Texas Climate Jobs Project

Deputy Director of Research and Policy

Based in Houston, TX
(frequent travel in the Gulf Coast and occasional travel in the rest of the state)

 

Introduction
The Texas Climate Jobs Project seeks a dynamic and passionate Deputy Director of Research and Policy who will help develop a groundbreaking, labor led climate initiative based on the needs and experiences of Texas workers and Texas communities.

Overview of the Organization
The mission of Texas Climate Jobs Project is to advance a pro-climate, pro-worker agenda in Texas. Through innovative research and policy development; popular education; community engagement; advocacy; and strategic coalition building and partnerships, Texas Climate Jobs Project is engaging in collective action to win substantive changes that both protect the climate and create good local jobs.

The Job
The Deputy Director of Research and Policy is a full-time, exempt leadership position at Texas Climate Jobs Project responsible for supervising staff. Responsibilities include:

• Research and Policy Formulation: Work with organizers, researchers, and labor organizations to develop strategic research and policy that helps benefit all Texas clean energy workers and advance our organizing efforts.
• Campaigns, Advocacy, Outreach and Education: Work with staff and key allies, including our advisory board, to develop strategic advocacy/action campaigns to advance the goals of the organization; building and implementing a vision of a robust community/labor partnership centered on our pro-worker, pro-climate agenda; and representing the organization in governmental and public forums.
• Federal Grant Management: Experience with managing federally funded projects is a plus.
• Staff Supervision and Professional Development: Develop research and policy programs and support a team of researchers to execute those programs
• Administration and Operations: Work with the Research Director and Operations Director to help support effective administrative and operations functions, including payroll, tax obligations, financial records, grant management, ethics compliance and more.
• Other duties and responsibilities as needed

Primary Characteristics and Experience
The Deputy Director of Research and Policy should be an experienced, passionate advocate for a progressive economic agenda, a deep believer in the power of unions to lead on economic and climate issues, and committed to meet the existential threat of both global climate change and economic inequality with bold, transformative solutions.

In addition, the Deputy Director of Research and Policy should have:

• Demonstrated experience formulating, analyzing, drafting, and educating decision makers on strategic research with an emphasis on labor, workforce development, climate, and/or energy
• Substantial experience in labor, grassroots and/or community research, policy, campaigns, or related experience, with experience in supporting strategic organizing and building out effective community/labor partnerships a significant plus;
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, with non-profit management a significant plus;
• Strong experience with legislative and policy advocacy at all levels of government, preferably in Texas;
• Deep knowledge and demonstrated commitment to the labor movement, preferably in Texas;
• Knowledge of the Texas landscape for social and political movements is a plus;
• Excellent communication skills: verbal and listening, writing, outgoing presentation, and the passion and presence to be a dynamic leader;
• Successful track record in fundraising/development and experience engaging donors of all levels;
• An understanding of sound nonprofit business and financial practices; demonstrated financial and budgeting skills.

Location: This position is based in Houston, Texas with frequent travel within the Texas Gulf Coast and occasional travel in the rest of the state.

Salary: Minimum $85,000 with potential adjustments upward depending on experience.

We also offer excellent benefits including:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 11% pre-tax retirement contribution
• Monthly phone stipend or employer-paid work phone
• Four weeks PTO and 88 hours of paid sick time annually
• 17 paid holidays, including the employee’s birthday and annual office closure between Christmas and New Years

This is a grant funded position expected to end in January 2026, with the possibility of continuation contingent on additional grant funding for this position at that time.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to info@txclimatejobs.org with “Deputy Director of Research and Policy” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Texas Climate Jobs Project & Fair Shot Texas are committed to Equal Opportunity, and to considering applicants of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, ethnicities, and religions. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences with a commitment to building collective union power and working for a better Texas to apply.