Research Assistant, Economic Poli

Center for American Progress; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for American Progress is seeking a Research Assistant on its Economic Policy team. The role will support policy research across topics like affordability, economic mobility, and growth, under the guidance of senior staff.

The candidate will contribute to high-quality economic policy research and may assist with operational tasks within the team. The ideal candidate combines strong writing and editing skills with excellent organizational ability, paying close attention to deadlines and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, plus one to two years of relevant professional experience.
• Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research with senior staff oversight.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with high standards for accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to balance multiple projects at once.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well on a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in and background knowledge of economic issues.
• Training or experience in one or more commonly used statistical software packages—such as Stata, R, SAS, or Python—is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

Responsibilities

• Support research on key policy areas and summarize existing research.
• Read and summarize existing research, review legislation and regulations, analyze datasets, and track policy developments.
• Support writing and editing of op-eds, columns, issue briefs, reports, and memos.
• Support development, implementation, management, production, and distribution of products.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including administrative tasks.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Organization

Teamwork

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Stata

R

SAS

Python

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Reports to: Director of Economic Analysis

Staff reporting to this position: None

Department: Economic Policy

Position classification: Exempt, full time; Union - Level 2

Compensation range: $55,000–$63,250 per annum

Work site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress is seeking a Research Assistant on its Economic Policy team. The position will support work on policy topics across American Progress, including those related to affordability, economic mobility, and economic growth in the context of building an economy that works for all.

The successful candidate will be guided by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. The Research Assistant will join a committed group of colleagues with extensive research expertise to strengthen American Progress’ policy and advocacy work in support of American Progress’ priorities.

This position calls for a highly organized, detail-oriented, and responsible individual. The Research Assistant will support high-quality economic policy research and occasionally contribute to operational functions of the team. Research tasks will include qualitative and quantitative analysis and assistance with product development, from initial scoping to final publication. The ideal candidate will have excellent judgement and organizational skills and pay careful attention to details, deadlines, and follow-up communications. They will also be intellectually curious with a strong desire to find answers to challenging research questions and have the ability to multitask. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. This position will report to the Director of Economic Analysis on the Economic Policy team and frequently work on projects directed by other senior staff in the department.

Responsibilities

• Support research on key policy areas, including strategies to strengthen households’ economic security and promote economic growth.
• Read and summarize existing research, review state and federal legislation and regulations, analyze datasets, and track and monitor policy developments.
• Support the writing and editing of accessible op-eds, columns, issue briefs, reports, rapid-response statements, and memos.
• Support the development, implementation, management, production, and distribution of products.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including administrative tasks.

Requirements and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, plus one to two years of relevant professional experience.
• Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research with senior staff oversight.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with high standards for accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to balance multiple projects at once.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well on a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in and background knowledge of economic issues.
• Training or experience in one or more commonly used statistical software packages—such as Stata, R, SAS, or Python—is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.