Research Director, YCELP (93939BR)

Yale University is seeking a Research Director for the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy (YCELP) in New Haven, CT. The role involves leading research projects, supporting program execution, and enhancing outreach efforts related to environmental law and policy. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree, strong writing skills, and a commitment to sustainability. The position requires collaboration with faculty and stakeholders both within Yale and globally.
Position Focus

The Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy (YCELP), a collaborative initiative between Yale Law School and the Yale School of the Environment, pioneers innovative and analytically rigorous approaches to environmental decision-making across disciplines and scales. Beyond conducting cutting-edge research, the Center serves as a vibrant hub for fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration on environmental law and policy issues—from local to global contexts—across the Yale campus.

YCELP seeks a professional looking to help advance this agenda and shape the future of environmental law and policy through groundbreaking research, meaningful collaborations, and transformative educational opportunities.

The chosen candidate will work with the Faculty Director of the Center on designing and executing programs, and supporting the work of existing projects, like the Environmental Performance Index, Global Commons Stewardship Index, Yale Initiative on Sustainable Finance, Remaking Global Trade Project, and other projects as they may arise.

Play leading role on YCELP substantive research and writing projects -- drafting research reports, policy analyses, Congressional testimony, fundraising proposals, white papers, outreach strategies, and other high-impact materials.

Work with the YCELP Director to advance the Center’s mission inside and outside of Yale including structuring research, strategic planning, project management, design of new initiatives, organizing workshops and other major events, coordination with YCELP staff, and engagement with partners across the campus and around the world.

Develop and manage outreach/communications to promote and disseminate YCELP research results, policy thinking, and other work products to key stakeholders, including the YCELP advisory board, thought leaders both within the university and across the broader research community, NGOs, business leaders, and the policymakers at the state, regional, national, and global levels.

Support the YCELP Director’s project development, policy design, and outreach efforts with research, drafting, and coordination regarding public appearances, conferences, policy dialogues, etc.

Required Education And Experience
• Bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse audiences a timely and compelling manner.
• Strong organizational and analytical capacity – and a commitment to produce top-quality work on an everyday basis.
• Robust research skills and ability to find and analyze materials in a comprehensive and systemic manner.
• Knowledge of, and keen interest in, climate change and other sustainability issues as well as environmental law and policy.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and successfully manage interpersonal relations with a dynamic internal team and high-powered partners beyond the university.

Preferred Education, Experience And Skills

Professionals with at least two years of demonstrated experience and advanced degree in a relevant field (JD most preferred).

EEO Statement

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).