PolicyLink

Position Announcement      

 

POSITION TITLE: Senior Associate, Water Equity and Climate Resilience  

LOCATION: (remote, slight preference for DC-based candidates) 

STATUS: Exempt 

APPLY BY: Position Open Until Filled 

 

Organization Overview 

This position, available immediately, is an exciting opportunity to join the staff at PolicyLink. PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing racial and economic equity by Lifting Up What Works®. We are dedicated to improving the lives of the 100 million people in America who live in or near poverty, particularly those facing the barriers of structural racism. We are currently working remotely. Please visit our website at: www.policylink.org. 

 

Position Summary 

PolicyLink is seeking a Senior Associate to support our growing portfolio of work to advance transformative strategies for achieving water equity and climate resilience. This includes ensuring that all people, including low-income people and people of color, have safe and affordable water; benefit from climate resilient water management; have opportunities for training, employment, and contracting in the water and green infrastructure sector; and are empowered to shape water and climate policies that impact their lives. 

We are seeking a thoughtful policy researcher, effective coalition builder, and skilled policy advocate who brings experience and passion around issues of racial justice, climate resilience, and water infrastructure to join our Water Equity and Climate Resilience efforts. 

The Senior Associate will be responsible for working in consultation with the Director of Water Equity and Climate Resilience to (1) support the growth and management of the Water Equity and Climate Resilience (WECR) Caucus; (2) co-develop and implement federal advocacy strategies to advance policy priorities on issues at the intersection of water, climate, and equity in collaboration with PolicyLink’s federal policy team; and (3) help oversee implementation of projects to support state-based policy advocacy related to State Revolving Fund implementation.   

 

Core Responsibilities 

• Support federal advocacy efforts on water equity and climate resilience in partnership with the Director of Water Equity and Climate Resilience, the PolicyLink Federal Policy Director, and our congressional and administrative liaison in Washington, DC.  
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of equity-related theory and practice (e.g., legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, and political trends) related to water equity and climate resilience. 
• Work closely with the Director of Water Equity and Climate Resilience to implement a suite of offerings (peer-learning opportunities, trainings, webinars, etc.) to support capacity building within the Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus.  
• Conduct qualitative research and data analysis and author research briefs, analyses, and articles, including comparative analyses and equity profiles/research reports focused on particular regions and communities. 

• Facilitate internal and external processes to address structural racism, thereby moving from talk to action to results with knowledge and sensitivity. 
• Co-develop grant proposals and grant reporting on behalf of PolicyLink’s Water Equity and Climate Resilience programmatic work and on behalf of the WECR Caucus. 
• The position may involve travel (we estimate one trip per quarter). 

 

 Desired Qualifications and Experience 

• Advanced degree in urban planning/policy, public policy, economics, environmental policy, or related social science and at least five years of research or policy-related experience, ideally in a fast-paced work environment characterized by multiple ongoing projects. 
• Experience in urban planning and development, infrastructure finance, environmental justice, or place-based initiatives, including substantive experience in an area of water practice and/or climate action.  
• A commitment to advancing racial justice and economic and social equity. 
• Experience with direct civic engagement and organizing, working with grassroots partners, and supporting coalition building, and a well-developed practice of analyzing the equity impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on race, class, and other group identities. 

• Self-starter with good time management skills and ability to effectively work on multiple projects and meet aggressive deadlines. 
• Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce clear, rigorous, accessible, policy-relevant documents; and familiarity with research methods and design including interviews, surveys, case studies, and content analysis. 
• Familiarity with public policy and the legislative process. 

 

 Compensation and Benefits 

 

The annual starting salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000 

 

Additionally, PolicyLink provides a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k match, ancillary benefits, access to Flexible Spending Accounts, commuter expenses, and generous leave benefits. 

 

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How To Apply: 

We accept online applications only. https://www.policylink.org/about-us/careers 

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.  

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT 

PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work towards a more inclusive world and as such we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment. 

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