Vice President for Research & Policy Engagement

VP FOR RESEARCH POLICY ENGAGEMENT

**Job Details**

• Level: Senior
• Job Location: RFF, WASHINGTON DC
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $225,000.00 - $300,000.00
• Salary Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
• Job Shift: Day
• Job Category: Executive

**Description** **Position Summary** Climate change is the single greatest environmental threat of our time yet narrow environmental actions and technical solutions alone will be insufficient to protect and advance our communities. Finding solutions to climate change requires systemic economic transformation on a global scale and using the best information and ideas available to make smart and equitable decisions that benefit people, public health, and the environment and economy. Resources for the Future (RFF) makes that possible. Consistently ranked by RePEc as the #1 institution in the world for research on environmental and energy economics and policy, RFF is a leader in applying innovative economic expertise to solving climate change. Our staff, from economists and other researchers to communications, fundraising, and administrative professionals, work each day to make RFF the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions that help lead to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. Our work brings the brightest economic thinking to bear on our future, shaping many of the world's most successful environmental decisions and policies over the past 70 years. Today we achieve our impact by focusing on interconnected priorities of designing net zero emissions strategies and reducing risk while building resilient communities.

Partnering with the President and CEO, the Vice President (VP) for Research and Policy Engagement provides strategic leadership and management of the research and policy engagement program at RFF. The VP for Research and Policy Engagement plays a key role in formulating and implementing RFF's strategic priorities and acts as a catalyst for new ideas and initiatives that strengthen and increase the impact of RFF, integrate research programs, communications, and fundraising, and continue to develop RFF as a great place to work. The VP serves as a visible external representative of the organization and a member of our collaborative executive leadership team. This position is located in Washington, DC.

**Position Responsibilities**

**Research Strategy and Leadership**

• Lead and collaborate with staff on setting priorities and identifying areas of emerging research that serve RFF's mission.
• Engage externally as a thought leader and speaker on RFF's core issues.
• Strengthen and expand RFF's networks and partnerships.
• Collaborate on the effective acquisition and management of both unrestricted and restricted funds.

**Research Talent Management**

• Lead the research management team in the hiring, appointment, and management of a diverse research department.
• Oversee performance reviews, compensation, and promotion processes.
• Foster a culture of integration, collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

**Research Support**

• Oversee the effective and efficient operation of administrative support for research.
• Manage processes for the identification, solicitation, and administration of research funding opportunities.

**Personnel Management**

• Directly manage staff positions that report to the VP.
• Lead the Research Management Team and collaborate with other departments.

**Qualifications** **Education** An advanced degree in the social sciences is preferred. A PhD in economics, public policy, or a closely related discipline is desirable.

**Experience** The ideal candidate will be a recognized leader in environmental and/or resource economics.