Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Manager

at Energy and Policy Institute

🏢 About Energy and Policy Institute

The Energy and Policy Institute is a watchdog organization that uniquely combines investigative research with advocacy to expose how fossil-fuel and monopoly utility interests harm ratepayers, democracy, and the climate. Working here means directly confronting powerful corporate interests and driving systemic change in the energy sector.

About This Role

As Research Manager, you will lead investigations into California's utility monopolies, uncovering efforts to block clean energy and exploit ratepayers. You'll manage a two-year research program, collaborate with allies and reporters, and translate complex findings into impactful narratives that hold corporations accountable.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve filing public records requests with the CPUC, analyzing utility financial disclosures to track political spending, and meeting with reporters to discuss a new investigation. You'll also coordinate with advocacy allies to strategize how to use research findings to influence regulatory decisions or public opinion.

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🎯 Who Energy and Policy Institute Is Looking For

  • Deep experience in energy advocacy, research, journalism, or politics, with a proven track record of investigative work.
  • Expertise in following money trails, filing public records requests, and analyzing government records or datasets.
  • Strong communication skills to distill complex information into clear, politically impactful messages.
  • In-depth understanding of California's electric and gas utilities, including their regulatory environment and key players.

📝 Tips for Applying to Energy and Policy Institute

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific investigations or projects related to energy, utilities, or corporate accountability.

2

In your cover letter, mention any experience with California utility regulation or advocacy (e.g., CPUC proceedings, utility rate cases).

3

Provide examples of public records requests you've filed and how the information was used to advance a policy or campaign.

4

Showcase your ability to work with reporters—include links to media coverage that resulted from your research.

5

Demonstrate familiarity with EPI's past work by referencing specific reports or campaigns in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to exposing corporate misconduct in the energy sector and advancing climate justice.', 'Specific examples of investigative research, especially involving utility monopolies or similar entities.', "Your understanding of California's energy landscape and the regulatory challenges to clean energy.", 'How your skills in data analysis and public records will help hold utilities accountable.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review EPI's recent reports on California utilities, such as those on PG&E and Southern California Edison.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key California energy policy debates (e.g., net metering, utility business model reform, wildfire liability).
  • → Understand the major utility players in California and their track records on clean energy and ratepayer issues.
  • → Look into EPI's partnerships with environmental justice groups and media outlets to understand their collaborative approach.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe an investigation you led that exposed corporate wrongdoing—what methods did you use and what was the impact?
2 How would you approach researching a utility's political spending and its influence on state policy?
3 What is your understanding of the California Public Utilities Commission's role and how it affects clean energy deployment?
4 How do you prioritize research tasks when managing multiple investigations with tight deadlines?
5 How would you work with reporters to ensure your research reaches a broad audience and drives change?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't reference EPI's specific mission or past work.
  • Overemphasizing academic research without demonstrating real-world impact or advocacy experience.
  • Ignoring the regulatory aspect—failing to show knowledge of California's utility regulation will be a major gap.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Energy and Policy Institute!

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