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EmPowering Communities Research Specialist
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Who We Are
The Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan mobilizes the expertise and passion of faculty, students, partners, and decision-makers to work together and bring world-class research to real-world sustainability challenges. Our initiatives lead to positive outcomes that safeguard the planet's life support systems and enhance well-being for present and future generations. The Institute's work is grounded in the belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion are necessary to empowerment and to the advancement of sustainability knowledge, learning, and leadership, and we are committed to fostering a community where every member thrives.
The Graham Sustainability Institute seeks a Research Specialist (Research Area Specialist Associate) to join the growing team at the Center for EmPowering Communities, a center within the Institute that supports communities across the urban-rural spectrum as they leverage decarbonization opportunities to advance their goals and enhance their quality of life. In this role, you will primarily support our rural work, helping develop resources and nurture the network of practitioners who are assisting Michigan rural communities in planning and zoning for large-scale renewable energy projects.
What you will do:
- Facilitate collaboration between planning and zoning experts, including meeting planning and facilitation, development of meeting summaries and resources, and ensuring follow-up by all parties
- Work in collaboration with Graham's Clean Energy Land Use Specialist to craft new resources for communities including guidebooks, fact sheets, FAQs, presentations and more, especially conducting background research and drafting written materials
- Assist colleagues in the Center for EmPowering Communities as needed on externally funded research projects which may include data collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, and summarizing peer review literature
- Participate in relevant local and regional events to engage with stakeholder groups
- Communicate program activities and impacts by generating written content for email updates, websites, progress reports, and other materials
Required Qualifications:
- Shared commitment to Graham's values of being collaborative, purpose-driven, inclusive, science-based, and impactful
- A passion for learning and writing
- Keen attention to detail both in written communications and quantitative tasks
- An interest in land use planning as it applies to large-scale renewables in rural communities
- Ability to identify and leverage connections between multiple projects or tasks
- Ability to work both independently and on small teams
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research (e.g., a thesis, term paper, etc.)
- A bachelor's degree or at least 4 years of professional experience with at least 1 year of directly-relevant work experience
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience working with culturally and politically diverse stakeholders
- Familiarity with the agricultural sector, land use planning, or rural economic development, especially in Michigan
- Experience with ArcGIS, statistical software, survey design, and/or qualitative data analysis
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers exceptional benefits (learn more at https://careers.umich.edu/benefits)
Additional Information
Term appointment through August 2027, with opportunities to extend contingent upon funding.
You will work on-site at the Graham Sustainability Institute offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within Graham Institute policies.
How to Apply:
You must submit a cover letter and resume as a single document to be considered for this position. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and related experience.