Department: Social Policy
Location: Washington, DC
Schedule: Flexible hybrid, minimum 3 days in-office per week
Job Status: Full-Time
Experience: 12-15 years (can include internship, graduate, and PhD experience)
Salary: $135,000-$150,000, plus a generous benefits package
Reports to: Director of Social Policy
The Niskanen Center
Named “the most interesting think tank in American politics” by Time magazine in March 2023, the Niskanen Center promotes policies that advance prosperity, opportunity, and human flourishing, guided by the belief that a free market and an effective government are mutually dependent.
We are forging a new vision of American governance that draws on ideas from across the ideological spectrum, an approach made possible by our independence from rigid political coalitions. Our ideological openness gives us credibility to work with a broad range of actors, meeting them on their own terms and helping them converge on policies they might support for different reasons. We thus aspire to be a voice for the hopes and ambitions of Americans who feel shut out by the hostility of our politics.
The Position
The Niskanen Center’s social policy department is rooted in a simple but often overlooked premise: that an innovative private sector and a capable public sector are mutually dependent. Robust social policies protect and uplift those hurt by economic shocks and misfortune while avoiding regulatory approaches to social protection that undermine market dynamism. Together, a dynamic market economy and effective government form a coherent theory of a free and just society–and a foundation for America’s social policy.
Niskanen’s experts engage in policy research and development focusing on family economic security, employment, healthcare, and housing. They promote ideas and arguments that help ensure public policy innovations benefit workers, their families, and the American economy, using advocacy and public policy reform strategies that cut across partisan lines.
To support this goal, the Deputy Director oversees the day-to-day operations and personnel management of the social policy department. The Deputy Director will significantly contribute to successful fundraising and execution of our strategic vision for the department. In addition the Deputy Director will have a deep understanding of social policy challenges and solutions.
Successful candidates should have substantive expertise in employment policy and familiarity with unemployment insurance and workforce development. This senior-level position reports to the Director of Social Policy.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy
- Develop and implement strategies to achieve departmental and organizational goals;
Operation
- Oversee day-to-day operations within the department, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services or products;
- Delegate responsibilities and tasks effectively;
- Develops department budget and allocates funding to various research programs;
- Collaborate with other departments and senior leaders;
- Communicate departmental strategies, progress, and results to director, executive management, and other stakeholders.
People Management
- Build and manage a high-performing team, including recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management;
- Foster a positive work environment that promotes employee engagement, collaboration, motivation, and retention;
- Provide mentorship and support to team members, promoting their professional growth and development;
- Address and resolve any issues or conflicts, ensuring effective communication and relationship management.
Fundraising
- Helping develop grant proposals and meet grant reporting obligations to funders.
- Developing relationships with new funders as appropriate and support the stewardship of existing funders.
Policy Research and Development
- Develops innovative and novel research projects to advance team’s strategic priorities in employment policy;
- Authors major reports, shorter commentaries, and op-eds based on their research and analysis in employment policy;
- Deploys one or more software packages or programming languages to advance data analysis.
Outreach and Engagement
- In collaboration with the Niskanen Government Affairs Team, developing and implementing strategies to educate members of Congress, the Administration, and other stakeholders about Niskanen policy priorities;
- When invited by policymakers, providing research and policy proposals;
- Developing and growing relationships with policy and advocacy organizations, policy experts, and other partners and stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
A strong commitment to the Niskanen Center’s mission;
At least three years of managerial experience;
Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams;
High degree of integrity, ability to build trust, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others;
Ability to respond to multiple demands in a complex, fast-paced, and rapidly changing policy environment;
Familiarity with social insurance and income support programs for workers and families.
Benefits and Diversity Commitment
Unlimited paid time off; office is closed on all federal holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Years; paid parental leave; 100% health, dental and vision insurance for the employee; 403(b) plan with 4% organization contribution, no vesting period; commuter benefits in D.C.
Niskanen Center is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We also seek to expand our professional networks and workplace composition to better reflect our dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion.
How to Apply
We only review applications after the deadline: applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on July 7, 2024. Please include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample combined into one pdf. Be prepared to present additional materials during the interview process.
Use the link below to apply. No phone calls, please.