Chief Economist

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, with a focus on results.
 
Under the direction of Fred Krupp, President, who assumed the leadership of EDF in 1984, the organization has grown from a $3 million to a $150 million organization, with supporters exceeding 700,000. Headquartered in New York City, the organization totals approximately 370 staff located in 9 offices in the US and offices in La Paz, Mexico and Beijing, China with programmatic work in several other regions including the EU, India, Vietnam, Brazil and elsewhere.
 
Overall Function
 
The Chief Economist provides intellectual leadership and direction to EDF's economic policy, analysis and research, at global, regional and country levels. He/she will directly supervise economists and analysts in the Office of Economic Policy and Analysis, engage economists who are in other programs and ensure that policy and advocacy advanced by EDF is based on sound economic understanding. The Chief Economist is a member of the organization's senior management team and reports to the President.
 
Key Responsibilities 

• Direct the staff of the Office of Economic Policy and Analysis (OEPA), which provides thought leadership on and analytic support for environmental economic issues to advance key program work and EDF's overall advocacy goals. Current activities support efforts of the following programs: Energy; Climate and Air; Land, Water and Wildlife; Oceans; Corporate Partnerships and collaborates with the Office of Chief Scientist. Provide a high-level perspective on economics and markets to program staff. Work with senior program staff to incorporate economics and market-based principles into EDF advocacy.
• Help to shape and inform EDF policy positions and advocacy efforts in each of the major program areas.
• Engage the Board of Trustees and funders to generate excitement about the economic analysis work of the Office of Economic Policy and Analysis and other EDF programs and inspire donors to support these efforts.
• Actively participate in decisions about overall strategy and direction of program efforts.
• Represent EDF publicly in the media, at conferences and workshops, etc., on issues related to market-based environmental policies and environmental economics generally.
• Participate in direct advocacy work where a senior economist is needed, e.g., by testifying at regulatory or legislative hearings, talking with Congressional staff or administration officials, working on briefs or other documents related to legal cases, etc.
• Work with program staff to develop and implement research plans to inform advocacy. Identify and direct new research projects, both internal and external, as the need and opportunity arises.
• Coordinate internal (and, where appropriate, external) peer review of analyses by EDF program staff and of reports or studies done under contract with EDF.
• With the support of OEPA staff, work with other program staff and media/communications staff to ensure a sufficient degree of economic and analytical rigor in EDF publications and public communications, including press releases, blog posts, etc.
• Maintain and build ties to the academic/research communities, through outreach, presentations at workshops and conferences, informal contacts, etc.
• Conduct publishable research on environmental and resource economics that can inform EDF's long-term advocacy or program areas.
• Supervise external economic research conducted and, in partnership with the Chief Scientist, engage academic scientists in support of our work.

 
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be widely respected in the environmental economics research community while being able to relate easily to non-economists; will have a comprehensive and current understanding of the academic literature; and will have the agility and flexibility of mind to apply lessons of economic research (both theoretical and empirical) to the actual on-the-ground challenges facing program staff as they advocate for improved environmental protection. He or she must also have a strong desire to build upon and expand the Office of Economic Policy and Analysis and economic analysis throughout EDF.
 
We would normally expect the Chief Economist to be at the level of a professor of environmental economics or the equivalent including the more specific requirements below:

• PhD in economics or the equivalent (e.g., Agricultural and Resource Economics, Political Economy and Government, or Public Policy).
• At least 10 years experience (including research, applied policy work and related professional experience).
• Deep familiarity with the field of environmental and resource economics, including a strong publication record.
• Strong ties to environmental economists in academia and research institutes.
• Excellent economic intuition and an ability to explain economics to non-economists.
• A demonstrated interest in public policy.
• Excellent communication skills.

 
Location
 
The Chief Economist would ideally be based in either of EDF's New York City or Washington, D.C. offices. 
 
Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.
 
Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
 
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