March 7, 2024

Local Policy Analyst

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) is a non-profit research organization that analyzes tax laws and tax proposals at the federal, state, and local levels. ITEP’s work demonstrates the need to raise more revenue from corporations and wealthy individuals. Our small, influential staff works with policymakers and partners to research, support, and develop tax policies that address inequality. Our unique microsimulation model demonstrates who pays taxes across income, race and geography. Our corporate tax research documents corporate tax avoidance. All of this work steers the debate about how taxes can enable public investment, enhance economic and racial equity, and improve lives. 

Last year, ITEP expanded our reach from federal and state tax policy to local jurisdictions. ITEP seeks a Local Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst to advance equitable and adequate tax policy in cities, towns, and counties across the country. The position will work closely with ITEP analysts, researchers, and communications staff as well as a network of partner organizations. This position can be filled either as an early-career position suitable for individuals with three or more years of relevant work experience (Analyst) or with eight or more years of relevant work experience (Senior Analyst). This position will report to our Local Policy Director. 

Overview 

The Local Policy Analyst will develop and execute a strategic research and policy agenda in coordination with ITEP teammates, partners, and stakeholders. The Analyst will author and coauthor substantive, timely reports, briefs, and blog posts advancing the case for equitable, efficient local revenue systems. The Analyst will use ITEP’s microsimulation model, the only tax model capable of disaggregating tax incidence data by race and ethnicity at the state and local level, to quantify and communicate the effects of laws and proposals. The Analyst will represent ITEP and the organization’s work to external audiences, including policymakers, partners, and the media. 

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Review and analyze fiscal, economic, and demographic data and local budget/financial documents 
  • Proactively build and sustain external relationships with other researchers, local government finance officers, nonprofit partners and policymakers  
  • Contribute to the tax policy field, and the public discourse, by quickly researching new issues and producing draft reports, briefs, and blog posts; topics will be determined based on the policy landscape and the organization’s needs 
    • Examples: property tax circuit breakers, local fines and fees, the impact of remote work on local revenues 
  • Provide technical assistance, policy expertise, and strategic guidance to partners and policymakers seeking to build more equitable and adequate local tax codes. This can be time-sensitive 
  • Use ITEP’s microsimulation tax model to analyze the revenue and distributional impact of tax laws and proposals in local jurisdictions 
  • Represent ITEP at events, meetings, speaking engagements, and in media interviews 
  • Monitor tax policy developments in localities and contribute to the State and Local Tax Rundown with summaries of recent developments 
  • Contribute to ITEP’s flagship report, Who Pays? which analyzes the distribution of state and local taxes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia 
    • Examples: Dig into local annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFR) and other sources to sort through revenue questions; find up-to-date property tax data  

Desired Experience and Skills:

  • A working familiarity and interest in local government tax and budget policies and policymaking processes gained through work experience and/or coursework 
  • Ability and interest in working with data, and familiarity with sources of fiscal, economic and demographic data, such as the Census of Governments, the American Community Survey, and government budget/financial documents 
  • Ability and interest in reading and summarizing statutes, bill language and complex proposals 
  • Demonstrated research, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly to a range of audiences 
  • Ability to conceive, design, and conduct research projects 
  • Comfort with public speaking at events or conferences 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a small team 
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and operate as a self-starter 
  • Demonstrated commitment to economic and tax justice and racial and gender equity. This may include professional or lived experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities and an understanding of the impacts of structural racism and bias 

The right candidate for this role will have a mix of experience and skills that may look different than what this position outlines. 

Compensation 

The salary hiring range for this position, depending on experience, is: $72,00-$97,000 (Analyst) or $85,000-$114,000 (Senior Analyst).   

We anticipate a start date in April or May 2024. 

Generous benefits include: 

  • 100 percent of the premium for health and dental insurance for you and your family. 
  • 403 (B) plan to which ITEP contributes 10% of employee’s salary. 
  • All federal holidays plus the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day. 
  • Paid vacation leave with advance approval and sick time are at employee’s discretion. 
  • After one year of employment, ITEP provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave. After five years, staff are eligible to request a six-week paid sabbatical. 

Location 

ITEP is based in Washington, DC. However, remote-working arrangements are possible for this position. 

To apply 

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and one brief writing sample (no more than 750 words) in one PDF to [email protected] with the subject line: Local Policy Analyst or Local Policy Senior Analyst. Please complete this optional EEO survey and attach it to the same email in a separate PDF to help ITEP track our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Resume review begins April 1st and continues until it is filled. 

ITEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and welcome diversity and encourage all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, familial status or veteran status. Proof of vaccination or health exemption required. 


Share