Research Analyst

Research Analyst, National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies

Salary:$57,000 base salary with excellent benefits (see below)

Position Description:

The National Priorities Project (NPP) at the Institute for Policy Studies is dedicated to working with

movement partners and activists to ensure that our federal resources prioritize peace, shared prosperity, and economic security for all. NPP conducts research and analysis to show that a federal budget that divests from militarism in all its forms, from war and military overreach to militarization of borders and law enforcement, can provide real security by reinvesting in people and the planet.

NPP is a project of the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). IPS is a progressive organization dedicated to building a more equitable, ecologically sustainable, and peaceful society. We believe progress occurs when people and movements come together to act on powerful ideas based on equity, peace, and the protection of our planet. Since 1963, we have been challenging corrupt power structures that undermine a true democracy. Today, we are uniting people and movements around real, transformational change through independent research, networking across issues, and visionary platforms.

The NPP Research Analyst conducts federal budget data analysis and research and writes formal and informal analysis and opinion pieces. Public speaking is a part of this role, in the form of webinars, livestreams, trainings, and occasional media representation, primarily for online/print and radio. Other duties include support for the NPP newsletter and occasional support for official social media accounts. The Research Analyst reports to the NPP Program Director.

This position may be based at IPS offices in Washington, DC, or fully remote. Occasional travel is required. Due to our work with movements and activists, occasional night and weekend work is also required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Analyst is tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct basic data analysis, including data tabulation and synthesis, and create charts and graphs in support of NPP research and analysis. This position does not involve advanced statistical analysis.
• Develop and maintain federal budget expertise, including knowledge of spending on the military and militarism, especially spending on the military and war, immigration enforcement activities, and law enforcement and incarceration. Develop broad knowledge of other parts of the federal budget and understanding of the federal budget process.
• Contribute writing for co-authored and solo fact sheets, reports, blog posts, newsletters, and op-eds.
• Maintain relationships with representatives of progressive partner organizations and movements and respond to their research and training needs by developing new resources with NPP team members.
• Deliver webinars, trainings, and facilitate workshops for activists and movement partners, both online and in person.
• Respond quickly to occasional media inquiries, primarily for radio and print.
• Work with IPS communications teams and other staff to promote NPP reports, research and other content.
• Post content on the NPP website, www.nationalpriorities.org, including original content as well as tracking and posting media hits.
• Support NPP’s monthly newsletter, contributing writing, and formatting and distributing.

General Requirements

• Demonstrated passion and commitment to social justice and demilitarization through academics, work and/or volunteer experience.
• Data analysis experience and comfort tabulating data, creating graphs and charts with a strong focus on accuracy, and making meaning from data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (preferred) or similar data package.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience writing in an accessible and engaging (non-technical) style.
• Ability to create and follow timelines and juggle competing demands with input and communication from a team and supervisor. Communicates about work and priorities in a timely way.
• Collaborative and supportive work style; considerate of others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two-plus years professional experience in data analysis.
• Experience with demilitarization movements and concepts; familiarity with recent policy developments in the military, foreign affairs, immigration and/or law enforcement areas.
• Understanding of the federal budget process.

Reporting and Supervision

This is a full-time position, with the organization closing at 1:00 PM (EST) on Fridays. The employee will report to the NPP Program Director and is responsible for working collaboratively with all IPS staff, interns and fellows. This position may supervise student interns.

Commitment to Diversity

The Institute for Policy Studies is strengthened by the diversity of our community and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and much more. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA community, and other groups that have historically been subject to discrimination.

Salary and Benefits

$57,000, depending on experience. The Research Analyst will also receive excellent benefits including full health insurance for the employee’s family, generous vacation benefits, paid holidays, a 403(b) match, and life insurance. This job is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, CWA Local 32035. This position is ongoing, subject to continued funding.

To Apply:

Please send the following materials in a single PDF to apply@ips-dc.org with “Research Analyst” in the subject line:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in this work and any related experience
• Your resume
• Three References
• A writing sample not exceeding 2 pages in length. We prefer non-academic papers, perhaps a blog post, or a press release.

Please submit materials by Friday, March 29th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the large volume of applications, only applicants moving on to the next round will be contacted by the Search Committee. No phone calls, please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $57,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 2 years

Work Location: Remote