About the Center for Sustainable Energy®

Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is an independent, mission-driven nonprofit organization with offices in San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles and Boston. We accelerate the adoption of clean and efficient energy solutions via program administration, technical assistance, policy innovation, and other forms of market facilitation. We are uniquely positioned and engaged with a variety of stakeholders and market actors, including policy-makers, state and federal agencies, regional and local governments, utilities, business and civic leaders, and individuals in both the general market and equity sectors. Our technical areas of focus include distributed energy resources (renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, fuel cells, combined heat and power) and clean transportation.

Conducts research and analysis projects to support the organization’s policy , program implementation, and marketing and outreach activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Depending on the services needed and the skill set of the Research Analyst, responsibilities may include the following.

Project Scoping and Implementation

• Design and scope research/evaluation projects in response to market needs, internal program needs and external funding opportunities.
• Mentor junior members of R&A team in research methods and project work.

Research and Statistical Methods

• Compile, read, and summarize existing literature to frame research efforts and inform policy.
• Administer surveys, focus groups and/or interviews.
• Assemble, manipulate, analyze and interpret data from various sources, often in coordination with external research partners.
• Perform statistical analysis, including multivariable linear regressions, GIS-based spatial analysis, time series modeling and/or forecasting techniques.
• Effectively communicate findings and implications to internal staff and high-level external stakeholders.
• Review analyses conducted by other research analysts for quality.
• Document research procedures and develop SOPs.
• Draft written reports and proposals describing completed or proposed model design, implementation and results.
• Work collaboratively with program teams and other members of R&A team to achieve objectives.

Data Visualization and Reporting

• Generate web-based data visualizations, maps and reporting tools.
• Access and facilitate reporting from existing program, customer relationship management (CRM) databases, and enterprise resource planning software databases

CSE Program Support

• Develop analytical tools for program assessment, tracking and evaluation, including projections of budgets and participation rates.
• Support/represent program staff in public reporting calls and committee.
• Support program teams in measurement and evaluation activities.
• Support program staff or senior members of R&A team in developing presentations.
• Participate, as needed, in program working groups, meetings, and regulatory proceedings.
• Advise program teams of research needs, opportunities, strategies and best practices; help them scope research projects that help meet their project goals.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal clients and other stakeholders.

Other

• Contribute to R&A team strategy/work plan.
• Present at conferences, produce research briefs and reports, write blogs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in survey design, statistical analysis and program evaluation
• Extraordinary attention to detail, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to explain complex, technical concepts to non-technical staff and stakeholders
• Self-motivated to meet deadlines of multiple concurrent projects and implement quality assurance protocols
• Ability to work independently on long-term projects
• Demonstrated propensity to proactively communicate with teammates and seek feedback on work
• Interest in working with data, research and sustainable energy initiatives

Preferred:

• Understanding of electricity sector (including rates) and/or markets or policy related to electric vehicles, energy efficiency, distributed generation and/or energy storage
• Record of publications and/or presentations in industry relevant setting
• Experience with advanced quantitative research design and methods
• Experience working with or within public agencies

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in statistics, economics, computer science, social science, environmental science, public policy, engineering or related field. Coursework should show substantial analytical content.
• Masters degree preferred.
• Additional relevant work experience may be substituted to satisfy the education requirement; an advanced degree may take the place of some work experience if directly relevant to the position.

Experience:

Required:

• 3 – 8 years related experience