The Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the nation’s leading progressive economic think tank, is seeking a Research Assistant who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and has the ability to gather, understand, analyze, and compellingly present a wide variety of economic data. This position will be responsible for providing research and technical support to EPI professional staff, along with occasional administrative tasks. 

Besides competitive pay and excellent benefits (detailed below), EPI RAs receive extensive training in data management, programming, and content management systems. EPI RAs regularly go on to attend competitive graduate programs in economics, political science, public policy, and law. In short, the EPI RA position is one of the best launching pads in the DC policymaking ecosystem to begin a career in economic policy research from a progressive perspective.

Please note that EPI is a hybrid workplace with attendance in our Washington, DC, office required at least two days per week (currently Tuesday and Wednesday).

What You Will Do
The main responsibilities of the Research Assistant will be:

1. Collect, organize, and analyze data from published sources and from the Internet: Requires extensive knowledge of official data sources (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census, Department of Commerce, etc.).
   1. Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual updates of EPI’s databases.
   2. Respond promptly to ad hoc data requests from researchers.
   3. Analyze data to supplement research.
   4. Conduct external outreach to clarify survey methodologies and appropriate applications of frequently used and new data sources.
2. Utilize statistical packages in the economic analysis of time series and cross-sectional data sets:
   1. Clean datasets and conduct statistical analysis in Stata, R, and/or Python using industry-standard programming practices.
   2. Automate, improve, and document data collection, organization, and analysis processes to ensure replicability.
   3. Contribute to the development of coding norms and guidelines to be used across the organization.
3. Prepare data visualizations, including charts, graphs, and presentation materials: Demonstrate mastery of WordPress functions and options to generate EPI web content and maintain existing online data repositories.
   1. Incorporate charts and graphs into publications, presentations, and web content.
   2. Develop and update interactive web features in coordination with the communications department.
4. Prepare background research and memoranda: Conduct literature reviews and summarize relevant background material.
5. Participate in the design and execution of research projects, including the description of data sources, data sets, and research results:
   1. Prepare accurate and organized drafts of technical reports (e.g., data appendices).
   2. Use technical expertise to provide input on the methodology and research design.
   3. Establish a division of labor and timeline for the project with the other analysts and provide regular updates on research progress.
6. Co-author and author papers, blog posts, statements, and memos in conjunction with the objectives of EPI’s economists and researchers, in addition to facilitating the publication of EPI reports.
7. Respond to media and partner requests in coordination with the communications department, including interfacing with journalists, partner organizations, and the offices of policymakers.
8. Oversee editing and fact-checking of papers from both internal and external authors, including the construction of data visualizations.
9. Attend meetings and conferences to represent EPI, as needed, and prepare short memos summarizing the key events that took place.
10. Provide guidance and direction to interns, overseeing their project progress as needed.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Who You Are
We do not expect that every candidate will have this full range of experience, but the following qualities and experience are highly desirable:

Proficiencies:

• Academic background in economics or other social sciences, with a working familiarity of statistics and basic data gathering and organizational techniques.
• Ability to work independently, to meet project deadlines, and complete tasks in a timely fashion. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required, as well as excellent time-management skills and the ability to communicate effectively with managers and co-workers about the status of projects.
• Word processing (Microsoft Word preferred)
• Spreadsheets (Excel preferred)
• Ability and desire to master more advanced statistical packages and content management software are required.

Preferred

• A passion for economic justice issues.
• Deep interest in understanding the workings of the U.S. economy through data
• Familiarity with more advanced statistical packages strongly preferred (R/Stata/Python).
• Experience with advanced data visualization tools      (tableau/D3js/ggplot2/datawrapper)

Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: Previous experience of paid or unpaid work as a research assistant, or similar type of work, preferred but not necessary.

Salary and Benefits
EPI is a unionized workplace with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). This position is the bargaining unit and reports to the Director of Data Management and Analysis.

The salary for this position ranges from $62,190 to $64,055, dependent on experience, plus benefits.

EPI offers an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, a 9.25% employer-provided 401k retirement contribution, partial tuition reimbursement, twelve weeks of parental leave, and fully employer-funded medical, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance for individual employees.

Location
This position is in our Washington, DC office and is on a hybrid schedule with in-person work at least two days per week (currently Tuesday and Wednesday).

As a condition of employment, EPI requires all staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination that meets the guidelines as defined by D.C. Health.

To Apply
Candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience and explaining their interest in working at the Economic Policy Institute.

Apply now!

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace not only strengthens the institute’s work but is also essential for understanding and creating economic policies that support all working people. We encourage applicants who bring lived experience and nontraditional backgrounds to apply to our positions.

EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.

About Economic Policy Institute (EPI)  

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is a nonpartisan nonprofit that uses rigorous economic research and analysis to advance policies that promote a fair and just economy where workers thrive, power is shared equitably, and structural racism and gender inequities are dismantled. EPI’s research influences national, state, and local economic policy debates and is widely cited in the media.   

Job Title: Development Director 

The Development Director will lead EPI’s fundraising strategy and operations, deepen and expand philanthropic support, and bring outstanding organizational and process-management skills to ensure fundraising systems, timelines, and workflows are effective, disciplined, and scalable. This is a senior leadership role that will collaborate across departments to build a sustainable, diversified revenue base for EPI’s mission-driven work.

The Development Director supervises two staff— the Associate Director of Development and the Senior Development Associate—and is a part of the senior management team, reporting to the Executive Vice President. 

This position is in our Washington, DC office and is on a hybrid schedule with in-person work at least two days per week (currently Tuesday and Wednesday). 

What You Will Do 

The main responsibilities of the Development Director: 

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy and annual work plan to meet revenue goals.  
• Equip senior leaders with timely tools, well-researched briefings, and accurate analysis for effective donor conversations. 
• Partner with the President, Executive Vice President, and senior leadership to align fundraising priorities with organizational strategy. 

Donor Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship 

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing donors including foundations, high-net-worth individuals, small dollar donors, and unions.  
• Oversee stewardship plans that strengthen donor loyalty and long-term support. 

Grant Writing & Management 

• Lead proposal development, submissions, and reporting to institutional funders.  
• Ensure timely acknowledgment of awards, compliance with funder requirements, and high-quality impact reporting. 
• Work closely with EPI’s Finance team to ensure grant tracking and management is aligned and accurate. 

Support Board Engagement on Fundraising 

• Support EPI’s President in engaging and informing the Board on development, fundraising goals, pipeline health, and stewardship strategies.  
• Communications & External Representation 
• Work closely with communications staff to craft compelling fundraising collateral, impact reports, donor stories, and case statements.  
• Represent EPI at events, meetings, and in networks that advance visibility and fundraising outcomes. 

Team Management & Infrastructure 

• Design, implement, and continuously improve development systems, processes, and workflows to support efficient fundraising operations, strong coordination across teams, and clear accountability. 
• Ensure high standards of organization, documentation, and project management across proposals, donor engagement, reporting, and stewardship. 
• Provide ongoing guidance and motivation to the development team and provide oversight to consultants as needed.
• Evaluate the development team’s performance and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth at varying points in their career trajectories. 

Who You Are 

Desired qualities and experience: 

Proficiency in: 

• Demonstrated success in securing and stewarding institutional donors.  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proposal and case statement writing. 

• Outstanding organizational, process-management, and project-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage complex fundraising pipelines, deadlines, and cross-departmental collaboration. 

• Strong attention to detail alongside the ability to prioritize, plan, and execute multiple workstreams simultaneously 

• Commitment to EPI’s mission of economic justice, equity, and policy impact 

• Knowledge of national philanthropic landscape and funder priorities in economic justice, labor, and equity.  

• Familiarity with donor CRM platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).  

• Experience supporting senior leadership in fundraising roles.  

• A spirit of curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning that supports a deep understanding of EPI’s research, policy priorities, and organizational strategy. While program staff and senior leadership typically lead funder briefings, the successful candidate will develop the insight and institutional knowledge needed to identify strategic fundraising opportunities, shape compelling cases for support, and design proactive fundraising strategies aligned with EPI’s priorities. 

Experience: Minimum 7–10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a strong track record of meeting and exceeding revenue goals. 

EPI is a unionized workplace with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). 

This position is not in the bargaining unit and reports to the Executive Vice President.  

The Development Director supervises unionized staff— the Associate Director of Development and the Senior Development Associate—and is a part of the senior management team.  

Compensation & Benefits 

The salary for this position ranges from $145,000-$175,000, dependent on experience, plus benefits.   

EPI offers an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, a 9.25% employer-provided 401k retirement contribution, partial tuition reimbursement, twelve weeks of parental leave, and fully employer-funded medical, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance for individual employees.  

As a condition of employment, EPI requires all staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination which meets the guidelines as defined by D.C. Health. 

To Apply 

Submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter detailing your experience designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies. In particular, please focus on highlighting your work with institutional giving, annual campaigns, small donor contributors, events, and planned giving. Please provide a sample fundraising success story or summary of a major proposal you led. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace not only strengthens the institute’s work but is also essential for understanding and creating economic policies that support all working people. We encourage applicants who bring lived experience and nontraditional backgrounds to apply to our positions. 

EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.  

Apply now!