The Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan mobilizes the expertise and passion of faculty, students, partners, and decision-makers to work together and bring world-class research to real-world sustainability challenges. Our initiatives lead to positive outcomes that safeguard the planet's life support systems and enhance well-being for present and future generations.

The Graham Sustainability Institute is seeking an Applied Research & Education Specialist (Research Area Specialist Senior) to join the growing team at the Center for EmPowering Communities (EPC), a center within the Institute that supports communities across the urban-rural spectrum as they leverage decarbonization opportunities to advance their goals and enhance their quality of life.

The successful candidate will lead the Energy Land-Use Education Network (ELEN), a national network of practitioners who provide education and support to local governments on planning and zoning for utility-scale renewable energy. You will create professional-development, peer-learning, and capacity-building opportunities, cultivate relationships among network members, and guide ELEN's growth, impact, and long-term sustainability.

The position will also contribute to EPC's work convening researchers and practitioners around policy issues related to the impacts of renewable-energy development on host communities, and developing practical resources for Michigan communities. Across these activities, you will help bridge research and practice, translating research findings for nontechnical audiences while bringing community and practitioner needs back to researchers. 

Specifically, this position will:

• Lead the Energy Land-Use Education Network (ELEN), establishing priorities and guiding the network's growth, impact, and long-term sustainability
• Identify and respond to ELEN members' evolving needs, cultivate relationships across the network, and expand participation among organizations that support local governments
• Design professional-development, peer-learning, and capacity-building opportunities, and facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among ELEN members and topical experts working on renewable-energy planning, siting, and permitting 
• Substantially contribute to the design and facilitation of convenings that bring together researchers and practitioners around policy issues related to the impacts (the positive and negative) of renewable-energy development on host communities
• Work in collaboration with EPC's Land Use Specialist to develop and co-author accessible resources for Michigan communities, including conducting background research and drafting written materials 
• Provide project management for ELEN and assigned externally funded projects, including contributing to the evaluation of project and program implementation and impact, and supervision of student research assistants and other project contributors 
• Assist in acquiring external funding for program activities, including writing grant proposals and developing budgets 
• Represent EPC and the Graham Sustainability Institute at relevant regional and national events 

Required qualifications:

• Share EPC's mission to advance equitable, community-centered approaches to renewable energy and decarbonization by integrating research, engagement, and practical tools to benefit local communities across the urban-rural spectrum
• Demonstrated experience related to decarbonization, utility-scale renewable energy development, or rural land use
• Demonstrated ability to create accessible written materials that translate complex research, policy, or technical information for nontechnical audiences
• Experience designing professional development or capacity-building programs and working on cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral teams
• Ability to handle multiple projects at once and an interest in making connections between them
• An advanced degree in a relevant field with 2+ years of directly relevant work experience or 8+ years of applicable experience in research translation, education of practitioners, or network development
• Supervisory and financial management experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with culturally and politically diverse partners
• Experience leading or growing a professional network, community of practice, or similar collaborative initiative
• Experience with business or organization-building, fundraising, or grant development
• Experience with state-level policy development 
• Passion for communicating in written form

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.