Research and Policy Campaigner

Rainforest Action Network (RAN) campaigns for the forests, their inhabitants and the natural systems that sustain life. In coalition with Indigenous communities and allies from around the world, RAN uses non-violent direct action, grassroots organizing, education and strategic communications to challenge corporations to stop destructive operations, respect human rights and adopt comprehensive policies that reduce their contributions to global warming.

For the past 5 years, RAN's Energy and Finance campaign program has challenged the world's biggest banks to shift their financing away from the most destructive environmental practices and towards meaningful green energy solutions.

Position Overview:

The Research and Policy Campaigner will lead the RAN Energy and Finance Campaign's private financial and energy sector policy analysis and construct strategy to shift corporate behavior. They will monitor and assess corporate performance in these sectors and communicate progress both internally and externally. In order to achieve this, the Research and Policy Campaigner will systematize goal setting, evaluation, reporting on corporate performance and participate in direct advocacy and corporate negotiations.

Additionally the Research and Policy Campaigner will keep abreast of domestic and international developments in the energy and finance sectors. (S)he will provide regular briefings and updates for the campaign team and keep a keen eye open for high profile and ‘litmus test' projects, so as to evaluate how and if RAN can influence these activities through existing corporate and regulatory agency commitments.

Responsibilities:

• In consultation with Energy and Finance (E&F) program and campaign directors, identify campaign policy and research priorities for RAN annual work plans, and review and adjust on quarterly basis;
• Lead research and policy initiatives, ensuring that all E&F campaigns are strategically aligned and that foundational information is of exceptional quality;
• Research corporate targets to advance corporate accountability goals and activities;
• Stay abreast of developments at the regional, project and sector level to identify high profile and ‘litmus test' projects and evaluate how and if RAN can influence these activities through existing corporate and agency commitments;
• In conjunction with E&F program director, participate in direct communications (both written and verbal) with corporate executives and government officials;
• Manage the development of research and policy content for materials used to communicate campaign work to media, policy makers, priority stakeholder groups, activists and supporters;
• Work with campaigners and the communications team to provide research support for information to promote campaign teams' goals and objectives;
• Work with RAN campaigners to develop and strengthen their research skills, including use of Bloomberg databases;
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant civil society organizations and networks to advance policy and research priorities;
• Stay abreast of and participate in international frameworks and certifications systems as they relate to progress in the energy and finance sectors;
• Inform and advise E&F director and campaigners of policy developments in international frameworks and certifications systems as they relate to progress in key market sectors;
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking corporate communications and performance on stated commitments;
• Cultivate and steward relationships with strategic contacts in the financial sector;
• Represent and act as a public spokesperson for RAN as needed;
• Supervise contractors and interns working on campaign activities, including research, execution of outreach, etc.;
• Participate in RAN's organizational planning, anti-oppression and diversity initiatives, and training sessions;
• Share office responsibilities to maintain a healthy and safe workplace;
• Participate in weekly campaign team meetings.

Qualifications:

RAN is seeking candidates with at least 5 years experience in strategic corporate research, organizing and advocacy, preferably at a campaign-oriented organization.

The Research and Policy Campaigner position requires superior skills in written and verbal communication, research, analysis and networking. Negotiating experience in an advocacy or business context is highly desired. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent decision-making skills, strategic insight, professional initiative, time management and prioritization skills and results-oriented behavior. (S)he must be willing and able to travel frequently (up to 1 week ‘on the road,' every 1 to 2 months).

The successful candidate will understand how a winning campaign balances insider strategy with outside grassroots pressure and values the role of direct action as a strategic tactic. (S)he will be comfortable working both independently on self-managed projects and collaboratively as part of a fast-moving and results-oriented team.

Working knowledge of at least 2 of the following issue areas is required: climate change, the banking sector, corporate social responsibility, renewable energy politics and economics. Expertise and experience in working with Indigenous and affected communities and on issues of biodiversity and climate justice is strongly preferred.

To Apply:

Please send resume and letter of interest.  No phone calls, please.

HR, Rainforest Action Network
221 Pine St., Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104

RAN values diversity, educates staff on issues including privilege and oppression, and integrates these values into all of our work. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this process and work with us to create a just, inclusive, and sustainable work environment and world. RAN provides all people with equal employment and volunteer opportunities.