Job Description

The Research and Policy Analyst supports the Healthy States Campaign, within the Healthy Communities Program, focusing on strategic and technical assistance in support of identifying and developing novel litigation, and legislative and regulatory advocacy, to advance state- and local-level strategies to increase protections from toxic exposure and to hold polluters accountable, along with related communications efforts. We seek a Research and Policy Analyst to support our programmatic focus on expanding protections from toxic exposures from substances including plastics and PFAS, and transforming the regulatory landscape at the state and local levels.

This position focuses on researching, analyzing, writing and editing, and generally managing advocacy and technical documents, and other materials to advance our advocacy for stronger protections from toxic exposures and holding polluters accountable. This work includes mapping, data analysis and translation, and legislative tracking. The RPA should have excellent research and writing skills, GIS skills, data analysis and translation skills, and must be able to clearly and effectively communicate the meaning and significance of scientific data.

The Research and Policy Analyst (RPA) develops factual analyses to support advocacy and litigation, develops reports and other external-facing communications materials, tracks state and local legislation on key topics, maintains a library of template materials to expand the reach of the Campaign, is responsible for monitoring and evaluating key metrics for assessing progress of the Health States Campaign, and develops and maintains relationships with clients and other partners. The RPA performs analytical work and facilitates internal coordination related to the Healthy States Campaign. This position sits within the Healthy Communities Program, and supports the full range of work performed by teams across the organization that are doing work within the ambit of the Healthy States Campaign. The RPA reports to the Director, Crosscutting Toxics Strategies.

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.

This role requires a hybrid schedule with at least one day per week from Earthjustice's office in New York City, Chicago, or Washington D.C.

Responsibilities:

Research and Analysis ~ 60%

• 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.
• Develop 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 issues related to the need for transforming our systems for protecting people and the environment from toxic chemicals, and holding polluters accountable.
• Work 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 ~ 30%

• Support community outreach and/or building partnerships to advance interests in the goals of the Healthy States Campaign.
• 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.
• Attend meetings to advance interests on assigned issues.

Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned ~ 10%

• This role includes special projects or additional tasks as assigned, including project management, tracking progress toward pre-established campaign metrics, participation in hiring committees, organization-wide working groups and initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably focused in a science or public health field.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience, either professional, personal, or academic.
• Some relevant experience.
• 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 New York, NY: $107,500 - $119,400

Salary for Washington DC & Chicago IL: $102,200 - $113,500

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following via Jobvite:

• Resume.
• Cover letter that addresses: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and to this position in particular; (2) what experience and skills you would bring to this position; and (3) why you are interested in the work of Earthjustice’s Healthy Communities Program.
• Writing sample less than 10 pages that reflects your work. (If it has been edited by someone else, please include a cover page that describes the level of edits.)

Preference will be given to candidates who apply by  September 27, 2026.  

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are given equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position. 

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