Director, Economics Analysis Hub

Location

U.S. Remote, with preference for those in proximity to current EDF Office locations (Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Boulder, CO; New York, NY; Raleigh, NC; San Francisco, CA; Washington D.C.). Eligibility to work in the U.S. is required for the duration of the assignment.

Duration

This is a two-year fixed-term position with full benefits with the possibility of extension.

Department

Economics

Application Instructions

Along with your resume, please submit an individually authored writing sample/published paper, along with a cover letter detailing your personal interest in the role and in EDF. Preference will be given to applications with cover letters and will be strongly considered over those who choose to submit only their resume/CV.

Overall Function

The Economics Analysis Hub(Hub)is a newunitat the Environmental Defense Fundthatconductsrapid analysis of climate economicsquestionstoinformorganizational priorities, decision makers, and policy needs.TheDirector will have the opportunity toshape, build, and growthe Hubintoanimble partner andincubator forinnovation.

TheDirectorwill be asenior economist with dual experience in academic research and applied policy analysis who canestablishtheHub’sstandards and services, oversee intake and delivery of economic analyses,ensurequality control,buildstrategicpartners, mentor staff, and cultivate major donors in support of the Hub's activities.In collaboration with adedicated team and EDF’s Economics Advisory Council,theDirectorwillconceive, plan, organize, and research projectsthat shape policy through rigorous, though rapid,economic analysis.The ideal candidateis a self-starterwith a builder’s mindsetthat alsopossessesan exemplary scientific record,demonstratedthrough publications, policy testimony,strong communication,active involvement in advisory panels and boards, anda strong reputationas a leader in the environmental/climateeconomics community. This position reports to the Chief Economist.

Key Responsibilities

The Director willleadthe Economic Analysis Hub’s operationsandmanagea team of economists, research staff,and graduateresearchassistantsto deliver high-quality, policy-relevant economic analysisand guidance.

• Leadintake, prioritization, and deliveryfor economic inquiries inside and outside of EDF to produceeconomic analyses with rigorous quality assurance protocols, ensuringtimelyresponsiveness to critical policy opportunities.
• Manage a team of economists, analysts,and fellows effectively to achieve Analysis Hub goals,including deliveringtimelyresponses and building a new enterprise.
• Collaborate closely with internal (EDF staff) and externalstakeholders/clientsto provide services and co-develop analytical solutions.
• Communicate research methods and Hub results effectively for internal and external users, including in public forums/conferences,and produce publishable manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and policy outlets to build the Hub’s reputation for analytical capacity that advancesreal-worldand policyguidance.
• Establish,disseminate, andmaintainthe best modeling practicesand methodologiesineconomics, consistent with leading approachesin thefield. Leadin developing new quantitativetools for and withEDF’sstaff and partners.
• Buildandmaintainalibraryof statistical and computational models, including CGE frameworks, integrated assessment models (IAMs), sectoral models (e.g.power, transport, industry), and distributional analysis tools.
• Support EDF’s partners in building their own analyticalcapacities in the Economicsspace byparticipatingin and leading collaborative projects, organizing and providing modeling training.
• Maintaina high levelof personalexpertisein research and an excellent reputation inyourarea of specialization through continued scholarly engagement and contributions to the field.
• Organize andfacilitateexpert discussions and modeling forums with industry leaders, policymakers, decision-makers, and academic researchers on energy, environmental, and climate economic modeling techniques, practices, and green growth pathways, critically assessing strengths and limitations of various modeling approaches.
• Establish, develop, and support connections between EDF and the international academic and research community, public,and other organizations in the field of economic analysis.
• Cultivatesdonorsin support ofthe Hub'sactivities by effectively communicating the impact and value of rigorous economic analysis forsupportpolicydesign.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected,includedand empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
• Additionalresponsibilities as assigned to support EDF's mission and strategic priorities.

RequiredQualifications

• PhD with 5+ years related experience in policy-orientedresearch,withdemonstratedexpertisein environmental, energy, or climate economics.
• Experience managing teams and collaborative research projects.
• Strongreputationas a leader in theeconomicscommunity.
• Exemplary researchrecordevidencedby publications in top-tier economics or policy journals, policy testimony, and participation in advisory panels/boards.
• Thorough understanding of mainstreameconomicmodeling techniques in environment, energy,and climate issues,as well as core econometric concepts and methods asdemonstratedby advanced degrees and professional publications.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex economic analysis into actionable policy recommendations.
• Skill in translating complicated research and analytical concepts for non-technical audiences andtranslatingresults into practical solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences.Proven ability to work effectively across cultures and with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency, inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Advancedproficiencyin:
• Algebraicprogramming software (e.g.,GAMS,Matlab).
• Statistical and econometric methods and software (e.g.,R,STATA, SAS).
• Data visualization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience workingwithenvironmental non-profit organizations.
• Expertisein multiple modeling frameworks,including general equilibrium and partial equilibrium approaches.