Research and Policy Director
Posted January 11, 2012
The Economic Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute in Washington, D.C. focusing on public policy issues. The Institute stresses real world analysis and a concern for the living standards of working people from both global and domestic perspectives. EPI economists regularly communicate their findings to major media, Congress, and to popular and academic/scholarly audiences.
EPI is searching for a new director of research and policy. The Research and Policy Director oversees development of the EPI research and policy agenda and is responsible for the policy relevance, quality, timeliness, and potential for impact of projects. The director will also help shape development of funding proposals. The director is expected to continue to develop his/her own research agenda and be available for public speaking and media work. The director is responsible for relationships with a number of key audiences, including policymakers, researchers, and funders.
The director will supervise a staff of approximately 15-20 people, including professional researchers in economics, public policy and related fields, a computer programmer, and others. These individuals carry out a broad array of research in areas ranging from tax and budget policy; macroeconomics; and education to international trade and finance; labor market economics; health; immigration; race, ethnicity, and the economy; retirement; and industrial relations.
A significant number of outside researchers affiliated with universities and other institutes also contribute to EPI’s stream of output and activities.
The Economic Policy Institute has a total staff of about 50 people, and includes separate departments of external/government affairs, development, finance, and communications. The director will coordinate activities with these other departments, and will participate in the day-to-day management of the Institute and its resources and report to the president of the Institute.
A strong background of supervisory experience is required, along with significant research/policy experience in academia, government, or a private research organization, and an advanced degree in economics, public policy or a related field. The successful candidate will have a strong publications record; experience in popular writing and speaking is also of great value in this position. Fundraising experience would be beneficial.
The Economic Policy Institute is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
Please send resumes and a cover letter expressing why you are interested and qualified to research-jobs@epi.org
Education Policy Researcher
Posted January 18, 2011
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) seeks an education policy researcher with skills to conduct quantitative research, coordinate research (of external EPI research associates) and communicate research findings to policymakers and the media.
A PhD with quantitative strength in economics, education, sociology, public policy or equivalent experience is required. The ability to analyze education-related data sets and to evaluate quantitative research is essential: those without those skills should NOT apply. Familiarity with contemporary education policy debates is also essential. Shared values with EPI’s mission, and a willingness and aptitude to learn sophisticated written and oral communication skills for media and policy audiences are essential. We seek a senior, mid-level or junior candidate with strong analytic and quantitative capability and knowledge of education policies, issues and programs.
The successful candidate would also help set the direction of the program by identifying new areas of inquiry and shaping programmatic activities.
The position reports directly to the Research and Policy director, but will also work closely with EPI’s president.
About EPI and the Education program
The education program covers a broad range of research interests. Areas of focus include teacher quality, school vouchers, charter schools, costs of an “adequate” education, accountability, achievement trends, school spending patterns, trends in workforce skills, education adequacy for at-risk youth, and the contribution of social factors to achievement.
The mission of the Economic Policy Institute is to provide high-quality research and education in order to promote a prosperous, fair, and sustainable economy. EPI’s staff and its network of researchers have a proven capacity for high quality scholarship, a demonstrated ability to communicate to diverse audiences, a commitment to a free exchange of ideas, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. It adheres to strict standards of sound, objective research and analysis, and combines this with outreach and popular and policy education.
To apply
To apply, send cover letter, letter of interest and vita to: education-jobs@epi.org. No phone calls please.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Pay commensurate with experience. The Economic Policy Institute offers an excellent benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
The Economic Policy Institute is the premier think tank focusing on the economic conditions of low- and middle-income Americans and their families. EPI informs policymaking that ensures broadly shared prosperity by conducting high quality research and education on the impact of economic trends and policies on working people. EPI is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.