Good Jobs First, a non-profit research center in Washington, DC seeks a research analyst to collect, compile and analyze data on economic development subsidy programs, deals and costs across the United States.
We promote corporate and government accountability in economic development, tracking the use of economic development subsidies as well as corporate misconduct. Through our databases, especially Subsidy Tracker and Tax Break Tracker, we provide the public with company- and locality-specific data related to which companies are receiving economic development subsidies and how much revenue communities lose to tax abatements.
This position is ideal for someone who can work independently but is also energized by working collaboratively – our researchers regularly work on joint projects and co-author published pieces. Though this position is heavy on research, data and policy analysis and providing technical assistance, there are opportunities to lead trainings and research webinars, agitate for better accountability and disclosure, and cross-train on other aspects of our work.
The online job listing can be found here.
What you will do:
- Identify and collect deal-specific economic development data;
- Review and evaluate local and state government websites for the quality of their disclosure and pro-equity practices;
- Research state and local economic development subsidy programs and deals;
- Track state and local subsidy developments in specific industry sectors; become an expert in a few assigned fields (for example, data centers)
- Develop and maintain collegial relationships with allied organizations in your assigned fields and provide them with timely, accurate research assistance.
- Participate in all aspects of research projects, from idea development to writing and publicizing final research products — on both independent and team projects.
- Write blogs, articles, and op-eds.
- Provide timely assistance and commentary to journalists.
- Provide occasional in-person and online trainings.
Candidates should have:
- Knowledge of economic development incentive programs such as TIF districts, enterprise zones, and property tax abatements;
- A demonstrated commitment to racial, social, tax and economic justice in a world where government has a rightful role in building an economy that addresses our country’s history of racialized inequality;
- Three years or more of experience doing corporate, public policy or other research for an EDO, NGO, labor union, community group, or academic institution;
- Writing experience and comfort communicating with an outside audience, whether on the phone, via Zoom or in-person meetings;
- The ability to simplify and communicate complex topics;
Ability to work remotely on both team projects and solo assignments;
- A work style that is detail-oriented, problem-solving, and curious about work assignments; a self-starter who can manage their own work schedule and can prioritize tasks.
Other desirable qualifications:
- Knowledge of municipal finance; familiarity with public fiscal documents such as budgets or annual comprehensive financial documents;
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, public policy, urban planning, journalism, or other relevant fields; or
- Knowledge of tax justice, organized labor, community organizing and/or environmental advocacy networks.
Although this is a 40-hour-per-week remote position that can be done anywhere in the U.S., the Research Analyst needs to be generally available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET weekdays for internal and external meetings and coalition work. The researcher may be asked to do work outside of normal hours, and they must be able to do light travel, including to our semi-annual in-person staff retreats. As a condition of employment, Good Jobs First requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination and boosters.
What we offer:
Salary range: $60,000 to $70,000. The Good Jobs First benefit package includes a platinum-level health plan (including dental and vision) with a 100% employer-paid premium, 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer contributions, access to a professional development fund, generous vacation (plus paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day) and parental leave.
Good Jobs First is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women and people of color.
Send a cover letter, resume and short answers (1-2 paragraphs) to the following questions to executive director Greg LeRoy at goodjobs@goodjobsfirst.org. No phone calls, please.
- What does equitable economic development mean to you?
- Our Violation Tracker shows database corporate misconduct is common. Name one or two things that could be done to reduce corporate misbehavior, and why.
- Where other people find budgets and other financial documents confusing or boring, I [fill in the blanks]