AWE Seeks Applicants for Researcher or Senior Researcher

The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) seeks candidates for a Researcher or Senior Researcher to join the Program Team, reporting to the Director of Programs. AWE conducts multiple complex research projects that help advance water efficiency and conservation knowledge and deliver valuable industry resources. As a researcher at AWE, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work across many topics and communities and will work directly with our partners on a variety of meaningful projects that directly support the needs of the water efficiency industry. As part of a small but mighty team, you’ll have opportunities to influence our portfolio of work and develop new initiatives.

This role will be responsible for conducting and managing research activities such as literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, qualitative data collection through interviews and surveys, and reporting. They will also communicate research findings and recommendations through various platforms, such as written reports, webinars, professional conference presentations, blogs, industry journals, and more. This work is often in collaboration with AWE members, other researchers, stakeholders, and partners; a successful candidate should be adept at building and maintaining positive and collaborative relationships. The Researcher or Senior Researcher will be expected to contribute to other AWE programs as needed and contribute to exploration and development of new projects and programs, including seeking out grant funding and writing grant proposals. A successful candidate is curious, a resourceful problem solver, is highly organized and detail-oriented, and has a passion for the mission of AWE.

We encourage you to think broadly about how your experiences and skills can transfer to this role. AWE is a team of passionate individuals who value collaboration, inclusion, and results-driven work. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications described below.

Desired Experiences, Skills, and Abilities

• 3-6 or more years of relevant experience beyond educational experiences. 
• Experience with conducting and leading high-quality research projects, with both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, statistical software, and data visualization tools.
• Experience in water utilities, local government, sustainability or other experiences related to the water efficiency and conservation field. Direct experience working for or with water utilities is highly desired. 
• Experience working with demographic data and communicating water-related information and data to underserved and marginalized communities.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. environmental science, economics, public policy, engineering, water resources, etc.).
• Experience as an author or co-author of published research papers or public-facing reports.

The Ideal Candidate

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen effectively and build positive relationships.
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Capable of independently launching, implementing, and completing project or program deliverables.
• Manages time efficiently across multiple projects and tasks, prioritizing day-to-day activities to meet long-term timelines.
• Actively seeks learning opportunities, with a spirit of curiosity and commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Resourceful and flexible in handling new challenges and quickly adapts to changing circumstances or project needs.
• Able to interpret and present research findings in a way that offers practical and actionable insights.
• Able to engage stakeholders, foster inclusive conversations, and facilitate productive discussions to gather insights, build consensus, and drive collaborative solutions.
• Familiarity with water or energy utilities or end use efficiency, including policy, regulatory frameworks, and current trends.
• Capable of building effective working relationships and working well within a team.

This position may be time limited, depending on the development of new projects. This role will be expected to contribute to research and identification of potential funding sources and help prepare and submit proposals and applications. 

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary plus a benefits package including employer-paid medical and dental; 401(k) retirement with generous employer match; flexible work schedule; and vacation, sick, and holiday pay. 

Location

Chicago, IL (Hybrid) or Remote. Occasional travel within the United States is anticipated (2-4 times per year). 
The successful candidate will have the option of working a hybrid schedule at AWE’s headquarters in Chicago, IL, or working fully remotely from another US-based location. The Program team currently includes both remote and hybrid employees. To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status. 

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for at least two professional references (AWE will not contact references without notifying you first) to HR@a4we.org. The writing sample should include an explanation of the context in which it was written, and your role if a collaboratively completed document. Please send documents in PDF format. Please use email subject line: Researcher Application – <LAST NAME>.

We seek to fill this role quickly and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of October 25, 2024. The selection process is expected to include 1 or 2 virtual interviews with AWE staff and a skills test. Position target start: November/December 2024. We look forward to learning about you.

A note to recruitment agencies - We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

About Alliance for Water Efficiency

AWE is a stakeholder-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. Headquartered in Chicago, AWE serves as a North American advocate for water-efficient products and programs and provides information and assistance on water conservation efforts. Learn more about our mission.  

AWE is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. AWE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities. The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. If you have 75% or more of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered. AWE is especially excited about increasing applications from people committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, including people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ persons.