Project Coordinator/Assistant Research Scientist For Texas

Location: Remote or in person, New York City

BACKGROUND: CLIMATE CHANGE IS HERE, AND STORMS THAT FEEL EXTREME NOW WILL ONLY BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND MORE INTENSE. REBUILD BY DESIGN’S RESEARCH ON FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATIONS DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER, DOCUMENTED IN THE ATLAS OF DISASTER (2022) AND THE ATLAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY (2025) FINDS THAT 95% OF AMERICANS AND 99% OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS HAVE HAD A CLIMATE DISASTER SINCE 2011, AND IN THAT TIME, TEXAS EXPERIENCED 20. THE ANALYSIS INCLUDES COUNTY-LEVEL DATA FOR WHERE MAJOR DISASTERS HAVE OCCURRED, WHERE POST-DISASTER FEDERAL ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN GIVEN, WHERE THE MOST SOCIALLY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS RESIDE, THE ENERGY RELIABILITY BY UTILITY AREA, AND WHERE COMPOUNDING PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL RISKS INDICATE A POTENTIAL HIGH RETURN ON INVESTMENT. THE RESEARCH IS A BLUEPRINT FOR EQUITABLE PLANNING, AND BETTER DECISION-MAKING FOR GOVERNMENT, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, PHILANTHROPY, AND FINANCE. REBUILD UTILIZES THIS DATA TO CALL FOR STATE-LEVEL RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SOURCES SUPPORTED BY A BALLOT MEASURE OR A SMALL SURCHARGE ON INSURANCE, AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF FEDERAL DISASTER POLICY CHANGES TO ENSURE THAT COMMUNITIES, NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE, WILL NOT SUFFER FROM INCREASINGLY SEVERE CLIMATE EVENTS.

• Research state-specific data and experiences with disasters which can be incorporated into local educational materials.
• Through desktop research and networking, research coalitions and organizations actively working on climate adaptation and mitigation in the United States.
• Follow current events on climate, and track organizations who are in the news working on similar issues pre- and post- climate events.
• Look for opportunities in conferences and conventions for Rebuild by Design staff to share the Atlas of Disaster.
• Assisting with other projects as needed.

• Connect with key players in specific states of interest, such as funders, government, coalitions, organizations, private sector companies, and media.
• Present the findings from the research and policy recommendations
• Work with Rebuild staff to prepare to schedule and carry out briefings and meetings
• Maintain a database of organizations, contacts, responses and calendar engagements.
• Create state-specific social media and communications content to actively update our network and audiences about our work in the state.

SALARY

$29-$40 AN HOUR, 15-20 HOURS A WEEK FOR THREE MONTHS WITH POSSIBILITIES FOR EXTENSION.

As the world faces rising populations, mass migration, climate change, social injustices, and economic challenges, communities can’t afford to wait until after the next crisis to plan for the future. Through regional competitions, local engagements, research and policy, Rebuild by Design is reimagining the way communities find solutions for today’s large-scale, complex problems by creating collaborations across communities and governments.

QUALIFICATIONS

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE ALL OR MOST OF THE FOLLOWING SKILLS:

• A strong understanding of Texas' policies, programs, NGOs and policymakers
• A strong interest in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, government, ecology, or other relevant fields and a competent understanding of environmental issues, climate adaptation practices, and policies.
• A strong understanding of the climate challenges, stakeholders, and political landscape in the priority state.
• Highly organized with excellent written and communication skills.
• Strong time management and prioritization of tasks.

• Public speaking experience is preferred.

• Flexibility in hours.

Interested applicants should submit the following through Interfolio. No applications will be reviewed through email.

• Cover Letter demonstrating why you are qualified for this specific role and location, and why you want to work with Rebuild by Design on this project.
• Resume demonstrating relevant local experience. Resumes must be saved with the location you are applying for and your last name ex: Texas_Jane Doe

• Examples of local work in the location you are applying for

The review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. If you have any needed accommodations, please email info@rebuildbydesign.org. We will cannot respond to job inquiries through that email.