Application Guide
How to Apply for Chief Research Officer
at GoodPower
🏢 About GoodPower
GoodPower is a mission-driven global organization at the forefront of decarbonization, combining research, innovation, and strategic communications to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Unlike typical think tanks, GoodPower operates a Good Data Lab that integrates rigorous empirical research with real-world policy and technology impact. Working here means contributing to actionable solutions that unlock economic potential while addressing climate change.
About This Role
As Chief Research Officer, you will lead the Good Data Lab, designing and executing cutting-edge research studies—from message-testing experiments to randomized control trials—that directly enhance GoodPower's communication strategies and organizational effectiveness. This role is pivotal in translating data into thought leadership that influences policymakers, partners, and the public, making your work central to the organization's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a stand-up with your remote research team to review ongoing experiments and data collection progress. Mid-morning, you could meet with the communications team to discuss how to frame recent findings for a policy brief. After lunch, you might analyze results from a randomized control trial, then prepare slides for a keynote at an energy conference. The day often ends with reviewing a vendor's proposal for a new survey tool or writing a blog post translating research into actionable insights.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who GoodPower Is Looking For
- A seasoned researcher with a PhD or equivalent experience in social science, behavioral science, or a related field, with a proven track record of leading large-scale randomized control trials and program evaluations.
- A strategic thinker who can bridge the gap between academic rigor and practical application, designing studies that yield actionable insights for communications and policy advocacy.
- A compelling communicator who enjoys serving as a public face, delivering thought leadership through reports, media engagements, and conferences to amplify GoodPower's impact.
- A collaborative leader skilled in managing cross-functional teams and external vendors, ensuring research aligns with organizational goals and is executed efficiently.
📝 Tips for Applying to GoodPower
Highlight specific examples of randomized control trials or message-testing experiments you've led, including their impact on organizational strategy or public policy.
Tailor your resume to emphasize thought leadership—list keynotes, publications, or media appearances that showcase your ability to communicate research to non-academic audiences.
Demonstrate familiarity with GoodPower's focus areas (e.g., affordable energy, low-carbon transition) by referencing relevant research or projects in your cover letter.
If you have experience with remote team collaboration, mention tools and practices you've used to maintain productivity and cohesion across time zones.
Prepare a one-page summary of a research study you'd propose for GoodPower's Good Data Lab, focusing on how it could enhance their communication effectiveness or program outcomes.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your passion for decarbonization and how your research expertise can directly advance GoodPower's mission to unlock economic potential through low-carbon solutions.", "Showcase your experience in designing experiments that inform communication strategies, as this is central to the role's impact on organizational efficacy.", 'Highlight your ability to translate complex research findings into compelling narratives for diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and the public.', "Mention any experience working with data labs or innovation teams, and how you've fostered a culture of evidence-based decision-making."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read GoodPower's recent publications and reports on their website to understand their research style, key findings, and communication tone.
- → Explore their Good Data Lab (if publicly available) to see past projects and experimental designs they've used.
- → Research their partners and funders to understand the ecosystem they operate in and the stakeholders they influence.
- → Follow their leadership team on social media or read their op-eds to grasp their current strategic priorities and messaging.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't specifically address GoodPower's focus on decarbonization and the Good Data Lab's role.
- Overlooking the 'thought leadership' aspect—failing to demonstrate your ability to communicate research to non-experts can be a dealbreaker.
- Ignoring the remote nature of the role—don't assume a traditional 9-5; show you're proactive and self-motivated in a distributed team.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!