Research & Policy Analyst, Midwest Regional Office
The Research and Policy Analyst supports the Midwest Regional Office’s programmatic focus on clean transportation, air pollution, and health issues by providing strategic and technical assistance. The position focuses on analyzing, writing and editing advocacy and technical documents, and developing the factual basis for lawsuits and administrative proceedings, and maintaining relationships with government decision-makers, clients and other partners to advance our advocacy. This position may work hybrid from the Chicago Office or remotely from other locations in the Midwest.
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
Responsibilities:
Research and Analysis
- Design and conduct research and analysis in support of advocacy and litigation objectives.
- Generate research notes, memoranda, summaries, tables, and other visuals as needed (including GIS Mapping).
- Review, organize, and interpret factual and technical information that supports program topics.
- Track trends, changes, and developments in scientific, legal, political, and regulatory matters. Monitor developments in programmatic priorities by tracking and analyzing legislation and policy initiatives relating to assigned issues.
- Develops strategies for using information requests to support case investigation and broaden outreach and advocacy efforts.
- Take on special projects as assigned.
- Work with the Communications Department to enhance the visibility of work on clean transportation, air pollution, and public health issues.
- Works with staff and partners to formulate model policies and policy recommendations.
- Assist managing and executing on research projects and project deliverables.
- Help design and propose research and data gathering strategies.
Outreach and Advocacy
- Supports community outreach and/or building partnerships to advance interests on clean transportation, air pollution, and public health issues.
- Provide support for client coalitions by participating in committee groups, attending conferences, and tracking political and regulatory developments. Create recommendations using insights gained from outreach efforts to support the development of priorities (e.g., informing case selection); communicate key findings to relevant internal and external stakeholders.
- May represent Earthjustice before government bodies and external coalitions to advance client and organizational interests; prepare comments and attend hearings as required.
- Create and maintain strong relationships with staff from relevant government agencies; attend meetings to advance interests on assigned issues.
Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned:
- This role includes special projects or additional tasks as assigned, including project management, participation in hiring committees, organization-wide working groups and initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in environmental sciences and/or environmental policy, or a related field.
- Some relevant experience, either professional, personal, or academic.
- Research, writing, analytical and communication skills, including the ability to quickly understand complex policy, scientific, and/or technical issues and communicate this knowledge to attorneys and other audiences.
- Experience with transportation, energy, air pollution, climate and/or environmental justice policy issues preferred, but not required.
- Strong organizational skills; attention to detail with proven ability to solve complex problems, work independently and meet deadlines, and work in collaboration with others.
- Creativity, initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed for organizational meetings, advocacy opportunities, and presentations or conferences. If working remotely, occasional travel to the Chicago Office will be required.
- Contributes towards an equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages partnership, active listening, and integrating diverse perspectives.
- Supports Earthjustice’s core values of partnership, inclusion, justice and excellence.
Salary & Benefits:
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer a congenial, flexible, hybrid work environment and a casual dress code. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Salary depends on experience and location.
Salary for Chicago: $99,200 - $110,200
Salary for Midwest Regional Remote (MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH, IA, MO): $88,700 - $98,600
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit the following via Jobvite:
- Resume.
- One- or two-page cover letter that addresses: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, energy, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; (2) what your experience and skills you would bring to this position; (3) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues; and (4) why you are interested in the Midwest Regional Office’s work.
- Writing sample, preferably 4-5 pages that reflects your work.
Preference will be given to candidates who apply by April 15, 2026. After that, we will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.