Senior Policy Analyst: Economic Democracy

Position Summary

About Dēmos.  Demos is a policy and advocacy organization working for an America where all have an equal say in our democracy and an equal chance in our economy. Founded in 2000, the organization is headquartered in New York City and has an office in Washington, D.C.. Demos moves ideas powerful enough to improve the lives of everyday Americans through the full cycle of change. We champion over-the-horizon policy solutions, shift the narrative to clear the way for their acceptance, and advocate until they take effect. We use the right strategy for the right moment, whether it’s research, communications, supporting organizers, or litigation. This commitment to the full cycle of change has resulted in real victories, from landmark credit card reforms to over 3 million new voter registration applications from low-income citizens. Throughout all of our work, Dēmos is advocating not just for people, but for the very idea of the people—of one nation, united by a shared fate.

The Senior Policy Analyst will help to develop an emerging body of work at Demos focused on economic democracy.

Today, our economy and democracy are failing Black and brown people. While these failures are not new, they have been exposed and exacerbated by the colliding damage caused by COVID-19, state violence and killing of Black people and the economic recession. The frame of economic democracy says that in order to address these failures we need to think beyond immediate economic relief and market-based solutions. We need to go beyond simply changing economic policies, to fundamentally shift how Black and brown people, workers and jobless people relate to the corporations and to the government institutions that govern economic policy.

In coordination with grassroots and movement building organizations, the Senior Policy Analyst will provide research and policy analysis of the economy that is centered on building power and increasing democratic participation of Black and brown communities. This work is based on the premise that those most impacted by injustice and inequality should have a voice in the solution. This work is evolving and could include (but is not limited to) strategies to: dismantle concentrations of corporate power; build the power of essential workers and jobless people; democratize and make public the provision of essential goods and public services and increase participation of those most impacted by the economic crisis within government institutions and policymaking bodies. The position is housed within the Policy and Research team at Demos and will report to the Director of Policy and Research.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, maintain and build research and policy collaborations with grassroots and movement organizations that are building economic power of Black and brown communities and other important stakeholders on economic policy;
• Develop narrative-changing research on a range of issues related to economic democracy;
• Write long and short-form publications based on the research including research reports, issue briefs, fact sheets and opinion articles;
• Work in collaboration across Demos teams such as legal, movement building and communications to develop research and policy that advances Demos’ strategic priorities;
• Conduct presentations and represent Demos externally on relevant research and policy issues.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Developed Racial Equity Analysis & Practice. You have a well-developed racial equity analysis and consistently integrate this analysis into your work projects and personal interactions by addressing structural implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on race, class and other group identities within the context of your job responsibilities and projects.

• Excellent Writing and Analytical Skills. You have experience executing research and writing projects, from initial concept stage to final drafting of research reports, issue briefs, fact sheets and other materials.

• Strategic and Creative Thinking. You understand that ideas matter and view research and policy as a critical component for creating the public and political will for change. You are curious by nature, and eager to uncover new analyses that can advance the public debate.

• Experience working on progressive policy issues. You have a proven track record working to advance progressive policies. You have experience translating ideas into concrete policy proposals.

The most competitive candidates will also demonstrate several of the following skills and experience:

• External Outreach and Collaboration. You are skilled at identifying and cultivating productive relationships with key individuals in movement building, academia, government, and policy and advocacy organizations.
• Research Design and Narrative. You have experience designing and conducting primary research including surveys, interviews, focus groups and other research methods. You know how to incorporate the voices and center the lived-experience of those most impacted by injustice and inequality into research and policy design and analysis.
• Data proficiency. You have familiarity working with data and you are interested in using data strategically to advance policy change.
• Legislation and Rulemaking. You have familiarity with legislative drafting and the statutory and regulatory aspects of policy making.

Candidates need to bring a strong commitment to excellence and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The position is full-time and based in New York City or Washington, D.C. Strong candidates outside the New York City or Washington, D.C. area will be considered. 

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $95,000 and commensurate with experience.  We have a generous benefits package which includes health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 10 paid holidays, 18 vacation days per year, 5 floating holidays per year, paid time off Dec. 25- Jan. 1, 12 sick days per year, and the opportunity to contribute to a 403b plan.