Policy Analyst, Nicholas Institute

Work Arrangement:

Requisition Number: 254953

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: UNIVERSITY

Date: Feb 27, 2025

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Policy Analyst – NIEES Research

About the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability:

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University accelerates solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges, advancing a more just, resilient and sustainable world. The Nicholas Institute conducts and supports actionable research and undertakes sustained engagement with policymakers, businesses, and communities—in addition to delivering transformative educational experiences to empower future leaders. The Nicholas Institute’s work is aligned with the Duke Climate Commitment, which unites the university’s education, research,

operations, and external engagement missions to address the climate crisis.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the institute. We believe that our creative environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with diverse ideas collaborate with purpose. Applicants with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are particularly encouraged to apply.

Occupational Summary

This term-limited position plays an active role in conducting specialized research activities, in planning and operations, and in providing expertise for the NI’s efforts as part of the Power Sector Competitiveness Dashboard (PSCD). This project will offer a set of metrics that measure policy aspects of regional power sector components. These metrics will focus on factors like consumer choice, the role of independent entities, policy implementation, and the use of regional resources.

Work Performed

Work with the Nicholas Institute Energy & Climate Policy team, World Resources Institute, and other research personnel in conducting policy research by reviewing, synthesizing, and analyzing policy and science related to the electricity sector, initially in the Southeastern US.
Collaborate with supervisors in developing key indicators and visualization for the PSCD and to discuss the interpretation of results and preparation of publications. Assist other team members in research project management.
Conduct literature reviews and prepare detailed, annotated bibliographies. Based on independent and collaborative research, prepare drafts for internal and external reports, publications, and policy memos and briefs.
Communicate understanding of technical and policy-based approaches to the PSCD audiences through written and oral presentations.
Work with senior researchers and stakeholders to plan, execute and conduct on- and off-campus activities (such as meetings, workshops, conferences, and events) related to engagement with university faculty, regional stakeholders, and policymakers.

Skills

Knowledge and expertise in energy policy, electricity sector, law, and/or relevant fields
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent team-building, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal or cross-cultural communication skills
Experience analyzing and interpreting data
Experience building clear, attractive visualizations and graphics
Ability to set priorities among multiple tasks
Experience building and maintaining relationships in projects with multiple stakeholders
Ability to work independently and accurately with a high attention to detail in a fast–paced environment

Demonstrated ability to summarize research and conduct investigations or literature reviews
Willingness and ability to travel as needed

Education/Training Requirements

Work requires a bachelor's degree in a field related to the specific position.

Preferred Experience:

Work requires two years of experience in research, policy/data analysis or related position. A master's or higher degree in policy, law, or business, or other relevant field may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g. a two-year master's degree in lieu of two years of experience.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $58656.00 to USD $94617.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.