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 Industry Program. ~

ACEEE is an independent, 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 Description:

ACEEE seeks a Research Analyst to focus on industrial energy efficiency and combined heat and power (CHP) as a member of its industry team. The position provides a balance of research, analysis, and outreach on energy efficiency policy in the United States as it relates to federal and state policies, and efficiency program offerings to the industrial sector. ACEEE's industrial research and outreach also emphasizes issues of local job creation, economic development, and pollution mitigation benefits of energy efficiency.

Current issues of program focus include utility-sector efficiency incentives programs, associated state public utility commission rulemaking, motivators for greater investment by industry in efficiency and CHP, and federal performance standards and voluntary labeling for commercial and industrial equipment.

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: 

• Contributing to and leading research projects related to industrial energy efficiency, CHP, and utility resource planning. Research will involve working directly with stakeholders in the industrial, utility, regulatory, policy, and vendor sectors as well as collaborating on multi-sector projects with other departments within ACEEE. Most research projects include written reports, public speaking and outreach engagement opportunities.

• Development of fact sheets and other technical assistance materials that explain the features and benefits of various efficiency programs and policies. Analyst will provide technical assistance to companies, public sector stakeholders, and energy efficiency organizations interested in expanding industrial energy efficiency.

• Providing major contributions to the annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard and biannual international scorecard in the areas of industrial energy efficiency and CHP. The analyst will also support federal, state, and local policy teams with expertise on an on-going and as-needed basis.

• Responding to external stakeholder requests for technical assistance in an accurate and timely manner.

• Participating in the coordination and organizing of conferences, workshops, and other events.

Working at ACEEE, the analyst will lead energy efficiency projects of high visibility and credibility with a focus on industrial energy efficiency and CHP. As a researcher and project coordinator, the position offers unmatched access and exposure to national experts in energy efficiency, as well as building familiarity with 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 Industry 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 literature reviews and rigorous, peer-reviewed primary research dealing with complex regulatory, quantitative and qualitative data.
• Excellent writing skills. The analyst is expected to produce detailed research reports, white papers, fact sheets, and blog posts on energy efficiency policy and programs for various audiences.
• 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 public 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 industrial energy efficiency, CHP, and intelligent efficiency. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree strongly preferred. Degree or rigorous coursework in policy analysis, economics, engineering, and/or science;
• Four or more years of work experience, with demonstrated project development, coordination and leadership experience;
• Experience or sound knowledge of industrial organization, energy efficiency practices and technologies, industrial energy efficiency programs, regulated utilities and public utility commissions is strongly preferred;
• Knowledge of combined heat and power technologies and associated business models;
• Demonstrated passion for industrial energy efficiency, economic development, and environmental issues; and
• Experience in policy analysis of the utility sector, or environmental regulation of the industrial sector desirable. 

Preferred Start Date: On or about July 15, 2014, based in Washington, D.C. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

To Apply 

• Please use the emaill address below to send a cover letter, resume, and brief (1-2 pages) writing sample.
• Type "Industry Research Analyst" in the subject line.
• We do not accept phone calls.