Strategic Research Coordinator

California

Full Time, Exempt

UAW-CMGE: via Climate People

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CMGE is seeking a Researcher who is excited to contribute their skills towards growing California’s battery manufacturing industrial base and supporting union organizing.  

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About CMGE

The Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy (CMGE) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established by the United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 6 to help build California’s green economy and secure good manufacturing jobs for workers. Without durable investments in good climate jobs that can also bring home the benefits of producing the industries of the future (e.g. batteries, solar, other clean technology) we will continue to lack the political durability for an energy transition. At CMGE, We help early-stage battery manufacturing startups scale by providing technical assistance, workforce development programs, and advocating for industrial policy that grows California’s cleantech manufacturing base.

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While the state leads on startup innovation and emerging technologies, cleantech firms often scale and manufacture elsewhere. CMGE seeks to change this cycle so that California workers benefit directly from the state’s investments in science and innovation. Rising oil prices, electricity bills, and cost of living are nowhere felt more acutely than in California, and we believe California workers can be at the forefront of solutions to the climate crisis and the affordability crisis. By supporting the development of a robust and competitive energy marketplace in California, we hope to accelerate the state’s decarbonization efforts while creating new, lasting industries and union job opportunities.  

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The Opportunity

CMGE is hiring a Strategic Research Coordinator to conduct research and analysis and provide project support. This is a unique opportunity for a candidate with subject matter expertise in battery science, advanced manufacturing, or labor organizing to support a worker-driven green industrial transition, starting in California and with opportunities to expand across the Western United States. Tasks will include collecting and synthesizing data points across a broad range of qualitative and quantitative sources; developing regional and statewide battery industry reports; and supporting CMGE and UAW Region 6’s partnership. These efforts will support the buildout of a broader industrial engagement strategy focused on battery manufacturing across California.

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Job Duties

Research and synthesis (50%)

• Build and maintain a company database of manufacturers across the battery supply chain in the Western United States:
• Identify relevant sources (e.g. industry reports, existing databases, public funding grant applications, clean technology incubator graduates, press releases, Pitchbook) to inform the buildout of a comprehensive industry database
• Conduct and support field research to gather information about companies and industries, where needed
• Own the database’s day-to-day upkeep, including developing a cadence for source review and regular updates
• Support the Industry Development Director in building a strategy to assess technology readiness level (TRL) and manufacturing readiness level (MRL)  
• Develop database reports for dissemination to CMGE stakeholders on an established schedule, e.g. data visualization and analysis of relevant topics (industry clusters and geography, gaps in the supply chain, investment hubs)
• Work with the Industry Development Director and UAW Organizing Team to identify opportunities based on CMGE’s industry engagement strategy and emerging trends from the database and source reviews
• Carry out additional research in support of CMGE’s industry engagement strategy, e.g. mapping available industrial sites (local zoning, CEQA / NEPA review, local utility costs, vacancy rates, etc.)

Maintain and share knowledge (30%)

• Develop and regularly track metrics to assess the state of the battery industry in California, such as number of companies, investment locations, company exits, and relocation rates
• Stay informed on the latest research and developments in climate policy, green technology, and manufacturing, and write subject matter briefs to share key findings with CMGE staff and stakeholders
• Provide research and analysis to inform updates to CMGE's industry engagement strategy, in coordination with the Industry Development Director
• Support the UAW with discrete research projects as needed
• Conduct and present research on statewide and federal policy priorities as needed
• Assist with curriculum development for CMGE’s workforce training programs as needed

Represent CMGE to external entities (20%)

• Support the Industry Development Director in business development efforts and company meetings, including drafting communications, proactive research support to answer emerging questions, and updating database with new and relevant information
• Help ensure that CMGE’s research projects are aligned with UAW and other partner priorities
• Identify and attend public comment, regulatory, and other hearings conducted by the State of California to learn about manufacturing companies and their plans for scale-up, and provide public comment on CMGE’s behalf as needed
• Cultivate strategic relationships by attending relevant conferences and networking events

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 3-5 years of quantitative research experience, e.g. academia, think tanks, unions, consulting, or finance
• Quantitative research skills, e.g. Excel-based data analysis and database management, GIS and geospatial mapping, and financial assessments
• Qualitative research methods, e.g. writing landscape assessments and literature reviews, experience synthesizing and presenting information from and across primary and secondary sources
• Adept at presenting complex ideas and data for a wide range of audiences
• Some familiarity with battery science, manufacturing and/or clean-tech production
• Motivated by the mission of a just, worker-centered climate transition
• A growth mindset and flexibility to adapt to new tasks in a startup environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with a keen ability to “read the room,” build relationships, and communicate proactively
• Experience and enthusiasm for working in a team setting
• Ability to self-organize, set priorities, and project manage multiple competing workstreams

Organizational Relationship

Reports to the Industry Development Director and also works collaboratively across the organization on discrete projects.

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Location

This is a remote position with occasional travel to meet with companies, attend conferences, and visit training sites. Candidates must be located within convenient distance of a major airport. Strong preference for candidates based in California.

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Time and Physical Demands

This is a full-time, exempt position working an average of 40 hours a week. Evening and / or weekend work may be needed at times. This role involves both data entry and written synthesis, and requires the ability to work at a computer for 8 hours per day.

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Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $95,000. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes fully employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with 4% employer match, paid holidays, 20 vacation days, paid parental leave, and sick time. We review our benefits package annually to ensure it provides strong value and stays competitive with comparable employers.

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How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter through the Climate People application portal: www.climatepeople.com/job/3669721. All inquiries about the position should be directed to our recruiting partner, Brendan at Climate People: brendan@climatepeople.com.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, and bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions. We encourage and will consider employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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Applicants with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. If you are seeking accommodation for the interview process, please advise in writing at the time you apply.

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