The Climate Jobs Institute is based in New York, NY, within the Cornell University ILR School located at 570 Lexington Ave. The incumbent may be located in New York City, Buffalo, Ithaca, other locations in New York State.

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University has one immediate opening for Research & Policy Development Associate - Senior Extension Associate / Extension Associate in the Climate Jobs Institute in the NYC Extension/Outreach Division with a focus on the intersection of labor, employment and climate change. This position is responsible for research and policy development at the nexus of labor, equity, climate change and the clean energy economy. The successful candidate will conduct applied research and policy development to advance high-quality union job creation in an equitable, diverse and inclusive clean energy economy. This position reports to the Labor Leading on Climate Executive Director.

Our Team:

The Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University’s ILR School is guiding New York and the nation’s transition to a strong, equitable, and resilient clean energy economy that tackles the climate crisis, creates high-quality union jobs, and builds a diverse and inclusive workforce centering frontline communities.

Through cutting-edge policy research, deep relationships with on-the-ground partners, and innovative training and education programs, the institute provides the information that policymakers, the labor and environmental movements, industry leaders and others need to navigate this historic transition to a zero-carbon economy.

The Climate Jobs Institute serves as the academic and educational partner to the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, providing research, policy and educational support to coalitions of unions in numerous U.S. states.

What you will do:

The successful candidates will conduct high-quality applied research and analysis related to: the labor and employment impacts of climate change and the transition to a net-zero economy; working conditions in the clean energy industry; the economics and market development of the clean energy industry; and the efficacy of city, state and federal climate policy and programs. As an experienced applied researcher, the successful candidate will be adept at qualitative, quantitative and geospatial research methodologies and analyses. The position is also responsible for developing policy and strategies to create high-quality union jobs and an equitable and inclusive clean energy workforce and economy. These strategies will guide the actions of unions, environmental organizations, policymakers and others. As an excellent writer and communicator, the successful candidate will effectively translate our research and policy work to national, state and city elected union leaders and other partners, through educational convenings, briefings, online presentations, public policy reports, research memos, and other written products.

The successful candidate will have a deep familiarity with union organizing, collective bargaining, strategic campaigns and union apprentice and pre-apprentice training programs in order to contribute to the development of pro-union, equity-centered climate policy and programming. Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn the science, politics and legislative landscape around climate change and clean energy issues is essential. This position will collaborate with the rest of the Labor Leading on Climate team on the design and  delivery of training and education programs for union and community members, organizing a variety of public events, and providing technical assistance to partner organizations and other allies.  

The Climate Jobs Institute is entering an important period of growth and expansion. A senior position will help clarify the program’s vision for greater impact, help oversee and manage the program’s expansion, and help pursue and secure large-scale funding.  

Senior Extension Associate / Extension Associate is an academic, full-time, non-tenure track, term position with an initial appointment through June 30, 2024. The position may be re-appointed based on recommendations by the appropriate Executive Director and Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Sponsored Research, as well as available funding and work. Position rank will be determined by qualifications and experience.

More information about the ILR School can be obtained at our web site, http://www.ilr.cornell.edu and Climate Jobs Institute at https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/climate-jobs-institute ;

 What we need:

• Master’s or other advanced degree in related subject matter expertise (industrial and labor relations, social science, labor economics, employment or labor law, workforce development) with relevant expertise related to labor unions, inequality and equity issues, and climate change.
• Candidate should have 3-5 years’ experience in community or labor, or public policy research and a graduate degree in public policy, environmental studies, labor studies, or a related field.
• Experience and desire to work in action-oriented research setting.
• Strong skills in written communication, report writing, and quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial analysis. Comfort and flexibility worth working on several research projects simultaneously and supervising research assistants.
•  Familiarity with labor unions, worker organizations, and climate change.
• Social Justice: a strong commitment to racial, economic, social and climate justice.
• Ability to work independently and collectively within a team, and strong interpersonal communications skills.

 You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications:

•  Experience with union pre-apprentice and apprentice training programs and the ability to lead or support diversity, equity, inclusion and justice work.
• Experience working with two or more of the following functions: worker organizing, political organizing, policy/legislation, collective bargaining, representation, leadership development.
•  Experience designing surveys and studies, ability to conduct qualitative interviews with labor, industry and governmental officials.
• Experience with multiple unions and worker organizations. Experience with federated labor bodies, including the national AFL-CIO, State AFL-CIO and/or Central Labor Council/Area Labor Federations.
•  Minimum of one to three years demonstrated experience in project management (coordination among stakeholders, staff, contractors; managing budgets and logistics, etc.).

 ILR School Outreach appreciates employees by providing the opportunity to pilot a 3:2 campus-to-home hybrid schedule.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Salary $69,500 to $126,500 commensurate with rank, experience, qualifications, and location.

To Apply:

Cornell appreciates employees with great rewards & benefits:

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions and superior retirement contributions.

Cornell has also been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. For more information click here.

As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 primary vaccination or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.

New hires are required to provide documentation showing primary vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire's vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.