Application Guide
How to Apply for Policy Lead - Urban Ocean Lab
at Multiplier
🏢 About Multiplier
Urban Ocean Lab is a unique coastal climate policy think tank that focuses specifically on reimagining how coastal cities respond to climate change. Unlike traditional think tanks, they bridge bold ideas with practical tools, working directly to shape public imagination, inform policy, and equip local leaders to build just, resilient, and livable coastal futures.
About This Role
As Policy Lead, you will spearhead research on local climate adaptation, housing, and land use policies in U.S. coastal cities, identifying trends and best practices. You'll build key relationships with city leaders and organizations, and lead the creation of practical policy resources and toolkits that translate integrated climate and land use strategies into actionable steps for local implementation.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing recent policy developments from coastal cities, drafting sections of a toolkit on zoning for climate resilience, and attending virtual meetings with city planners or community organizations to gather input. You could also be researching case studies for an upcoming publication and providing strategic input on UOL's local action agenda based on emerging trends.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Multiplier Is Looking For
- Has 7+ years of hands-on experience in urban policy, climate adaptation, or land use planning, with a proven track record of developing or implementing policy at the city or regional level.
- Possesses deep, practical knowledge of local government processes, particularly in housing, zoning, infrastructure, or environmental planning, not just theoretical understanding.
- Demonstrates strong authorship of policy publications, case studies, or guidance materials, with excellent writing and research skills tailored for municipal audiences.
- Is a connector who can build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders including city leaders, municipal networks, philanthropic organizations, and community-based groups.
📝 Tips for Applying to Multiplier
Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects where you developed or implemented urban policy at the city/regional level, quantifying impact where possible (e.g., 'Led policy initiative that influenced zoning changes in X city, impacting Y acres').
Showcase your publication record by including links or descriptions of policy publications, case studies, or toolkits you've authored or led, emphasizing those related to coastal cities, climate adaptation, or land use.
Demonstrate your understanding of 'integrated climate and land use strategies' by referencing specific examples in your application materials, such as policies linking housing density to flood resilience.
Research and mention specific U.S. coastal cities whose policies align with UOL's mission, showing you can identify emerging trends and best practices relevant to their work.
Highlight relationship-building experience with the specific stakeholder groups mentioned (city leaders, municipal networks, philanthropic/research orgs, community-based orgs), providing concrete examples of partnerships or collaborations.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience developing or implementing policy at the city or regional level, with a specific example related to coastal climate adaptation, housing, or land use.', 'Your ability to translate complex climate and land use strategies into practical tools or resources for local leaders, referencing any past toolkit or guidance material creation.', "Your understanding of UOL's unique niche as a think tank that connects bold ideas with practical tools, and how your skills align with their mission to equip local leaders.", "Your relationship-building approach with diverse stakeholders (municipal, philanthropic, community-based) and how you've maintained these networks to advance policy goals."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review UOL's published reports, toolkits, and case studies on their website to understand their specific policy focus areas and writing style.
- → Explore their 'local action agenda' or strategic priorities mentioned in their materials to see how this role would contribute to those goals.
- → Identify which U.S. coastal cities UOL has previously worked with or highlighted, and familiarize yourself with those cities' climate adaptation and housing policies.
- → Look into Multiplier (the fiscal sponsor) to understand the organizational structure and how UOL operates within it.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic application materials that don't specifically address coastal cities, local government processes, or integrated climate/land use strategies.
- Focusing only on federal or state policy experience without demonstrating direct city or regional-level policy development/implementation.
- Emphasizing theoretical research without showing proven ability to produce practical policy resources, toolkits, or guidance materials for local leaders.
📅 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!