Research Director (DC or SF)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The Research Director coordinates the activities of the Research and Investigations Unit within the Campaigns Department.  The Research Unit is responsible for developing research and gathering intelligence to bolster Greenpeace’s campaign work. The Research Unit also plays a forecasting function, looking ahead in our campaigns and facilitating the flow of new information and opportunities. The Research Director supervises the staff of the Research and Investigations Unit, various contractors and campaigners doing research projects and project teams as needed.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Oversee continuing development of Greenpeace US’s Research and Investigations Unit
• Oversee the development, testing and implementation of research and investigations tools to enhance campaign success
• Ensure the Research and Investigative Unit responds to the needs of Greenpeace priority campaigns
• Develop and facilitate relationships with outside contractors, researchers, private investigators and investigative journalists
• Supervise, train and mentor in the Research Department and other campaign staff involved with research projects
• Develop rapid response, annual and multi-year research strategies and plans for all aspects of Greenpeace US’s research program
• Coordinate working relationships between the Research unit and Campaigns, Actions, Communications, Online and Development teams
• Coordinate when required with the Development Department on grant requests for research-related funding
• Work with journalists/media as a spokesperson representing various Greenpeace campaigns and research projects
• Coordinate with and/or assist research conducted by Greenpeace offices outside the US, as needed
• Monitor and regularly review vendors providing services to Greenpeace US's Research Department against agreed budgets and performance criteria
• Perform other job-related duties as required and assigned by Campaigns Director and Senior Management
• Oversee Research Unit expenditures and budget
• Collaborate with Legal, IT, Facilities and other units to ensure the security of Greenpeace information, staff and offices

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Education:

• Masters degree or equivalent experience – in Environmental Policy or Science, Environmental Studies, Journalism, or other research/investigative field

 Skills:  

•  Demonstrated environmental science and policy literacy – working knowledge of a range of current environmental issues
• Demonstrated research and investigative skills and creative analytical thinking
•  Strong communication skills - ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people both verbally and in writing; public speaking skills; ability to make effective presentations
• Demonstrated understanding of effective online communication to diverse audiences
• Experience using strategic research for campaign objectives and problem solving – demonstrated ability to think both strategically and creatively
• Ability to represent Greenpeace and our work effectively to media, GP donors and others as needed
• Ability to make and maintain effective contacts and relationships, including demonstrable current relationships in the research, scientific and journalism communities
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to work well with a diverse range of individuals and organizations
• Organizational skills, including experience in project administration and ability to build and manage teams
• Computer skills, including database, graphics
• Able and willing to travel as needed
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours
• Commitment to progressive values and peaceful direct action as a means to affect change
• Excellent spoken and written English; Fluency in Spanish preferred
• A sense of humor

 EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

•  Minimum of 10 years experience in public interest campaign research with environmental organizations preferred
• Experience at management level in nonprofit organization, working closely with the executive director and management team, many peer managers across departments and supervising staff
• Publication of research and writing and record of public speaking engagements
• Demonstrated ability to work with journalists

BENEFITS:

Greenpeace USA values a healthy work-life balance and has flexible, family-friendly employment policies. Our competitive benefits package for full-time employees includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with low contributions from staff. We have options for pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care costs. Greenpeace employees enjoy generous 401K matching and time off for vacation, sick, personal, and parental leave. After five years, staff are eligible for a paid sabbatical. To encourage public transportation use and biking, we offer subsidies for staff that choose to bike or ride mass transit to work. Greenpeace is committed to the growth and development of staff and fostering a creative workplace culture. For more information, check out our benefits plan.

TO APPLY

Please send cover letter, including where you heard of this position, and resume to resumes@wdc.greenpeace.org . Please use the email subject line:  Research Director – YOUR NAME. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis