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 fights against fossil-fuel and monopoly utility interests. It offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact investigative research that directly influences energy policy and climate justice, all while working remotely.

About This Role

As a Research Manager, you will lead investigations into utility monopolies in California, uncovering how they block clean energy and increase costs for ratepayers. Your work will support allies and journalists in exposing efforts that undermine climate progress and perpetuate energy injustice.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing utility financial filings, drafting public records requests, and analyzing data to trace corporate influence. You'll also coordinate with journalists and advocacy partners to strategize how to amplify findings, and write up briefs or reports that translate technical details into compelling narratives for policymakers and the public.

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🎯 Who Energy and Policy Institute Is Looking For

  • Has deep experience in energy advocacy, research, journalism, or politics, with a proven track record of impactful investigative work.
  • Skilled in following money trails, filing public records requests, and analyzing government records and datasets to uncover hidden information.
  • Able to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, compelling narratives for maximum political impact.
  • Possesses a thorough understanding of California's electric and gas utilities, as well as the state's regulatory and policymaking apparatus.

📝 Tips for Applying to Energy and Policy Institute

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific investigations or projects related to energy, utilities, or climate, especially those involving public records or data analysis.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with California utility companies (e.g., PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) and regulatory bodies like the CPUC.

3

Include links to published work or writing samples that demonstrate your ability to translate complex energy issues into accessible language.

4

Show evidence of collaboration with journalists or advocacy groups, as the role involves working with allies and reporters.

5

Address your experience with opposition research or watchdog tactics, as the role requires exposing harmful corporate practices.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for holding powerful utility interests accountable and your commitment to climate justice.', 'Highlight specific examples of your investigative work, particularly any that involved tracking money or public records.', "Demonstrate your knowledge of California's energy landscape and key players, including recent controversies or policy battles.", 'Explain how your skills in distilling complex information have led to political or policy impact.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read recent reports and investigations published by the Energy and Policy Institute, especially those focused on California.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and its recent decisions on utility rate cases or clean energy programs.
  • → Study the major California utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) and their track records on renewable energy, rate increases, and political spending.
  • → Review key California energy policies like SB 100 (100% clean energy by 2045) and the state's net metering rules.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you used public records requests to uncover information. What was the outcome?
2 How do you approach investigating a utility's financial ties or lobbying efforts?
3 Can you explain a complex energy regulatory issue in simple terms? Provide an example.
4 How would you work with a journalist to maximize the impact of a research finding?
5 What do you see as the biggest obstacle to clean energy in California, and how would you investigate it?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference California or utilities specifically.
  • Avoid overstating your experience if you lack familiarity with California's regulatory environment; be honest and express willingness to learn.
  • Don't ignore the watchdog mission—your application should convey alignment with the organization's adversarial stance toward fossil fuel and utility interests.

📅 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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