Science Policy Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary:

Join Woodwell Climate as an Arctic Policy Lead to work closely with the Woodwell scientific staff, marketing, communications and policy experts and project partners to engage stakeholders and policy makers on the impact of permafrost thaw and northern wildfires. Consult and coordinate with our Permafrost Pathways team and project partners and drive the policy strategy and guide policy implementation activities for this project at Woodwell Climate.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Develop and refine an ongoing policy strategy for relevant Alaska, US federal, Canadian, and international policies

• Identify opportunities to increase awareness of and responsiveness to the impact of permafrost thaw and wildfires among key policy decision makers

• Advocate for strengthened national and international mitigation and adaptation policies based on the best available science

• Coordinate efforts to build collaborative relationships with external organizations, policy experts, government decisionmakers, and other key stakeholders

• Develop Arctic and boreal science-policy issue briefs, concept notes, one-pagers, position statements, public comments, and congressional testimonies, etc

• Provide policy support for project leadership at relevant Arctic and climate policy meetings and working groups, including those connected to US-federal agencies, Canadian agencies and jurisdictions, and the UNFCCC

• Support and/or participate in meetings, workshops, and other events hosted by, or relevant to, this project.

• Support collaboration with Permafrost Pathways partners on policy-relevant activities, outputs, and events, as needed

• Coordinate with the Policy and Government Relations team at Woodwell Climate and with other staff at Woodwell Climate on policy-relevant activities, as needed

• Develop policy engagement KPIs and track engagement and progress metrics

Must have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills for policy audiences

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex, technical information into clear, engaging language for policy audiences

• Awareness of the evolving international climate and wildfire policy landscape, with the ability to identify opportunities for engagement

• Ability to independently carry out research and information-gathering to support policy engagement

• Highly organized, attentive to detail, and results oriented

• Able to work independently, collaboratively, and creatively to find solutions to challenges

• Experience and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice

• Strong interest in coordinating policy activities with Arctic Indigenous and local communities and organizations

• Understanding of how climate change is impacting Arctic regions and of key a plus

• Arctic policy stakeholders and processes is advantageous preferred

• Understanding of national (U.S.) climate policy decision-making processes preferred

• Understanding of Canada and international climate policy mechanisms and processes preferred

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

• Ability to occasionally travel via air or ground transportation, up to 25%

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Juris Doctor (JD) with 2+ years of experience or equivalent

Application review will begin on June 15, 2025

Desired Start Date: August 2026

Fixed-term: 2 years, with possible extension

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, the annual salary starting at $100,000 dependent on qualifications/experience. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work life balance.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts, Hybrid or remote

Application Instructions: To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references as a single PDF to our career’s portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.