Director, Economic Analysis

Reports to: Managing Director, Inclusive Growth
Staff reporting to this position: Research Assistants and Research Associates
Department: Inclusive Growth
Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 7
Compensation range: $92,000–$110,400
Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

The Director will lead American Progress’ work on economic analysis, which supports a wide range of analytical and policy goals. The Director should be excited to generate new analysis across a wide range of economic issues. Although current needs include housing and the labor market/employment, a strong candidate for this role will bring a wide range of subject matter interests and a curiosity for new subjects as well as a strong capacity for management, mentorship, and delegation to early-career staff who are building their quantitative and analytical skills.

American Progress’ Inclusive Economy work is dedicated to promoting an economy that works for all. This includes driving federal investment in a stronger, more equitable economy with the wealthy and corporations paying their fair share of taxes, strengthening worker power and economic mobility, raising the floor for basic living standards, and creating a new social compact with business. The position is situated within the Inclusive Economy team and the Inclusive Growth department, which work to address the deep inequities in the U.S. economy, to grow the middle class, and to ensure that all Americans can live secure and stable lives.

The core function of the Director will be to advance American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities by leading research and analysis. The five crosscutting priorities are:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust in democracy
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Strengthening health

The ideal candidate has experience and expertise in economic analysis, the ability to collaborate with teams across the building to support a wide range of policy goals with robust analysis, a commitment to management and mentorship, and a clear communication style.

Responsibilities:

• Lead American Progress’ research and analysis on the economy and economic policy, including quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Supervise multiple early-career policy staff. Provide mentorship on analytical skills to early-career staff and across policy and nonpolicy teams.
• Engage in public debates on the state of the economy to advance American Progress’ priorities and values.
• Conceive of, write, or supervise writing of policy reports, issue briefs, memos, op-eds, and other written products that advance progressive policies and translate complex research and findings for broad audiences.
• Lead the development and assessment of new policy ideas and approaches as appropriate.
• Build and strengthen relationships with allies and partners, including policymakers, other progressive advocacy organizations, relevant academic scholars, and others.
• Represent American Progress with Capitol Hill and executive branch contacts; with external groups; and with media covering the economy and economic policymaking.
• Collaborate with American Progress’ economic policy experts and other policy teams to advance the range of progressive priorities to which American Progress is committed.
• Depending on skill set, contribute to American Progress’ overall economic work, such as analysis of the macroeconomy, housing affordability, and labor markets.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree in public policy, economics, statistics, or a related field is a plus.
• At least seven years of experience related to the use of analysis in support of policymaking and political goals.
• Experience supervising early-career staff, including a commitment to hands-on training and mentorship.
• Strategic instincts for advancing progressive policies and using analysis to support policy arguments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences about complex policy issues.
• Ability to supervise a group, set priorities, and supervise the group’s work.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well under tight deadlines, including producing timely analysis or rapid-response products that have an impact in a fast-moving policy world.
• Strong quantitative skills and facility with Microsoft Excel, Stata, or R; more advanced quantitative skills and instincts for data visualization are pluses.
• Ability to initiate, facilitate, and organize productive and efficient collaboration across American Progress’ policy and functional teams.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a salary range of $92,000–$110,400.

American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.

https://www.americanprogress.org/job/director-economic-analysis/