Research and Policy Specialist, The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability

CTBA Seeks Research and Policy Specialist
(Public Pensions and Local Government)

The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability ("CTBA") is a bi-partisan 501(c)(3) non-profit research and advocacy think tank that promotes fair, efficient and progressive tax, spending and economic policies. CTBA seeks to hire a Research and Policy Specialist to assume a leadership role in the organization's public pensions and local government research portfolios.

*Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: *

- Identify, analyze, and respond to federal, state and local public pension, other retiree benefits and fiscal policy issues;
- Conduct research and analysis and write papers on public pension, other retiree benefits, economic and local government issues;
- Identify emerging issues in pension, other retiree benefits and local government finance;
- Lead and coordinate research;
- Assist in reports authored by other staff;
- Maintain and update the organization's "IRSI" (Illinois Retirement Security Initiative) website;
- Maintain, coordinate and develop the IRSI coalition, in conjunction with IRSI's advisory board and steering committee;
- Represent CTBA within various coalitions;
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with elected and administrative officials and their staffs, as well as other state wide, local and national research and advocacy groups, universities and other organizations;
- Develop and deliver analysis, training, technical support and presentations for other organizations, government officials, legislators and the public;
- Draft legislation on various issues;
- Represent CTBA at media events (e.g., editorial board meetings, press conferences, forums, television/radio/newspaper interviews);
- Represent CTBA staff at Board of Director and Policy Committee meetings; and
- Assist in preparing a newsletter on legislative updates, fiscal policy analysis and other current policy happenings.

*Candidates for the position should have:*
A degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or a related field (e.g. law). Experience in policy analysis or research.

Familiarity with state or local government and legislative processes highly desirable. Ability to supervise interns and volunteers. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly to lay audiences both in writing and through public speaking. Strong quantitative and analytic skills, including familiarity with spreadsheets, computer graphics, and statistical analysis software. Self-motivation, ability to work independently, and ability to prioritize tasks. Willingness to work as a part of a team.

Annual salary range $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include healthcare and a defined contribution plan.

Interested candidates should email their resume, a short writing sample and references to CTBA's Administrative Director, Tracy Schonberger at tschonberger@ctbaonline.org.


CTBA is an equal opportunity employer.