Senior Director of Policy and Research

Summary

Join the Economic Security Project as a Senior Director of Policy and Research to lead policy, research, and agenda-setting work in Washington, D.C. You will develop policy analysis, craft policy proposals, and represent the organization's ideas. This role blends high-level policy leadership with hands-on research and requires strong research, writing, and relationship-building skills. You will collaborate with various partners, synthesize complex research, and advise the Executive Director. Success demands strategic vision, policy expertise, and research rigor. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Graduate degree or equivalent knowledge in relevant fields (economics, law, sociology, public policy)
• 12+ years of experience in policy analysis and development and/or research in related fields

Responsibilities

• Drive strategy and goal-setting for ESP & ESPA’s policy, research, and agenda-setting work in Washington, DC
• Develop and lead initiatives to advance new economic policy ideas, with a particular emphasis on building broader support for our agenda
• Work with the Executive Team to identify and move on opportunities and trends in progressive economic policymaking
• Elevate the visibility of ESP, its views, and its partners with key external audiences, through research, writing, events, and external representation
• Build out a policy and research team to support the organization’s organizing, campaigns, and agenda-setting efforts
• Cultivate and sustain partnerships with academics, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and community-based groups to ensure that policy initiatives are informed by diverse expertise and grounded in the lived experiences of affected communities
• Propose, plan, and execute projects that will advance our work at the federal and state level, including policy briefs, factsheets, and individual facts
• Provide technical assistance to policymakers and partner groups on policy impacts and policy design
• Ensure research quality, well-reasoned/strength of arguments, and alignment with ESP worldview
• Support ESP colleagues and board members in writing or preparing for events or media opportunities related to research
• Collaborate with other research partners, including proposing, planning, and overseeing commissioned policy and research projects
• Support ESP colleagues in understanding research relevant to their work, including through synthesizing external research for internal and external audiences
• Work with ESP’s executive and development teams to support fundraising via writing and meeting with funders

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of leadership and moving people on issues
• Policy expertise in issues like tax and fiscal policy and/or regulation and antitrust; experience crafting policy agendas and staffing policymakers
• Extensive experience liaising with policy experts, legislative staff, and government officials on economic policy issues
• On top of the most current trends and debates in policy debates on the economy
• Strategist who enjoys seeking out new opportunities and is proactive in forming the right partnerships to advance our goals; familiarity with the economic policy, think tank, and advocacy community in Washington, DC
• Excited to shift conventional wisdom on economic issues and develop ambitious ideas to improve people’s lives
• Previous roles analyzing research, legislation and white papers to identify the most important information and translate implications for different bodies of work
• Collaborative team player that’s strategic and solutions-oriented
• Proactive self-starter who follows through and cares about results
• Careful editor and persuasive writer capable of distilling complex ideas
• Comfort with public speaking and presentations on policy topics

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