Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
About Sightline Institute
Sightline Institute is committed to making Cascadia—the region stretching from Alaska to northern California and from the Pacific to the Rocky Mountain states—a global model of sustainability, with strong communities, a green economy, and a healthy environment. Founded in 1993, Sightline is one of the region’s premier public policy think tanks, influencing press coverage, legislative change, and public attitudes.
In our programs on climate and energy, housing and cities, democracy and elections, and farms and forests, we identify and promote reforms that yield outsized improvements for the region’s people and places. We believe true sustainability exists at the intersection of environmental health and social justice and have an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research center, Sightline provides research reports, articles, and commentary; maps, graphics, and tools; framing and messaging guidance; and Sightline Daily, a curated headlines and opinion summary for the Northwest. Sightline’s influence depends on the depth and breadth of our researchers’ expertise and their persuasiveness in presenting analysis and arguments. We aim to draw attention to and build support for data-backed solutions to specific public problems through close engagement in policy debates. We advise and inform public officials, advocates, and the media, and we collaborate with diverse allies and unconventional coalitions in pursuit of our mission. Learn more at www.sightline.org.
Position Summary
Through rigorous research and policy analysis, the Senior Research Associate will support Sightline's efforts to transition the Pacific Northwest off fossil fuels and build a clean, just energy future. They will help advance Sightline’s Climate and Energy program priorities, including to electrify homes and businesses, ramp up renewable energy, and phase out polluting oil and gas infrastructure. They will remain flexible to supporting the team as high-impact opportunities arise and will have the chance to learn from and collaborate with other leading organizations and advocates. With climate backlash surging in the region, this is a timely and unique opportunity for a committed researcher to devote their analytical and communications skills to both defending and advancing Cascadia’s climate progress.
The Senior Research Associate will report to Sightline's Director of Climate and Energy. They will be part of a high-functioning, collaborative cadre of researchers, communicators, and advocates, supported by a strong administrative and fundraising team.
Essential Responsibilities
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Conduct high-quality, accurate, and thorough research to support the Climate and Energy program’s strategy.
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Search for, analyze, and interpret data related to Sightline’s Climate and Energy program priorities.
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Write concise, clear, and data-backed fact sheets and issue briefs that synthesize research findings.
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Support the Director of Climate and Energy in drafting long-form articles and policy memos for external audiences.
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Help represent Sightline and Sightline’s climate and energy goals to policymakers, peer organizations, and advocates.
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Identify, monitor, and evaluate relevant climate and energy policy developments in Cascadia as well as leading examples from other parts of the world.
Desired Skills and Experience
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At least 3 years of professional experience conducting high-quality research and/or policy or program analysis.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to succinctly, accurately convey complicated information to diverse audiences.
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Excellent time management and organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively among competing responsibilities.
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Demonstrated experience quickly mastering new subject matter areas.
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A track record of building respectful and effective relationships and collaborating with people across differences, including racial, ethnic, gender, cultural, and political differences.
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The ability to be self-directed and self-motivated.
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An eagerness to learn and incorporate feedback.
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Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work. Familiarity with or experience working on issues of social and/or environmental justice preferred.
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Experience working in climate and energy and an understanding of the Northwest’s climate policies and players preferred, but not required. We care more about your skills than your subject-matter expertise.
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Commitment to Sightline’s mission and values.
Position Flexibility
We most likely will hire a candidate who is at the “senior associate” level of skill and experience, as described. However, depending on candidates' experience and skill level, we will consider hiring for this position at Sightline's (lower) associate level or (higher) researcher level. Duties, expectations, and compensation would ramp up or down, commensurately. At Sightline, we believe in mentoring talent and providing opportunities for growth. Therefore, if you are somewhat underqualified or overqualified for the position as described or have relevant experience and transferrable skills different from those listed here, but still feel you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.