills, a high level of organization, the ability to excel in a team environment, and the ability to juggle multiple deadlines and project teams. A recent undergraduate with a Bachelor's degree from a relevant program (environmental science or policy) with a demonstrated understanding of the dynamic relationship between science and policy is preferred.

A high degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office, web-based research tools, and electronic communications is a must. Additionally, knowledge of social networking tools, new media sources, and other evolving technologies is highly desirable.

This is a full-time, entry level position with potential for renewal based on performance and funding.

Compensation: Meridian Institute offers a competitive benefits package, with salary starting in the high $20,000s.

Start Date: The position will start in early July, with some flexibility.
Close Date: Friday, June 12.

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, 3 references, and recent writing sample on a relevant topic (not to exceed 1,000 words) to Kristen Ounanian. No phone calls or faxes please. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Meridian Institute is an equal opportunity employer.