Regenerative Economies Research Fellow

The Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) was founded in 1993 to bring together a collective voice among the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities to develop an alternative agenda for environmental, social and economic justice, and fight for the right of all people to a clean and healthy environment in which to live, work and play. In pursuit of this vision, APEN revolves around five strategies: building grassroots power, strengthening organizing capacity in API communities, forging strategic alliances, and advancing proactive agendas and policies towards systemic change.

REGENERATIVE ECONOMIES RESEARCH FELLOW

Full-Time, Temporary, Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

APEN seeks to hire a research fellow to analyze local regenerative economy opportunities and/or challenges, with a focus on potential sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs that serve the existing needs of frontline communities. This is a temporary, non-exempt, full time position. This program’s goal is to advance strategic goals for a just transition from the era of fossil fuels to a regenerative economy in partnership with community-based organizations, community institutions, unions, and government entities. This position will be within APEN’s Local Organizing Team, supervised by the Base Building Director while working closely with the State Policy Team and Senior Policy Advisor.

This position is non-exempt, 40 hours a week, lasting 12 months starting as early as January 2025. The hourly range is $35-44.50 or dependent on experience, with sick time, no benefits. Exact schedule subject to a collaborative discussion.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Economic Development Research
  • Conduct research on non-extractive regional economic development for the purpose of informing strategies to support the vision of the local communities where APEN’s membership base live, work, play, and pray.
  • Evaluate threats/opportunities of current economic development landscape in the Bay Area as it relates to fossil fuel alternatives, community resilience, and/or emerging industries/areas
  • Identify and evaluate potential non-extractive/regenerative projects/industries/pathways that will generate economic development at scale
  • Explore and evaluate alternative models of community centered economic development that may not reach scale, but advance community vision.

• Landscape Allied Organizations and Cultivate Institutional Resources
  • Identify and build relationships with researchers, organizations, institutions, and government officials who are studying, assessing, and/or supporting non-extractive economic development models and projects.
  • Identify and build relationships with key community-based or advocacy organizations and staff engaged in supporting non-extractive economic development in the Bay Area.
  • Produce a lit review of existing or pending research and summary of current or past related campaign work in the Bay Area.

• Internal Economic Development Strategy
  • Synthesize existing priorities, questions, and approach to economic development across APEN teams.
  • Develop and conduct presentations on research and institutional to APEN staff
  • Work closely with APEN staff to develop materials informed by research for internal discussion and decision-making around APEN’s strategic approach to economic development
  • Synthesize research to produce strategic recommendations for APEN’s potential work or impact in Contra Costa County

QUALIFICATIONS

• Aligned in values of equity, social justice, and the just transition framework.
• At least 2-5 years experience of research on workforce development, community-centered economic development, with or supporting working of fenceline communities, underserved populations.
• Familiarity with Just transition framework
• Excellent attention to detail, follow-through, and project management skills
• Ability to connect and build relationships with allied organizations from diverse sectors and backgrounds
• Strong research and writing skills
• Strong data analysis skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work effectively independently and collaboratively
• Proficient in GoogleSuite and Microsoft Office
• Masters Degree Preferred

ACCESSIBILITY AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will require applicants to work on a computer daily for long periods of time, and collaborate with staff through Zoom, email, and other digital platforms. APEN will provide a computer and other equipment needed to fulfill basic job responsibilities.

This position is expected to be hybrid with 2 days in-person. In addition, this position will also follow APEN’s COVID safety policies and protocols regarding in-person work. Masks are required to be worn in APEN offices and indoor events, with the exception of eating and drinking. All employees also are required to be vaccinated as part of our safety policy or be subject to weekly testing.

APEN will continue to closely monitor local and state health officials guidance around COVID and any additional guidelines around safety for people to return to offices and gather in-person as needed.

This position may occasionally require work during irregular hours including on nights or weekends, and will require some travel between our APEN offices.

This position will not require applicants to carry or move heavy equipment or regularly ascend or descend a ladder. This position will not require working in hazardous or unusual conditions such as outdoors in inclement weather.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are due electronically by clicking Apply Now. Position open until filled, preference given to applications submitted before December 2, 2024 .

The application must include:

• Resume
• Writing sample- academic or research memorandum

Incomplete Applications will not be accepted.

APEN is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, caste, or any other characteristic protected by law. APEN conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Queer, transgender, intersex, gender non-conforming, disabled, black and indigenous people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.