Research Associate: Environmental Justice Fellowship - EJ Disrupt Design and Action-Based Research

Join us at the Tishman Environment and Design Center (Tishman Center) for an exciting student opportunity to work alongside climate and environmental justice leaders and organizations as they scale transformative projects and proposals to advance climate and environmental justice solutions within their communities. The Tishman Center is a collaborative community of practice that leverages research, policy, and design in accordance with the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing. We bring together research and action to tackle the root causes of climate and environmental injustice and commit to change in higher education practices within and beyond The New School. We envision a future of environmental justice- a world that is free from racism, in balance with nature, with care and respect for all beings.

The Tishman Center’s recently relaunched a one-year Environmental Justice Fellowship program (EJ Disrupt Design) focuses on implementing climate solutions in key regions. Each year, the program will select Fellows from across 2-3 regions with tested climate solutions, established regional relationships, and a track record of success for an opportunity to receive intensive support to accelerate the implementation of their solutions. Fellows will be supported by a design curriculum, technical accompaniment, coaching, and prototype funds and the Research Associate role will be part of that accompaniment and support. 

Research Associate selected for these positions will be assigned a diverse range of research and supporting tasks, for fellowship projects that will be developed with oversight from the Fellows and the Tishman Center staff. The RAs may accompany the work of regional Fellows throughout the year-long experience and also provide support to various team members at the Tishman Center in their efforts to support the Fellowship program as well. Research Associates should be available for anywhere from five to fifteen hours per week, averaging ten hours per week over the course of the year. Roles last a year, with an option to extend for an additional year.  

When not working with Fellows, the Tishman Center is also looking for Research Associates to support research projects for its action-based research team, which provides technical assistance to grassroots organizations in a few key areas, including: exposing climate "solutions" that perpetuate environmental racism, catalyzing public policy to center climate and environmental justice, addressing disparities in resourcing and investment practices, and holding the government accountable for its environmental justice commitments. The Research Associate would assist with qualitative and quantitative information gathering (literature reviews, surveys, interviews), investigation into policies and activities relevant to environmental justice, writing and communication of findings, creation of materials to socialize outputs such as one-pagers or presentations, planning of dissemination activities, and organizing of topical or skills-based workshops. Other research operations and center-wide administrative tasks may also be requested.

CORE CAPABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS 

Research Associates for these roles should possess at least one of the following, but need not come with experience in all of these areas. 

• Knowledge and/or experience working with climate and environmental justice organizations and communities. Alternatively, Interest and/or experience working with community based organizations and social movement organizations. 
• Capacity for collegiate-level research and writing related to climate and environmental justice topics and social movements or participatory research and design. 
• Understanding of spatial and environmental Design and/or capacity for using geospatial data with design, including using ArcGIS or QGIS to manage, analyze, and display location data.
• Experience and capacity with respect to Communications support for grassroots organizations and social movements, including writing and graphic design for social media assets, blogs, and newsletters.
• Final candidates will need to provide either writing, design or research samples. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Coursework in climate and environmental justice, especially Environmental Justice: Movements, Theories and Frontline Practices with Dr. Ana Baptista 
• Commitment to the Jemez Principles and environmental justice principles: ability to listen deeply to, provide support to, and follow the lead of frontline and community based leaders 
• Demonstrated solutions-oriented approach and high emotional intelligence
• Proven track record of strong project coordination and communication skills, including attention to detail, ability to effectively prioritize tasks with little supervision, and work independently to accomplish assignments and projects
• Comfortable engaging in an emergent, collaborative work-style with multiple partners, staff, and contributors

WORK MODE

This position is hybrid but will require on-campus participation at times in order to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. The role will also potentially include opportunities for travel, though travel is not required.  

HOURLY RATE: $37.00/hr

Responsibilities:

Research Associates selected for these positions will be assigned a diverse range of research and supporting tasks, for fellowship projects that will be developed with oversight from the Fellows and the Tishman Center staff. The RAs may accompany the work of regional Fellows throughout the year-long experience and also provide support to various team members at the Tishman Center in their efforts to support the Fellowship program as well