Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Summary/Objective: The Arctic Policy Research Assistant II for the Permafrost Pathways project at Woodwell Climate will work closely with the Permafrost Pathways policy team, communications team, scientific staff, and project partners to engage multiple stakeholders and policy makers regarding the impact of permafrost thaw. This position will help to advance specific policy goals and advocacy-focused objectives as defined by the Permafrost Pathways policy and communication teams. The position will involve conducting strategic policy research, preparation of written policy and communication outputs, and development of outreach materials to increase visibility of project activities and to support increased engagement with potential collaborators and decision-makers. The Arctic Policy Research Assistant II role is part of a large project and highly collaborative team.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct climate policy research and analysis in support of Permafrost Pathways’ policy strategy.
• Develop issue briefs, concept notes, and talking points on specific policy and advocacy positions, in collaboration with the Permafrost Pathways policy team.
• Track, analyze, and summarize relevant policy, legislative, and regulatory actions on the state/local/tribal and national (US/Arctic) levels.
• Contribute to project one-pagers, updates, story features, newsletters, and other outward-facing materials to support project outreach, engagement, and visibility.
• Participate in and provide ad hoc support for project-related meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Assist the Permafrost Pathways communications specialist to track relevant media coverage, compile news roundups, and opportunities for advocacy-related sign-on letters, statements, etc.
• Other policy and communications tasks as identified.

• Bachelor’s degree in Climate Change Science and Policy, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field is preferred, or has at least two years of experience in legislative and/or regulatory advocacy and policy work, or politics. Master’s degree is advantageous, but not required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the international climate policy landscape and US national climate policy decision-making processes.
• Understanding of how climate change is impacting Arctic regions and of key Arctic policy stakeholders and processes is advantageous, but not required.
• Experience communicating technical scientific information into clear, engaging language for policymakers and diverse audiences.
• Experience researching, tracking, analyzing, and summarizing climate-related policy and legislative initiatives is advantageous, but not required.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated attention to detail.
• Commitment to racial and economic equity, environmental justice, and climate resilience, particularly in the context of working with Arctic Indigenous and local communities.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and creatively to find solutions to challenging and complex questions.

Application review will be ongoing.

Desired Start Date: July 1, 2023

Application Instructions: To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references as a single PDF to our career’s portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please type ARAII on all correspondence.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.