Policy and Research Associate

Apply: Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to applicants@clcouncil.org.

Organizational Summary: The Climate Leadership Council (CLC) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to develop and promote market-based policies that advance U.S. competitiveness, security, and economic opportunity as the central strategy for lowering global emissions.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious candidate eager to start a career in policy research, with substantive responsibility and exposure to the Council’s full issue portfolio from day one. The Council offers:

• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free on-site fitness center
• Fantastic location, very close to Metro; on-site bike storage room
• Mentorship from senior policy experts and a front-row seat to how research shapes policy debates in Washington

Position Overview: As a member of the Council’s policy and research team, the Policy and Research Associate contributes research and analysis on some of the most consequential questions in climate and economic policy today: how the U.S. secures critical mineral supply chains, how trade policy can reward cleaner American production, and how the country meets surging electricity demand from AI and data centers. The Associate works across the Council’s full issue portfolio, building a broad foundation before deepening expertise in specific areas over time. Day to day, the Associate conducts original qualitative and quantitative research; closely tracks federal, state, and global policy developments; drafts memos, papers, articles, and presentations; and works alongside colleagues in government relations and communications and public affairs as the Council’s ideas move into policy debates. The role also includes administrative and project coordination for senior members of the policy and research team.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead and support research and policy issue areas as assigned. This work will include advancing work for Council priorities by conducting original research and analysis; analyzing policy proposals; supporting the needs of the research team; coordinating with Council team members; understanding stakeholder and policymaker interests/sensitivities; and producing papers, internal memos, and presentations.

• Coordinate with the policy and research department Directors, Senior Vice President, and other department staff in delivering discrete projects from ideation through completion.

• Closely monitor relevant developments in the field and report key findings to the internal team and interested parties as warranted. This will involve tracking research, analysis, legislative developments, and advocacy as well as attending events virtually and in person.

• Provide rapid response and ad hoc research support for the Council’s senior leadership, supporters, congressional offices and the administration, and strategic partners as assigned.

• Build relationships with members of the research community across other think tanks and similar organizations.

• Provide administrative support to senior members of the policy and research department, including but not limited to maintaining the calendar of the SVP; scheduling internal and external meetings; preparing and distributing team meeting agendas and tracking follow-up on action items; coordinating with other departments; and drafting correspondence.

• Perform special projects as requested by the policy and research department Directors, SVP, and/or Council leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in policy research, analysis, and writing within a federal agency, Congressional office, trade association, policy think tank, or similar setting.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in economics, political science, environmental science, or policy analysis.
• Experience and demonstrated interest in the Council’s specific policy solutions (e.g., climate, trade, energy, electricity infrastructure, supply chain security, international investment policy) preferred.
• Proven quantitative capabilities, data visualization skills, analytical skills, verbal and written communication skills, superior attention to detail, and potential to present in a group setting.
• Ability to multitask, meet pressing deadlines, anticipate needs, and adjust in a fast-paced environment.
• The successful candidate will be highly ambitious, focused on positive outcomes, eager to work collaboratively while remaining resilient in a challenging political arena, and operate with impeccable integrity.

Location: This position is based in the Council’s downtown Washington, DC office. The Council currently operates on a hybrid schedule (three days a week in the office), subject to the organization’s telework policy.

Compensation: Competitive salary range based on experience: $60,000-70,000; full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), etc.