Senior Policy Analyst, Water Infrastructure

Summary

The next five years will see a historic investment by the federal government in water though the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. However, disparities across water systems will endure unless we seize the moment to reform policies that leave too many US residents without access to clean water and too many water systems without the capacity to maintain and improve their drinking water, wastewater and stormwater treatment systems. Our water team was founded around the knowledge that there are solutions, innovations, capacities, and policy changes that can dramatically increase the speed and effectiveness with which we solve these problems. We believe we can play an important role in making that happen, through direct work helping disadvantaged towns and cities secure support, and through analysis and policy work to make change happen on a systems level.

EPIC is seeking to hire a Senior Policy Analyst who has a strong passion and skillset to develop solutions and pursue policy reforms, with a focus on funding and financing programs including the State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. This could be revised to be a mid-level or senior position, dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. The position has significant flexibility in roles and responsibilities, depending on the skills, experience, and interest of the successful candidate.

About EPIC

EPIC builds policies that deliver spectacular improvement in the speed and scale of environmental progress so people and nature can thrive. A national nonprofit, EPIC is committed to finding and highlighting the best approaches to scaling up results quickly. EPIC works to further environmental and public health outcomes by improving water infrastructure, restoration, procurement, endangered species, and the use of data. EPIC operates through a fiscal sponsorship with the Sand County Foundation.

For more information about EPIC’s water program, go here to learn about our water infrastructure work and here to learn about our State Revolving Fund (SRF) policy work.

Position Description

Reporting to the Director of Water Infrastructure Policy, the Senior Analyst will conduct insightful research to catalyze policy change. The analysis will support EPIC’s aims to eliminate disparities in funding and financing water infrastructure. This position will be expected to have or develop general expertise in water infrastructure funding and financing mechanisms and programs, particularly federal and state frameworks governing the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

Specific areas of focus could include increasing investment in green infrastructure and other nature-based solutions; ensuring that underserved communities share in the economic benefits of investments in water infrastructure through workforce development opportunities and quality jobs; improving transparency, accountability, and public engagement in SRF policies and the development of

SRF-funded projects; and policies and processes relating to the SRF application and award process to ensure underserved communities have equitable access to SRF funds. Improving federal and state policies to ensure the equitable allocation of SRF assistance to deliver on Justice40 objectives will be a central, cross-cutting theme across all of these areas. Nimbleness to provide rapid-response work on emerging issues at the state and federal levels will also be expected. The Senior Analyst will contribute to solutions that add significant value to the water sector.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quick and insightful policy analysis
• Track developments on key executive, legislative, and administrative efforts related to water infrastructure funding and financing at the federal and state level
• Pull together and track data that can help us identify patterns, problems, barriers, and solutions that inform our programmatic vision and external policy recommendations
• Engage with water policymakers, advocates, and legislators at the state and federal level
• Develop and advance strategic responses to catalyze change
• Make frequent recommendations through expert testimonies and public comments
• Participate in work groups, webinars, convenings, coalitions, and public events
• Write reports, case studies, blogs, and grant reports

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have:

• Graduate degree (MBA, MS, MEM, MF, MPA or JD) preferred, but not required
• 5+ years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: water, infrastructure, advocacy and organizing, public policy and administration, community partnerships
• Passion for water equity and safe drinking water for all
• Experience leading initiatives that require carrying forward a vision, strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and forming and sharing opinions on policy
• Strong people and program management skills
• Excellent communications skills
• Ability to operate independently (and remotely) and as part of a team

We will prioritize candidates who can demonstrate the following, although it is not expected that any one candidate will be able to demonstrate all of these:

• Strong writing skills
• Creative thinking
• Experience framing, developing, explaining, and successfully advocating policy reforms to advance equity and climate resilience
• Understanding of State Revolving Fund policy frameworks or other water infrastructure funding and financing programs and mechanisms
• Understanding of green infrastructure and other nature-based solutions
• Understanding of workforce development in the context of infrastructure investments
• Data and quantitative analysis skills
• Network of contacts in the water sector or government agencies

Location

This position normally requires national travel to meetings, conferences, and other events several times a year. Work other than travel is done either in an office environment at EPIC’s Washington, DC office or at the candidate’s home office.

Salary range

$75,000-$90,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications

Benefits

EPIC offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental and vision care, 401k contributions, and four weeks of paid time off.

Applying

Qualified candidates should please send an email to Lilly Slaughter at LSlaughter@policyinnovation.org with “Senior Policy Analyst, Water Infrastructure – SRFs” in the subject line. Please include a resume and a cover letter, labeled with your last name followed by the document type (e.g. “Ibrahim_Resume”).

EPIC is also in the process of hiring a Senior Policy Analyst, Lead Service Line Replacement, a position with similar qualifications. If you are interested in being considered for both positions, please indicate in your cover letter. There is no need to apply twice. We plan to review applications through the middle of September and are aiming to bring someone on board by October.

We believe that including more people from a broad diversity of backgrounds, including people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ people, is essential for achieving our vision. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

We know there is not one ideal candidate who has all these traits. If you have a mix of interests, skills, and experience related to the above – and a passion for this work – please do not let a gap in your strengths stop you from applying for this role or reaching out.

Thank you for your interest in working with EPIC!