Research Director - Climate

Public Citizen • Full-time • Washington • 7m ago

Public Citizen is a national, non-partisan, public interest group with more than 500,000 members and supporters. We hold the government and corporations accountable with campaigns and advocacy before Congress, administrative agencies, and the courts on issues including money in politics, open government, financial regulation, energy and the climate crisis, fair trade, consumer protection, access to justice, tax policy, workplace safety, drug and medical device safety, and healthcare. We are the reason why there are airbags in cars and there were no red M&Ms for a decade. And much more.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Public Citizen’s Climate Program works to hasten the transition away from dirty, polluting energy to clean, renewable energy in ways that advance racial, economic, and intergenerational justice. Our main areas of focus at present are redirecting finance and insurance from dirty energy toward equitable deployment of clean energy, pushing for a faster transition to 100% zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) with clean supply chains, and advocating for criminal accountability for fossil fuel companies.

We seek a research director to conceive, initiate, and manage investigative research projects; build and query databases; write time-sensitive reports and other materials in support of our public education and advocacy campaigns.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conceptualize and develop strategic research agendas in priority areas, in consultation with the Climate Program director and other colleagues. Investigate policy issues, markets, corporations, individuals, political fundraising, lobbying, and trade associations by using traditional investigative methods such as database searches, FOIA requests, and interviews.
Conceive and produce written materials in collaboration with team members, including reports, editorial board memos, op-eds, social media content, and blog posts.
Clearly articulate investigative findings and our policy positions in media interviews and podcasts. Prepare in-depth presentations and present findings to congressional staff, the press, our staff, and the public.
Maintain familiarity with relevant policy issues, debates, and proposals.
Develop and maintain relationships with academic, government, and other researchers.
Edit written materials by others within the Climate Program; plan and help execute strategic communications efforts.
Garner exclusive and other coverage of new research in top-tier media outlets.
Collaborate with groups and coalitions engaged in this work.
Above all, work proactively and resourcefully to accomplish programmatic goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Bachelor’s degree, and at least 15 years of relevant experience as a researcher or reporter. Outstanding analytical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of computer-assisted reporting techniques, database development and management, and relevant markets and research tools. Knowledge of public records, especially regarding campaign finance and lobbying. Strong sense of how to use research to affect public policy debates and advance public interest advocacy campaigns.
High energy, enthusiasm, persistence, and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and balance multiple priorities under pressure to produce excellent material in a deadline-driven advocacy environment.
Creative and collaborative spirit.
Strong commitment to investigating and reporting on corporate actors that cause climate, environmental, labor, and human rights harms.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Competitive salary and benefit package. Below is a list of some of our benefits (please note that some benefits have eligibility requirements).

Salary range: $105,789 to $129,080 based on experience and qualifications, with annual increases in October.

Benefits include:

Great medical and dental coverage, 100% paid by PC, including full coverage for children
Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, sick leave, five personal days
401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
Sabbatical after 8 years of employment
Student loan reimbursement program
Funds available for professional development

This is a grant-contingent position.

TO APPLY
Submit a single document that includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected]. Please include your last name and the position for which you are applying in the subject line of your email and filename of your attachment. Women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and multilingual speakers are encouraged to apply. No phone calls please.

Deadline: September 27, 2025.

Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. Visit our website at www.citizen.org/.