Policy Analyst

STATUS: Exempt

SALARY: $90,000 – $110,000 annually

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Public Policy

DUTY STATION: Washington, DC

ABOUT US

The Searchlight Institute is a home for creative thinkers dedicated to disrupting today’s paradigm of purity, smallness, and fear. We generate big ideas, break down ideological barriers, and bring clarity to a data environment polluted by misinformation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We seek a diligent public policy professional to engage in detailed analytical work related to federal tax policy, budget, finance, social safety net and health care spending, and other economic issues. The ideal candidate will have a firm understanding of how fiscal considerations intersect with an array of policy areas and will embrace nuanced, heterodox, and out-of-the-box solutions to the nation’s fiscal challenges. This is not an entry level position.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct timely data collection, analysis, research, and forecasting on proposed revenue, spending, and other fiscal policies;
• Work with senior staff and Searchlight fellows to prepare policy proposals, briefing memos, and other materials;
• Work with congressional offices and other external stakeholders to communicate policy expertise and provide real-time technical support;
• Draft and contribute to public-facing Searchlight work products, including website and Substack posts, press releases, organizational newsletters, and other stakeholder engagement resources;
• Support the drafting of short- and long-term policy proposals suitable for legislation;
• Work with Searchlight leadership and government affairs team to support the introduction of legislative proposals;
• Advise Searchlight senior staff on policy matters;
• Serve as an on-the-record source for media outlets as directed;
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least three years of relevant policy experience (e.g., U.S. congressional office or committee, executive branch, advocacy organization, or other similar field);
• Strong familiarity with national fiscal policy considerations, including but not limited to: taxes and other revenue measures, health programs financed by specific taxes or trust funds, and other mandatory spending programs;
• Strong familiarity with the relevant congressional committees of jurisdiction for fiscal, budget, and tax policy;
• Experience working with a high degree of autonomy and personal initiative;
• Experience working closely with a dynamic principal;
• A high degree of comfort with rapid response and fast-paced dynamics;
• A keen understanding of the major players, events, and dynamics shaping federal fiscal policy;
• A willingness to engage in real-time discourse to drive conversation topics among key audiences; and
• A willingness to ruffle some feathers.