Science, Solutions, and Policy Associate

The Climate Reality Project Overview

The Climate Reality Project is a nonprofit organization founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. Our mission is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every sector of society.

At The Climate Reality Project, we come to work every day to help solve the climate crisis. We do it by working from the ground up, empowering people and communities worldwide to fight for their future and together drive a just transition to clean energy.

We are committed to building a more just and equitable world, one where all voices are heard and respected regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical ability. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other historically marginalized communities. We encourage applicants to read our diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice statement on our website.

Position Summary

The Science, Solutions, and Policy Associate is primarily responsible for assisting the team with a range of research and analytical tasks, reviewing outward-facing content, and providing support to programs and campaigns. The position entails research and content creation centered on climate change impacts and solutions, energy and climate policy, and other relevant issues. Additionally, the Science, Solutions, and Policy Associate works closely with the Presentations Associate to support the vetting, organizing, updating, reconstructing, and releasing of PowerPoint presentations to the Climate Reality Leadership Corps volunteers.

Currently reporting to the Science, Solutions, and Policy Deputy Director, the Science, Solutions, and Policy Associate has no direct reports.

This position is within a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment will be subject to a collective bargaining agreement between Climate Reality and the union.

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible, hybrid position. The Climate Reality Project offers a flexible hybrid schedule, with staff working from our office in downtown Washington, DC at least two days per week to enable and encourage collaboration within and among teams. The salary range for the role is $65,000-$66,300 USD per year.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research climate and energy-related issues and draft memos and briefs that will be utilized across the organization and externally.
• Perform manual reconstruction of presentation slides from Keynote to PowerPoint, ensuring identical formatting, media, animations, and other attributes.
• Track and analyze relevant policy developments globally, including climate, energy, and finance commitments.
• Review, vet, edit, and develop support materials and communications for programs and campaigns, including writing plain-language text for social media platforms or other external communications.
• Attend events such as seminars, webinars, hearings, briefings, and symposia related to climate science, energy technologies, and domestic and international climate and energy policy.
• Summarize reports, briefings, and hearings.
• Support and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our operations and enrichment of our culture, such as assisting with onboarding and training of colleagues and participating in efforts to strengthen our culture and practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent research skills.
• Attention to detail and a passion for accuracy.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced presentation skills, particularly in Keynote and PowerPoint software.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility to accommodate irregular and sometimes long work hours.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• One to two years of experience relevant to the position.
• Working knowledge of or strong interest in domestic and international climate policy and negotiations.
• Knowledge of the basics of climate change, drivers, and solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legislative processes.
• Working knowledge of Mac and PC operating systems.

Organizational Competencies

The Climate Reality Project has adopted a competency-based approach to job definition, hiring, performance assessment, and professional development. The following are examples of how these competencies manifest in this role:

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Builds productive working relationships, actively listens to others, and follows through on commitments.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Adapts to changing priorities, takes initiative to solve problems, and learns quickly in new situations.
• Written and Verbal Communication: Communicates clearly and concisely, provides timely information across the organization, and gives and receives constructive feedback.
• Time and Project Management: Demonstrates ownership of tasks, manages multiple priorities effectively, and seeks help when needed.
• Professional Development: Actively seeks growth and development opportunities and embraces challenges.
• Climate Justice: Works to disrupt systems of privilege and promote an inclusive environment.
• Climate Reality Mission and Focus: Passionate about Climate Reality’s mission and acts as an ambassador to diverse audiences.

Role-Specific Competencies

• Policy & Research: Conducts research on climate, energy, and related policy issues, and provides analysis and insights.
• Technology and Data Systems: Effectively uses relevant software, including Excel and Salesforce, and manages document storage for donor stewardship. Reconstructs Keynote presentations in PowerPoint.
• Partnerships & Relationships: Tracks engagement and builds buy-in, coordinating with other departments.
• Advocacy & Advising: Understands major climate policies and advocates within the climate community.

Employee Benefits

The Climate Reality Project provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employee premiums fully paid.
• Life, short-term disability, and AD&D insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401(k) Retirement Account with matching contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement.
• Generous paid time off policies.

Encouraging Diverse Applications

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Climate Reality, we value diverse and authentic workplaces, so if you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Climate Reality Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other category prohibited by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, promotion, compensation, and termination.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].