Job Opening: Policy Analyst

The Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) is seeking a Policy Analyst to conduct research and analysis on state and local fiscal policy in New York.

FPI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization with a mission of improving public policy to better the economic and social conditions of all New Yorkers. FPI is a vital resource for legislators, advocates, and the media on matters of the state budget, tax policy, and public spending programs.

The policy analyst will be responsible for analyzing state fiscal trends, including both revenues and expenditures, as well as the underlying economic and demographic trends driving the state’s finances. The policy analyst will also be responsible for studying fiscally significant legislation and policy proposals, and for making recommendations as to FPI’s public positions on such issues. FPI’s research covers the major areas of state fiscal policy: taxation, economic development, transportation, public welfare, healthcare, education, and general government services.

In addition to strong research and analysis skills, this position requires strong written and oral communication skills. The analyst will be responsible for producing publishable written analysis, and for collaborating with other policy staff as needed. The analyst may be called upon to speak at conferences and panels, and to engage in other public events as a representative of FPI.

The analyst must be highly motivated to apply their analytical skills to a broad range of fiscal policy issues, and should have experience with both quantitative social science and public policy analysis.

Responsibilities
  • Research fiscal and economic policy issues in New York State, especially with an eye to issues of economic, social, and racial justice.
  • Produce new, independent analysis of contemporary issues in New York State fiscal policy that reflects FPI’s expertise.
  • Develop policy proposals relating to major areas of the New York State budget, including taxation, economic development, economic security, healthcare, education, and government services.
  • Stay up to speed with state and local policy developments to identify opportunities for FPI to influence policy or public opinion.
  • Respond to inquiries from policymakers, the media, and advocates, often on tight deadlines. Take a lead role in briefings of legislators and their staffers.
Requirements
  • A commitment to FPI’s mission.
  • Strong writing skills, including the ability to explain highly technical concepts to policymakers, advocates, and the media, and to synthesize data and research into clear, effective arguments.
  • Strong policy research skills, including the ability to use and interpret a wide range of sources, such as legislation, regulations, and academic work in fiscal policy and economics.
  • Strong quantitative skills including the use of statistical packages (e.g., R, STATA) and experience conducting applied economic research.
  • Familiarity with data sets relevant to fiscal, economic, and social research, including those published by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Ability to manage research projects and to handle multiple responsibilities under time pressure.
  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A master’s degree in a relevant field, such as public policy, economics, or political science, is preferred.
  • At least two years of experience working in fiscal, economic, or tax policy, especially in state or local government, or in a policy-focused research organization.
Preferred or Desired
  • Relevant work experience, or a PhD or other equivalent degree beyond the master’s level.
Work Environment
  • FPI is currently a fully remote work environment, with the exception of weekly in-person meetings held in New York City.
  • Occasional travel to Albany may be required, particularly while the state legislature is in session.

Terms of Employment: Full-time, exempt.

Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $60,000-$70,000, depending on experience; health insurance, 401(k), vacation leave, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

How to Apply:

Please include a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and an example of data or policy analysis with your application. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to FPI’s mission.

Please submit your application to info@fiscalpolicy.org with the subject line “[Last name] –Policy Analyst”.

The Fiscal Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.