Research And Policy Analyst

The Center for Rural Policy and Development (CRPD) is seeking a Policy Analyst to lead an 18-month research initiative examining the rural impacts of Minnesota’s transition to a 100% carbon-free electricity system by 2040. The Policy Analyst will design and implement a comprehensive, data-driven research program to assess various impacts of the energy transition, engage rural communities, and translate findings into actionable policy insights.

Responsibilities:

• Build and analyze datasets related to energy infrastructure, tax base changes, and regional economic impacts
• Conduct mixed-methods research, including quantitative analysis, case studies, and interviews
• Evaluate workforce transitions, wage differences, and labor market gaps
• Analyze permitting, siting, and transmission processes to identify bottlenecks
• Assess federal and state energy policies, including:
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
• Minnesota’s 100% carbon-free electricity mandate
• Federal policy changes impacting fossil fuels and renewables
• Compare policy frameworks and their implications for rural communities
• Develop scenario models to forecast:
• County revenue trends
• Workforce pathways
• Grid reliability and vulnerability
• Industrial energy demand growth
• Conduct listening sessions with farmers, landowners, business owners, and local officials
• Gather and incorporate rural perspectives, concerns, and expectations
• Present research findings in clear, accessible formats
• Produce CRPD report series, legislative briefing papers, and community-facing summaries
• Develop tools such as dashboards and statewide datasets
• Present findings to policymakers, stakeholders, and public audiences
• Map Minnesota’s rural energy landscape and identify high-impact regions
• Conduct fiscal impact analysis of coal plant closures, renewable development, and transmission infrastructure
• Complete workforce transition case studies in affected communities
• Review permitting and siting processes and identify development bottlenecks
• Lead community engagement through structured listening sessions
• Develop scenario models exploring economic, workforce, and grid outcomes under varying conditions
• Conduct community case studies on land use, siting, and collaboration
• Perform comprehensive policy analysis across federal and state frameworks
• Deliver final research outputs and tools, including:
• Multi-part CRPD report series
• Legislative briefing materials
• Public-facing summaries
• Policy dashboard
• Statewide rural energy dataset

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in public policy, economics, energy systems, or a related field
• Strong research and analytical skills (quantitative and/or qualitative)
• Experience with data analysis and policy evaluation
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Interest in rural policy, energy systems, or economic development