Research Associate, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability - Chicago, IL

CTBA Seeks Research Associate

The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability 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 Associate to: (i) identify fundamental policy institutions which collectively work to disadvantage minorities, resulting in "structural racism"; and (ii) develop evidence-based policy initiatives designed to counter such structural racism effectively, thereby helping eliminate key barriers that inhibit minorities from participating fully in the American Dream.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Research the interplay of various core policy areas such as education, fiscal, housing, healthcare, and social services to determine whether there is credible, quantifiable evidence of structural racism resulting from the interplay thereof;
• Develop a public education/communications strategy to help inform decision makers, community stakeholders, and small groups, activists and the general public about both the existence and consequences of structural racism and how it manifests across core policy areas;
• Develop policy initiatives to redress various aspects of structural racism, with an initial focus on education policy, education funding, housing, and economic/workforce development policy;
• Develop training for and provide technical assistance to community groups, to assist their efforts to counter structural racism as it manifests in communities they serve;
• Research, draft and edit white papers, fact sheets, issue briefs, etc.;
• Assist in research conducted by other staff;
• Represent CTBA within various coalitions;
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with elected 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; and
• Represent CTBA at media events (e.g. editorial board meetings, press conferences, forums, television/radio/newspaper interviews). 

 

Candidates for the position should have:

  

A degree in public policy, economics, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.

At least two year's experience in policy analysis or research. Familiarity with state or local government and legislative processes highly desirable.

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 research, quantitative and analytic skills, including experience with SPSS, SAS, STATA, or other statistical analysis software a plus.

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially advanced capabilities in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel.

Experience in grant writing desirable.

Self-motivation, ability to work independently, and ability to prioritize tasks.

Willingness to work as a part of a team. 

 Annual salary range $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and qualifications.  

  

CTBA is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should email their resume, a short writing sample and references to

CTBA's Administrative Director, Tracy Schonberger at tschonberger@ctbaonline.org.