EPI seeks a skilled, inquisitive, and self-starting researcher to join our EARN team as a State Economic Analyst to conduct economic research and develop policy materials in support of EARN and EPI’s mission of creating a more equitable, worker-centered economy. This person will write reports and blog posts; analyze state, local, regional, and national economic data; and provide research and policy guidance, issue toolkits, customized data products, trainings, and technical assistance to EARN state partners and their grassroots allies throughout the country.

We are seeking someone with 3 or more years’ experience writing, researching, and using data to analyze public policy and the economy – particularly around economic, worker, racial, and gender justice issues.

About EPI and EARN

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that researches the impact of economic trends and policies, centering the economic interests of workers in the United States. EPI is a key institution in the movement for racial, gender, and economic justice in the United States and is widely recognized as a source of authoritative analysis on economic trends, with a particular focus on inequality and the forces that diminish the power of people of color and women.

The Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN) is a nationwide network of 56 state-based research, policy, and advocacy organizations advancing an inclusive, worker-centered economy through state and local policy change. EARN groups conduct research on the economy, analyze public policies, and collaborate with advocates and community groups to develop and advocate for policies that prioritize racial and gender equity and confront the fundamental power imbalances in the workplace to create an economy that works for everyone. EARN is coordinated by staff at the Economic Policy Institute.

What You Will Do

• Conduct research and analysis in support of EARN projects and campaigns: 
• Produce reports, fact sheets, op-eds, blog posts, resource packets, and other documents on a wide range of economic issues and policies, but with particular focus on the challenges facing workers—particularly Black, Brown, and women workers—and policy solutions that raise labor standards and build worker power. Areas of focus could include issues such as minimum wages, overtime, and other labor standards; paid leave, fair scheduling, and other policies to improve job quality; gender- and racial-pay inequities; state and local fiscal policy; equitable economic development; worker organizing and collective bargaining; and climate justice.
• Collect and analyze data to describe the impact of public policies on working families and the economy. 
• Develop and maintain state- and regional-level data packages and tools for EARN state groups and grassroots allies. 
• Support EARN state partners in their research and policy work: 
• Respond to technical assistance requests from EARN groups and allies, particularly on research, economic policy, and data-related questions.
• Produce custom statistics and data sets for EARN members to use in their analyses and advocacy. 
• Review and contribute to EARN member reports and products. 
• In collaboration with other EARN staff, develop training opportunities for EARN members and grassroots allies, including webinars and, when possible, in-person training sessions. 
• Develop fluency on key EARN issue areas, monitoring relevant research and emerging trends in federal, state, and local policymaking. 
• Engage in public debates, policy advocacy, and public education through conference presentations, briefings, expert testimony, and responding to media inquiries. 
• Write, edit, and contribute to other EPI reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, snapshots, blog posts, and interactive online content.  
• Assist in the management of EARN’s online resources, including the EARN website and listserv. 
• Assist in planning and staffing EARNCon, EARN’s annual conference for state partners and allies, as well as other network events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

Ideally, you have a bachelor’s degree an at least 3 years of relevant work experience. We do not expect that every candidate will have this full range of qualifications, but the following qualities and experience are highly desirable:

• Experience with, and demonstrated commitment to, economic justice and racial and gender equity, such as in a policy research organization, labor union, advocacy organization, or public agency.
• Strong statistics and econometrics competencies, such as those that would be gained through a masters or professional degree in economics, public policy, or a related field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of work experience conducting rigorous quantitative research may be considered.
• Training and experience with analysis of microdata, including using statistical software such as Stata or R.
• Experience with policy research and advocacy; ability to read and analyze policy language; familiarity with the state-level policy and legislative process is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to produce a research product from start to finish – identifying the appropriate research question(s), developing a methodology to investigate, and effectively interpreting and communicating the findings and implications of the analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to create materials for a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to represent the organization at meetings and events, as well as with the media and in testimony before state and local government bodies.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently, but also able to collaborate and work as part of a team and with diverse partners.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion.
• Facility with the Microsoft Office Suite, with expertise in Excel. Knowledge of WordPress, Highcharts, and/or GIS a bonus.
• Willingness to handle occasional long hours and travel.

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. 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.

Salary and Benefits

• EPI is a unionized workplace with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). This position is in the bargaining unit and reports to the Director of EARN.
• The salary for the Analyst position ranges from $72,000 to $87,000, dependent on experience, plus benefits.
• EPI offers an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, a 9.25% employer-provided 401k retirement contribution, fully employer-funded medical, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.

Location

This position will be based at EPI’s office in Washington, DC. EPI staff are currently working 75% remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic and will resume regular in-person work when it is safe to do so. As a condition of employment, EPI requires all staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

To Apply 

Candidates should send a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience and explaining their interest in working at EPI, resume, and writing sample to earn-jobs@epi.org with “State Economic Analyst” in the subject line.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications without a cover letter, resume, and/or writing sample will not be considered.

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