Position: Research Fellow, Water Infrastructure and Policy; Part-Time; Remote

Organizational Background

The Water Finance Exchange (WFX) is a partnership between federal and state stakeholders, communities, philanthropy, and the financial sector to address the funding shortage of water infrastructure projects for thousands of American communities. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, WFX is comprised of a team of water and finance professionals devoted to supporting communities across the U.S. to reach sustainable water infrastructure solutions, encompassing economic, public health, and environmental needs.

WFX’s mission is to help communities access funding, financing, and expertise to implement resilient, sustainable, and equitable water infrastructure solutions. WFX serves as a neutral partner for communities to provide support from project conception to implementation.

In 2024, WFX is hiring two to three (2-3) Research Fellows to lead dedicated research projects. It is anticipated that one of these projects will require a PhD-level experience in economics, applied economics, or econometrics. This project will receive additional support from University partners with the goal to produce published research.

WFX’s Research Fellowship program offers an opportunity for graduate-level students to support research projects with policy and practicum recommendations for the U.S. Water sector, including direct work with small, rural, and underserved communities around the country. These research projects are designed to take place over the course of a Fall and Spring semester, with publication of results in Summer 2025. These Fellowship opportunities support original research to further WFX’s mission, while building a pipeline of water sector professionals with opportunities for full-time employment at WFX or partner organizations.

It is expected that 25% of the time for this Fellowship opportunity will support regular WFX operations and 75% of the time will be spent on individual research projects. This opportunity will require a commitment of approximately 10-20 hours a week and will be compensated with a monthly stipend. This Fellowship will require participation in at least one in-person event to connect with the WFX team in Fall 2024. WFX may place priority on potential candidates from priority states of Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi.

WFX is accepting applications from July 30 to August 14 and these positions will have a targeted start date of September 3, 2024. This fellowship opportunity is for Fall 2024, with the opportunity to continue in Spring 2025.

Fellowship Summary

WFX is seeking two to three (2-3) part-time, remote Research Fellows.

Key responsibilities

Lead WFX-specific research objectives, including potential projects on water rate assistance programs, regionalization impact analysis, community water financing, and community health assessments.
Assist with community screening and outreach, including review of municipal financial information, water quality reports, and water rate data.
Research and development of white papers, case studies, and other informational documents, focusing on the intersection of water infrastructure, community engagement, and watershed resiliency.
Assist with stakeholder engagement forums and convening public-private leadership through webinars, workshops, etc.
Support the creation of routine marketing and communication materials (e.g., press releases, blogs, newsletter, flyers).
Provide support for overall WFX efforts and other administrative functions as needed.

Qualifications

Strong research and technical writing skills.
Strong attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task.
Candidates must have a track record of strong academic achievement.
Graduate students are preferred, with a demonstrated interest in the environmental/sustainability field. Experience and/or comfortability with quantitative assessments and financial information is preferred.
Proficiency in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following to info@waterfx.org:

A cover letter of qualifications
Resume
2-3 professional references
Writing samples

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