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.
For decades, ITEP has led in the field of tax policy modeling and research. We seek a Senior Researcher to lead research and advance equitable and adequate tax policy in states and localities across the country. The position will report to our Research Director and work closely with our data, research, and communications staff as well as a network of partner organizations.
Position Overview
The Senior Researcher will bring deep familiarity with researching state tax policy. This new hire will execute a strategic research agenda focused on revenue raising in coordination with ITEP teammates, partners, and stakeholders. The Senior Researcher will lead research, develop and enhance methodologies, and author and coauthor substantive, timely research products, that advance the case for equitable and robust state revenue systems.
Experience and Qualifications
- A proven researcher with eight or more years of relevant work experience (this includes time spent receiving advanced degrees)
- Bachelor’s degree required, relevant advanced degree preferred
- Preference for state-level tax policy experience
- Commitment to organization goals of advancing equitable and adequate tax policy
- Comfort navigating literature in the economic, legal, and public finance spheres
- Deep understanding of tax policy and ability to piece together a wide range of resources
- Careful attention to detail, especially when navigating the intricacies of complex data sources
- Clear written communication of complex policy issues
- Ability to work well independently and as a team player who can function in a collaborative environment
- Ability to complete the following job responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
- Review and analyze fiscal and economic data
- Manage research projects and write reports, briefs, and blogs
- Delve deeply into nuanced issues without losing sight of the bigger picture
- Develop methodologies to estimate revenue and distributional impacts of varied tax policy options
- Communicate and coordinate with our data team to efficiently advance projects
- Represent ITEP at events, meetings, speaking engagements, and in media interviews
- Build and sustain external relationships with other researchers, government finance officers, nonprofit partners and policymakers
- Contribute to the tax policy field, and the public discourse, by researching and writing on new and underexplored issues; specific topics will be determined based on the policy landscape and the organization’s needs
- 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
- Occasionally provide technical assistance, policy expertise, and strategic guidance to partners and policymakers seeking to build more equitable and adequate state and local tax codes. This can be time-sensitive
Compensation
The salary hiring range for this position, depending on experience, is $85,000-$120,000
We anticipate a start date in January 2025.
ITEP has a collaborative team of researchers and a collegial work environment where there is a shared commitment to our mission. Generous benefits include:
- 100 percent of the premium for health, dental, and vision 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 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
This position may be based anywhere in the continental U.S. We have office space in Washington DC.
To Apply
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and one technical, analytical writing sample (for example, a report, methodology, internal memo, testimony, etc.) in one PDF to [email protected] with the subject line: State Senior Researcher. Please complete this optional equal employment opportunity survey to help us track our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Resume review begins December 2 and continues until the position 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.