Climate Institute, Climate Associate- HYBRID

Climate Jobs Institute, Climate Jobs Associate - HYBRID

This position is located at ILR Outreach office in Buffalo, NY at 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buckham Hall B234.

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University has immediate openings for Climate Jobs Associate - Extension Associate in the Climate Jobs Institute in the Extension /Outreach Division with a focus on the intersection of labor, employment, climate justice and climate change. These positions are responsible for developing and delivering programs and services that are closely aligned with the strategic mission and core values of the ILR School, and for monitoring quality, impact, and outcomes of education, training, technical assistance, consulting and research activities of the program.

Our Team:

The Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University’s ILR School is guiding New York’s and the nation’s transition to a strong, equitable, and resilient clean energy economy that tackles the climate crisis, creates high-quality union jobs, cultivates and develops inclusive and equitable working relationships.

Through cutting‑edge policy research, deep relationships with on‑ground partners, and innovative training and education programs, the Institute provides the information that policymakers, the labor and environmental movements, industry leaders and others need to navigate this historic transition to a zero‑carbon economy.

The Climate Jobs Institute serves as the academic and educational partner to the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, providing research, policy and educational support to coalitions of unions in numerous U.S. states.

What you will do:

The successful candidates will leverage research, policy, training, and education to guide New York and the nation toward a strong, fair, and resilient clean energy economy—one that addresses the climate crisis, creates high-quality union jobs, removes barriers to opportunity, and builds a diverse and inclusive workforce that uplifts frontline communities.

Through deep relationships with labor unions and labor allies, Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) studies the labor and employment impacts of the clean energy transition; designs pro‑worker, pro‑union climate policy; and delivers innovative training and educational programming to unions, policymakers, the environmental movement, industry leaders and others.

Specifically, the Extension Associate will:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with labor unions, especially building trades and energy unions, environmental organizations, elected leaders, and other allies.
• Lead policy and technical research and analysis to design jobs‑centered, pro‑union and equitable climate policy.
• Plan, organize and implement educational convenings, trips, trainings and workshops based on CJI’s research, policy and expertise and the needs of partner organizations.
• Become a subject matter expert in the labor and employment impacts of a range of clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydrogen, building upgrades, low‑carbon transportation and more.
• Join a passionate and dedicated team of individuals who are committed to CJI’s mission, value deep partnerships with unions and labor allies, and foster a supportive, joyous, and equitable team culture where everyone can thrive.

Extension Associate is a non‑tenure track, academic term position for up to a two‑year term, with an initial term ending June 30, 2026.

The term will automatically renew for the second year through June 30, 2027, contingent upon available funding. Reappointment for additional terms is possible based on successful performance, available work and continued funding, as well as recommendations by the appropriate Executive Director and Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Sponsored Research.

What we need:

• Master’s or other advanced degree in a related subject matter expertise (industrial and labor relations, social science, labor economics, employment or labor law, workforce development) with relevant expertise related to labor unions, inequality and equity issues, and climate change.
• Candidate should have at least 2 to 5 years of experience working with the labor movement or on…