Policy Director, Energy and Environment

R Street Institute•Washington, DC

2d•$185,000 - $200,000•Remote

About The Position

The R Street Institute—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C. with staff across the country and beyond—seeks a Policy Director to lead and grow our Energy and Environment program. This is a senior leadership role with three equally important dimensions: driving substantive policy research and thought leadership, managing and developing a talented team, and building the philanthropic relationships and resources that sustain the program’s long-term ambitions. Candidates who excel in only one or two of these dimensions are unlikely to be the right fit. The selected candidate will be the leader and chief visionary of R Street’s energy program. The program, currently our second oldest, maintains a full-time staff and draws support from a broad range of well-known corporate and foundation donors. The ideal candidate should take seriously both the importance of free markets in maintaining a prosperous society and the risks created by climate change. You will report to the Vice President of Organizational Performance and Advancement and work in close collaboration with our Executive Leadership, Business Development, Government Affairs, Communications, and Editorial teams. No two weeks at R Street are the same, but a typical day may include: Meeting with a foundation program officer to present the program’s research roadmap and explore multi-year funding opportunities. Reviewing and strengthening an analyst’s explainer on transmission planning or interconnection reform. Drafting public comments in response to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission notice of public rulemaking. Coordinating with Business Development to create a grant proposal. Speaking with coalition partners or policymakers about permitting modernization or market design. Working with Communications to sharpen talking points for an upcoming media appearance. Coaching a fellow to focus their analysis and elevate their writing on climate change adaptation. You will find yourself working collaboratively across the organization almost every day.

Requirements

Genuine enthusiasm for R Street’s commitment to free markets and limited, effective government.
A track record of cultivating relationships with philanthropic and corporate funders and closing support for policy or research programs. Comfort with the full donor lifecycle, from prospecting through stewardship, is essential.
Experience managing staff and guiding their professional development. Proven ability to oversee multi-stakeholder projects from scoping through delivery.
Deep substantive knowledge across at least one of the program’s three pillars, with the ability to engage credibly across all three.
Top-tier writing skills and the ability to translate complex analysis for policymakers and general audiences.
Comfort synthesizing research across methods common to the program (e.g., literature review, secondary analysis, descriptive statistics, case studies).
Demonstrated ability to work productively across ideological and stakeholder lines, including with those with whom you may disagree.
A self-starter orientation, strong situational judgment, and the ability to set and defend priorities under competing demands.
Strong attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with econometric approaches is a plus.
Vigilance against ninja infiltrations and a sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Drive the program’s financial sustainability by personally cultivating and closing philanthropic support, stewarding existing donor relationships, leading technical proposal development, and partnering closely with the Business Development team on strategy and pipeline management.
Set and execute the program’s research agenda, managing priorities, timelines, and quality across the portfolio.
Represent R Street externally in ways that advance both policy impact and the program’s funding position.
Manage, coach, and develop program staff—fellows, analysts, and associates—helping them scope work, deepen their analysis, and produce polished, credible products.
Foster a collaborative, intellectually rigorous culture consistent with R Street’s mission and values.
Contribute original policy analysis, op-eds, regulatory comments, and public testimony aligned with the program’s mission.
Edit and elevate written products to ensure they are rigorous, timely, and meet R Street’s research standards.
Maintain current expertise across key legislation, regulatory proceedings, and research in energy and environmental policy.
Engage in conferences, media appearances, and other forums to translate complex analysis for varied audiences.

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off, including all federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and two weeks holiday closure in December
Alternating Fridays off
A health insurance option entirely paid by the employer (even for families)
Dental and vision insurance
401(k) contributions with up to a 4 percent match
HSA employer contribution match
Quarterly wellness reimbursement
Mobile equipment/mobile plan reimbursement
Home internet subsidy
Annual educational and professional development reimbursement
A choice between child care assistance, pet care assistance, and student loan repayment assistance