Researcher & Policy Analyst

ALIGN is a longstanding alliance of labor and community organizations united for a just and sustainable New York. We seek a talented, motivated, and dedicated individual to join our team as Researcher & Policy Analyst. This is an exciting time to join our staff and be engaged in building an ambitious organization at the forefront of innovative policy, organizing, and communications efforts in New York. The research and analysis done by ALIGN is key to the success of our campaigns for policies protecting worker health and safety, reducing pollution, and creating new green jobs, including winning the NY HERO Act, Local Law 97, and Commercial Waste Zones.

Position Description & Responsibilities:

The Researcher & Policy Analyst will report to the Climate Director and is responsible for:

Campaign research and policy development:Develop research plans and timelines. Collaborate with coalition partners to design, conduct and/or interpret qualitative and quantitative research including literature reviews, surveys, and data analysis. Work closely with the ALIGN team as well as a broad range of stakeholders both at the grassroots and leadership levels to develop, present, and drive progressive policies and effective implementation of policy wins, including our campaigns to win Green, Healthy Schools in NYC and ensure strong pro-worker provisions in statewide climate justice policies

Policy papers and research briefs:Develop and draft written reports, white papers and other materials on our core economic and environmental justice issue areas that are accessible to key audiences such as community & union leaders, policy makers, funders and the broader public. Aggregate existing research and coordinate with other coalition partners to draft reports in support of campaign goals, such as winning additional raises to NY’s minimum wage and winning protections for warehouse workers. Partner with communications staff to regularly disseminate research findings and policy positions to our allies, the media, and the general public.

Public advocacy: Team up with ALIGN campaign staff and coalition partners to facilitate in-person and webinar discussions on related policy topics with state/local government agencies and community-based organizations. Represent ALIGN externally by attending policy briefings and meetings. Use data analysis, primary and secondary research, and best-practice policy analysis to support campaigns and shift debate on economic, environmental, and equity issues. Draft and deliver public testimony, speak at policy and research panels, and serve on policy advisory councils and working groups to build issue saliency and garner support for our policies.

Issue tracking and analysis: Follow and analyze current labor, economic, and environmental statistics from a wide variety of governmental and non-governmental sources. Regularly track relevant issues of interest to the organization, such as employment, city and state budgets, sustainability, and economic development data and trends. Conduct state and federal policy scans. Track policy proposals and implementation in assigned content areas.

Organizational health: Supporting practices that lead toward a caring, collaborative, and effective staff team. Supporting fundraising and reporting to ensure the organization’s financial sustainability.

Qualifications: We recognize that people from marginalized groups may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Required qualifications:

• Minimum 4 years research and policy experience;
• A commitment to social, economic, climate, and racial justice and the labor movement;
• Understands ALIGN’s mission and model for building power with community and labor;
• Strong meeting facilitation and task delegation skills across a diverse set of organizations and constituents;
• Ability to independently manage projects from conception to completion, and work as part of a team;
• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a deadline-driven environment.
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working within an organized labor union and/or climate justice organization;
• Familiarity with NYC and New York State policies, movements, and governmental leaders;
• Team leadership and experience working with coalitions;
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus.

Terms of Employment: This is a full-time position with 100% paid healthcare options as well as generous retirement, vacation, and other benefits. The Researcher & Policy Analyst is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The starting pay for this position is between $75,000–$85,000 annually, dependent on years and relevant range of experience. This is a hybrid position with our offices located in lower Manhattan, New York City.

Application Process: Candidates are encouraged to submit applications early, the position is available immediately and is open until filled. Email cover letter, resume, and where you saw this job posting to [email protected]. Please put “Researcher & Policy Analyst” in the subject line of the email. No phone calls, please.

ALIGN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The organization encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction.

ALIGN takes the health of our employees, families, and communities very seriously. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment.