Senior Heat Policy Fellow
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS), in partnership with NOAA and the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS), seeks a highly motivated and experienced Senior Heat Policy Fellow to lead the development of a comprehensive landscape analysis and action plan for federal, state, and local heat policies. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in identifying data, research, and information needs critical to informing heat action initiatives at all levels of government. Additionally, the Senior Heat Policy Fellow will be responsible for developing new heat policy resources for heat.gov and developing an action plan aimed at enhancing climate services and information to support effective heat risk mitigation and adaptation policy and action.
Key Responsibilities
1. Conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of existing federal, regional, state, and local heat policies, regulations, and initiatives to include:
- Occupational health and safety
- Residential heat exposure
- Real estate and insurance needs
- Heat exposure in healthcare settings
- Other topic areas as relevant
2. Identify policy implementation gaps and areas for improvement in current heat policies and practices – particularly where additional research, data, and information are needed. Develop recommendations for enhancing data collection, analysis, and dissemination to support heat action planning and decision-making.
3. Collaborate with stakeholders and partners from government agencies, research institutions, and community organizations to gather insights and perspectives on heat-related policy challenges and needs. For example:
- Co-develop and attend heat tabletop exercises as an opportunity to engage with state and local decision/policy makers and to understand policy implementation in practice.
- Use existing and develop new tools to enhance the utility and use of evidence and data in policy analysis and development, such as NIHHIS’ “Maturity Model for Heat Governance” and the NOAA-funded Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard (PIRS) for Heat.
- Collaborate and support the NIHHIS Center for Heat Resilient Communities.
4. Lead the formulation of an action plan for the interagency National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) aimed at improving climate services and information to support heat action initiatives across government sectors.
5. Provide guidance and technical expertise to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on effective heat mitigation and adaptation strategies.
6. Contribute to the dissemination of research findings, best practices, and policy recommendations through reports, presentations, and other communication channels.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or Ph.D.) in public policy, environmental science, climate science, public health, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in policy analysis, climate resilience, or related fields, with a focus on heat-related issues preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in conducting policy research, including landscape analyses, literature reviews, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in producing high-quality reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments.
- Familiarity with federal, state, and local government structures and processes related to climate and environmental policy.
- Experience working with climate data, GIS tools, and/or heat vulnerability assessments is a plus.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in climate policy and practice.