Policy & Research Analyst

Local Progress is seeking a Policy & Research Analyst.

Position Location: Remote, U.S.

About Local Progress:

Local Progress (LP) is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. We are elected leaders who build power with underrepresented communities, share bold ideas and policy among our network and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country. Hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and unions committed to advancing a social justice agenda, the elected officials and staff of Local Progress are building the network to facilitate a genuine “inside/outside” strategy to reforming municipal policy and politics. Founded in 2012, Local Progress has grown to over 1,300 local elected official members representing cities, counties, and towns in 47 states.

About the Position:

This is a new position at Local Progress that will be created in January 2022. Working as part of a national program and policy team, the Policy & Research Analyst will support growth of policy education and resources for members on a broad array of issues, as well as the in-depth work of the organization on climate justice, reimagining public safety, economic justice, immigrant rights and advancing housing justice for all. The Policy & Research Analyst will also provide policy and research support to elected officials in a variety of geographies (LP has state-based staff in FL, NC, TX, MN, and NY and members in 47 states).

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to build the policy and research capacity of the Local Progress network, which is comprised of elected officials serving in cities and counties, and on school boards, as well as closely collaborate with these members in working hand-in-hand with impacted communities to win transformational local policy on some of the most pressing issues facing communities today. This role will provide timely resources, strategy, and collaboration to Local Progress members on the forefront of these efforts. This role will require digging in on technical questions facing our members day-to-day; for example, on land use and zoning, local budget allocations, and community engagement.

The Policy & Research Analyst will report to the Policy and Legal Director.

Local Progress is a hosted organization with the Center for Popular Democracy through December 31, 2021. The Policy & Research Analyst will be an employee of Local Progress, and will not have any affiliation with the Center for Popular Democracy.

Primary Responsibilities. The Policy & Research Analyst will:

Produce high-quality policy briefs that summarize key policy considerations and relevant research and recommend equitable solutions.
Engage with LP staff, members and partners to assess policy and research questions, and perform research and policy analysis to respond to those questions, sometimes in rapid response situations.
Support projects that advance various policy, advocacy, and campaign goals, including the development of policy materials and original research.
Perform in-depth legislative analysis specific to needs and campaigns in particular jurisdictions.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with external policy and research partners.
Support the development of policy templates and tools, scalable across the Local Progress network, including policy toolkits, template resolutions, and frameworks/guidance for equitable policymaking.
Collaborate across LP teams to effectively disseminate findings and policy implications through reports, member programming, leadership bodies, web products, media, and testimony.
Analyze federal legislation, executive orders, and policy guidance and translate into materials and resources for members and partners.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

6 years of experience with at least 2-3 years experience with research, policy advocacy, or government. Previous experience or graduate work in one of the following areas is preferred, but not required: urban planning, community development, land use, environmental justice, and education policy.
Attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey and translate complex information for a variety of audiences;
Experience working with research databases and tools like LexisNexis and comfort with navigating various government websites and other data sources.
An interest in–and the ability to–dive into new issue areas; specifically, the ability to quickly get up to speed on key policy considerations and relevant research, and write clear summaries describing and synthesizing the state-of-play.
Ability to manage multiple projects, create and execute work plans, anticipate obstacles and identify ways to navigate challenges, identify and involve stakeholders appropriately, and drive projects independently;
Ability to take initiative, use good judgment, willingness to learn, and ask questions as needed;
A demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice and a deep interest in local policy, politics, and government.
Ability to travel occasionally (approximately 10%) when conditions allow.
Salary and Benefits:

Salary is expected to be $65,000-$75,000 based on experience and geographic location.

We have a generous benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 25 vacation days per year, 15 sick days per year, paid holidays, and contributions to individuals’ 403b plans. The Local Progress office is also closed between December 24 and January 1 annually.

Timeline:

We encourage applicants to apply as early as practicable. The application deadline is January 14, 2022. Due to the holidays, and in an effort to build a strong and diverse pool, we will only begin screening applicants in January 2022. If you have any time constraints, please indicate as much in your application.

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume through the JazzHR portal here: https://localprogress.applytojob.com/apply/zQKlL0pdVB/Policy-Research-Analyst

Local Progress is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively recruits people of color, womxn, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQAA+ community.