Research and Policy Associate

Summary

Join the Economic Security Project (ESP) as their California Research & Policy Associate! This one-year, grant-funded, remote position (with a preference for California-based candidates) supports research and policy work for cash and market-shaping campaigns, focusing on California initiatives. You will conduct research, analyze policy, create impactful materials, and collaborate with colleagues and partners. This role offers valuable experience in economic policy and advocacy, mentorship, and growth opportunities. The position involves a blend of research, analysis, and project support, contributing to meaningful change in California and beyond. The salary range is $68,650.40 - $84,756.84, and a comprehensive benefits package is included.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in policy research, analysis, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, political science, or related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills—effective writing for nontechnical audiences is a particularly important requirement
• Excellent research and analytical abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail, project management, and organizational skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, accessible formats (fact sheets, slides, emails)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to economic justice and racial equity
• Initiative and problem-solving orientation
• Flexibility and ability to learn quickly

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis to support ESP's policy initiatives, with a focus in California
• Create factsheets and brief policy analyses
• Research policy proposals from policymakers and partner organizations
• Gather supporting evidence, examples, and quotes for our policy positions
• Track and summarize relevant research publications
• Draft policy sections for speeches, op-eds, and other communications
• Develop compelling slide decks to present our ideas and research findings
• Track policymakers’ positions on relevant issues
• Maintain awareness of current research in our issue areas
• Assist in the preparation of technical assistance materials
• Contribute to policy briefs and other written materials
• Help synthesize complex research for different audiences
• Fact-check materials
• Maintain citation records
• Organize research files and materials
• Maintain organized systems for policy and research materials
• Organize shared drives and document repositories
• Create and maintain resource libraries
• Ensure important documents are properly filed and easily accessible
• Keep track of key deadlines and deliverables
• Provide administrative support for ESP and ESCA research and campaigns
• Schedule and support meetings
• Take and distribute notes
• Help coordinate with external partners and consultants
• Assist in tracking project timelines and deliverables

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with California state policy
• Familiarity with economic security issues
• Background in progressive advocacy or campaigns
• Experience creating data visualizations and presentations
• Experience with maintaining or developing databases and trackers

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental insurance with premiums fully covered for employees and their dependents
• Worker’s Compensation
• Long and short term disability insurance
• Basic Life Insurance with a 50K maximum
• 401K with a 3% contribution upon start date; up to an additional 1% at year-end
• Full office closures for the week of July 4, and between December 25 and January 1
• PTO - 136 vacation hours, 80 sick leave hours, 9 standard holidays, 2 floating holidays, and 20 hours of volunteer leave
• 6-week paid sabbatical after 5 years of full-time service
• Connectivity and home office stipends, and wellness use bonuses (taxable)
• Annual professional development budget
• Organization-provided computer or $50/month bonus for employees who choose to use their own
• Access to commuter and flexible spending accounts