Director, U.S. Climate Policy & Analysis

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy,Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

EDF has long been a champion of market-based solutions to environmental issues, including emission trading programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.  We helped design the sulfur dioxide cap-and-trade program in Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments; were instrumental in passing and implementing California’s emission trading system under its AB32 law; played a lead role in the (ultimately unsuccessful) effort to pass comprehensive climate legislation in the U.S. Congress in 2009-2010; and have worked in China to help design the provincial trading pilot programs and the planned national emission trading system. 

OVERALL FUNCTION

A key contributor to EDF’s U.S. climate advocacy, the Director, U.S. Climate Policy & Analysis will have the opportunity to help shape the next generation of U.S. climate policy.

EDF is committed to securing an economy-wide market-based climate policy in the United States — a cap-and-trade program, carbon tax, or hybrid of the two that can harness market forces and economic incentives to drive more ambitious climate action.  As we ramp up our efforts, we are building a U.S. federal policy team within the Climate & Energy program, adding to the unparalleled depth of expertise and experience throughout the organization. The team will aggressively pursue legislative or administrative policies to establish an ambitious and comprehensive economy-wide market-based climate policy in the United States.

The Director will be a key member of this team, serving as the creative engine and hub for the policy design and analysis needed to guide EDF’s U.S. climate advocacy.  S/he will develop policy proposals, conduct and oversee analyses, and help to coordinate EDF’s positions on key policy design issues, working closely with colleagues across the organization.  Externally, the Director will help to represent EDF with a range of policy makers and other stakeholders, including Congressional staffers; officials from the White House and executive branch agencies; corporate staff; researchers at universities and think tanks; and representatives of other environmental groups and other civil society organizations.

The Director will be based in Washington, D.C., and will report to the VP for Global Climate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and advocate creative proposals for market-based policy, supported by rigorous economic analysis, that can attract the political support necessary to be implemented;
• Convene and lead internal dialogues to formulate EDF’s U.S. climate policy objectives and advocacy positions on major policy design elements, collaborating closely with other experts across the organization;
• Identify research and analytical needs to be met through “in-house” analysis as well as external consultants and partners;
• Conduct economic and technical analysis of policy proposals, potential legislation, etc.;
• Write and disseminate white papers and policy briefs aimed at external audiences;
• Manage external consultants;
• Draft internal decision memos, policy documents, testimony, talking points, etc.;
• In close coordination with EDF’s political affairs team, meet with Congressional staff to inform their thinking, answer their questions, and advocate for EDF’s policy positions;
• Help represent EDF in external settings (e.g., meetings with other environmental organizations, research institutions, or corporations), as needed;
• Support the VP, Global Climate, in developing and articulating a compelling vision for EDF’s role in driving transformational U.S. climate policy that can inspire significant investment from individuals and foundations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Broad knowledge of market-based climate policy as well as relevant economic theory, economic modeling, and empirical experience;
• Creative thinking ability, rooted in deep understanding of economics and incentives;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across programs or departments;
• Enthusiasm and aptitude for understanding politics and working within political context;
• Passion for environmental protection, coupled with a focus on pragmatic, results-based policy solutions;
• Excellent writing, analytical, an communication skills;
• Ability to work autonomously, set priorities, and take initiative consistent with broad strategic guidance;
• Ph.D. in economics or public policy with 5+ years’ experience (preferred), or M.A. in economics with 8+ years relevant research or analytical work;
• Familiarity with public finance/tax policy a plus;
• Experience in government a plus.

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer