Research Associate

David Gardiner and Associates (DGA) is a Washington, D.C. area-based strategic advisory firm focused on climate change, clean energy, and sustainability. We promote a wide range of clean energy solutions, including renewable electricity, transmission, electric cars and trucks, renewable thermal energy, clean fuels, and more. Our clients are an exciting mix of non-profit organizations, corporations, trade associations, and governments. We help our clients with strategic planning, research and analysis, and improved communications through our partnership building and advocacy.

DGA helped create and manage three cutting edge clean energy advocacy organizations – Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, the Combined Heat and Power Alliance, and the Renewable Thermal Collaborative. Our team integrates decades of practical experience across business sectors with diverse subject expertise and produces highly tailored and high-quality products to meet the specific needs of each client. If you want to be a part of a rapidly growing organization, which is driving climate change and clean energy solutions with a diverse mix of clients and partners and co-workers, you should come work at DGA!

DGA is seeking a full-time Research Associate to join DGA’s Clean Energy Team and provide research, analysis, project implementation, and communications support. This position is open to a focused candidate with strong interest, education, or experience in climate and sustainability policy, and decarbonization of the energy, transportation, and building sectors.

Position Overview:

As a Research Associate, the employee will be responsible for project organization, research, analysis, writing, communications, and other duties that will support the firm’s mission to support our clients in developing innovative and effective climate policies and solutions. The Research Associate will work side-by-side with DGA senior staff and directly with DGA’s clients. This role will involve working on a range of climate and decarbonization issues such as federal climate polices, renewable energy, transportation electrification, and high-voltage transmission infrastructure. The Associate will work for a range of clients, including non-profit advocacy organizations, Fortune 500 corporations, foundations, clean energy associations, and government agencies.

This position reports directly to the Vice President for Clean Energy.

Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will participate as an integral team member on DGA projects. While the responsibilities of the Research Associate will fluctuate depending on the needs of DGA’s clients and the assigned projects, the person in this role can expect to use a variety of skills including project organizing, research and writing, and communications. Specifically, the Research Associate’s work may include:

Research and Analysis

• Perform research and write reports as assigned to support client projects.
• Collect and analyze data and information related to government, corporate, and other programs to advance climate advocacy efforts.
• Summarize research notes, white papers, webinars, and conference calls for DGA staff and/or clients.

Project Organization

• Provide administrative support to project managers on project management, budget and project oversight, and other day-to-day office management.
• Attend relevant outside meetings and conferences and take notes for staff.
• Manage listservs, Google Drives, and contact lists related to projects.
• Assist staff with design, style, and formatting of client products.
• Support special events with planning and coordination of webinars and other events including conferences, webinars, social activities, etc.
• Support stakeholder advocacy and coalition building efforts.

Communications

• Draft memos, PowerPoint presentations, communications documents, press releases, newsletters, and other outreach materials related to client projects.
• Assist in the development of strategic messaging.
• Develop mailing lists and send out newsletters using Mailchimp.
• Track relevant news items and legislative priorities on Capitol Hill and in states and provide updates for DGA staff and/or clients. 
• Assist with developing social media strategy for DGA and clients and manage postings.

Position Requirements 

• Strong organizational abilities, including an ability to prioritize diverse priorities effectively.
• Maintains a positive and flexible attitude.
• Highly motivated, works well independently and with others, and proactively asks questions.
• Values high-quality work, attention to detail, and importance of meeting deadlines.
• Enthusiasm for finding workable solutions.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience with Excel, AirTable, or other database and project management systems.
• Experience with WordPress, Canva, and other similar platforms, use of social media for advocacy and marketing, and marketing automation through Mailchimp or similar applications (experience with InDesign is a plus but not required).
• Strong skills with Microsoft Office, Mac operating systems, and Google Drive.
• Familiarity with US political and/or regulatory processes preferred.
• Experience with advocacy campaigns and/or building consensus preferred.
• At least 1-2 years’ experience working on climate and clean energy advocacy, research, and/or communications.
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience, with strong focus on climate and clean energy policy.

Location:

This is a full-time hybrid position with part of the week at DGA’s office in the Clarendon area of Arlington, Virginia, and part of the week remote.

DGA Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

DGA is an equal opportunity employer. We extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms DGA’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.