PhD in Political Science jobs

Overview

New Brunswick faces important choices about its energy future. How we generate electricity, respond to climate change and invest in solutions will shape our communities, environment and economy for decades.

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is seeking a Director of Climate and Energy Policy to help influence those choices. We are looking for someone with strong climate and renewable energy expertise, sound policy judgment, and the confidence to bring evidence and solutions into public debate.

In this leadership role, you will turn research into practical recommendations, advocate for effective policy, and help New Brunswickers understand what is at stake and what is possible. Your work will inform government decisions, strengthen public understanding and advance a cleaner, more resilient and more equitable energy future.

About the Conservation Council of New Brunswick

Founded in 1969, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick is a charitable environmental organization working to protect nature and build healthy, sustainable communities. We use research, education, advocacy and community engagement to advance solutions to environmental challenges across the province.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead the Conservation Council’s climate and energy portfolio and contribute to the organization’s leadership team. You will identify opportunities to influence policy, develop credible recommendations and guide advocacy that connects technical expertise with the concerns of New Brunswick communities.

You will be an important public voice on climate and energy issues, speaking with journalists, engaging decision-makers and explaining complex issues clearly. Working with communications and other staff, you will provide the policy expertise and strategic direction behind advocacy and engagement activities.

You will also supervise staff, manage projects and budgets, and build relationships with researchers, community organizations, Indigenous partners and others whose knowledge and perspectives can strengthen this work.

What you will do

Research, policy and advocacy

• Lead climate and energy research, policy analysis and advocacy in line with the Conservation Council’s priorities.
• Monitor emerging research, legislation, policies and public debates, and identify their implications for New Brunswick.
• Develop evidence-based policy positions, recommendations and solutions related to climate change, renewable energy and electricity systems.
• Lead or contribute to government consultations, submissions and regulatory interventions.
• Represent the Conservation Council with government, partners and the public.

Media relations and communications

• Serve as a spokesperson for the Conservation Council on climate and energy issues, responding to media inquiries and giving interviews.
• Explain research, policy positions and complex issues clearly and confidently to journalists and the public.
• Work with communications staff to identify media opportunities, prepare key messages and contribute to media releases, opinion pieces and other materials.

Advocacy and engagement

• Provide leadership, strategic direction and policy context for issue-based advocacy and engagement activities.
• Develop or contribute research, key messages and accessible content for reports, fact sheets, presentations and other materials.
• Work with communications and other staff to plan and deliver engagement activities, including community meetings, webinars and briefings.
• Participate in engagement activities as appropriate, listen to community perspectives and bring them into program and policy work.
• Build and maintain relationships with community groups, Indigenous organizations and communities, researchers, environmental organizations, governments and other partners.

Program and team leadership

• Supervise and support staff, interns and contractors, providing clear direction, feedback and opportunities for professional development.
• Manage project work plans, budgets, timelines and deliverables.
• Prepare grant applications and contribute to funding proposals.
• Participate in program evaluation and prepare or contribute to project, funder and organizational reports.
• Where appropriate, incorporate Indigenous knowledge, guidance and relationship-building into program design, policy work and field projects, respecting Indigenous partners’ leadership, protocols and consent.

What you bring

You bring the expertise to assess complex climate and energy questions, the judgment to develop practical policy recommendations, and the communication skills to make that knowledge useful to others.

• Post-secondary education in climate change, renewable energy, energy systems, environmental policy or a closely related field. A master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field (or experience equivelant) is preferred.
• At least five years of relevant experience, including substantial experience in climate change and renewable energy policy, research, analysis or advocacy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of climate change, renewable energy technologies and electricity systems, and the policies that shape them.
• Ability to assess scientific and technical evidence and develop credible, practical policy recommendations.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly to different audiences.
• Comfort and confidence speaking with journalists and representing an organization publicly.
• A collaborative approach to leadership and relationship-building, with a commitment to listening and respectful engagement.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Experience giving media interviews or communicating complex issues to public audiences is an asset. Experience in staff leadership, budget management, grant writing, advocacy and community engagement is also an asset. The ability to work in both English and French is an asset.

Why join CCNB

Help shape decisions that matter. Apply your expertise to policy choices with lasting consequences for New Brunswick’s environment, communities and energy future.

Connect research with action. See your work move beyond reports into government submissions, media conversations, public engagement and advocacy for practical solutions.

Lead and collaborate. Guide a key program area, contribute to organizational strategy and work alongside colleagues and partners who bring different skills and perspectives.

Build on a long history of environmental advocacy. Join an organization that has worked for more than five decades to protect New Brunswick’s environment and give communities a voice in decisions that affect them.

You will also benefit from:

• Salary: $63,000/year for a 30-hour work week
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Paid vacation and paid holidays
• Pet-friendly workplace
• Hybrid work options (office + remote)
• Meaningful, purpose-driven work
• Supportive, inclusive, and respectful team culture
• Professional development opportunities
• A values-based organization committed to reconciliation and equity

Location and working conditions

This position is based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The successful candidate must be able to commute to the Conservation Council’s office. A hybrid work arrangement may be possible.

Travel is required, and occasional overtime may be required.

Pay: From $63,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

• Are you currently legally authorized to work in Canada?
• Do you have post-secondary education in climate change, renewable energy, energy systems, environmental policy or a closely related field?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fredericton, NB E3B 4A9