Economic Policy Associate, The Century Foundation (New York)

[Andrew Stettner]

The Century Foundation (TCF), a progressive New York–based think tank, is seeking an Economic Policy Associate to do research and publish reports that promote economic security, expanding opportunity, and shared prosperity. In particular, the Associate will support the Bernard L. Schwartz Rediscovering Government Initiative, directed by acclaimed Economist Jeff Madrick, which seeks to reinvigorate the conversation and promote policy prescriptions that fulfill the crucial and positive role of government in the economy and on people’s lives. RGI is currently focusing on issues including opportunity youth, child poverty, and the nation’s deteriorating infrastructure. The Associate will also join a new labor policy team that will address inequality by promoting enhanced employment policies for a rapidly changing economy.

The Economic Policy Associate will work closely with several Fellows including Mr. Madrick, collaborating on numerous projects, providing research assistance and co-authoring publications. In addition, the Associate will play a key coordinating role for the project. This will involve conceptualizing and organizing events to promote the Century Foundation’s research and create constituencies for change, and coordinating the work of outside researchers.

Qualifications:

• Experience or significant interest in addressing economic inequality and the role of government.
• A broad understanding of economic policy, general public policy issues and research methods
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including for both expert and popular audiences
• Strong coordination and organizing abilities, and attention to detail
• Policy research aptitudes such as quantitative data analysis, journalism or legal research
• A relentless passion for policy change, public service, and improving economic security, opportunity and mobility
• 2-3 years+ experience preferably in workforce policy, labor organizing, poverty or infrastructure/transportation
• A bachelor's degree required; a graduate degree is a plus

Responsibilities:

• Produce and support original research and analysis. Coordinate and conceptualize the work of outside authors on projects.
• Engage relevant stakeholders in developing and promoting policy reforms. Organize conferences and events for the initiative. 
• Assess, describe, explain, and provide commentary about current debates and data.
• Analyze the effects on income inequality of proposed or enacted policies.
• Analyze data and produce engaging data visualizations, including graphs, charts, tables, and interactive features that help inform policy discussions and make complicated issues more compelling.

About TCF:

Founded in 1919 by the progressive business leader Edward Filene, TCF is a think tank that pursues its mission by conducting timely, nonpartisan research and policy analysis that informs citizens, guides policymakers, and reshapes what government does for the better.

TCF focuses particularly on four basic challenges facing the United States: persistent economic inequality; improving access to and the quality of the nation's K–12 schools and system of higher education; the problems facing the retirement security and health care systems; and restoring America's international credibility as an effective and cooperative leader in responding to global security and economic dangers.

TCF is based in New York, with an office in Washington, D.C. Its fellows come from academia, journalism, and public service, but share a commitment to the abiding belief in the power of ideas.

Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to Econo...@tcf.org, with your name and "Economics Policy Associate" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants will be accepted for either the New York or Washington, DC office.

The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities