Associate Director for Policy and Research, The Social Finance Institute

The role

The Associate Director of Policy will advance a portfolio of policy research, analysis, and engagement. This person will support projects that translate research and practice into actionable insights for policymakers and other influential audiences.

What you will do

• Coordinate targeted applied research projects led by external researchers, policy experts, and partner organizations
• Develop project plans, timelines, research questions, and deliverables
• Identify emerging questions, potential research partners, and opportunities to connect research with policy and practice
• Synthesize findings from academic research, program experience, stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis
• Monitor and analyze federal and state legislative, regulatory, and policy developments
• Contribute to policy research, landscape analyses, and other projects
• Assess the implications of emerging policy developments for Social Finance's programs and partners
• Translate complex research, legislation, and policy developments into clear, practical insights
• Research and draft policy briefs, issue papers, blog posts, presentations, memos, talking points, and public comments
• Build and maintain relationships with congressional and executive branch staff, state policymakers, and other stakeholders

Required qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government, applied research, advocacy, or a related field
• Experience working in or closely with the federal legislative or policymaking process
• Familiarity with one or more domestic policy areas related to Social Finance’s work, such as finance, economic development, workforce development, government effectiveness, or philanthropy
• Experience conducting research or policy analysis and translating findings into practical recommendations
• Demonstrated experience working with policymakers, constituents, coalitions, external partners, or other diverse stakeholders
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Nuanced understanding of the political and policy environment
• Ability to manage complex projects, competing priorities, and multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently and solve problems while collaborating effectively with colleagues
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills

Nice to have

• Prior congressional, committee, or federal policy service
• Experience developing policy proposals, legislative materials, regulatory comments, or other products for government audiences
• Experience managing external research partnerships or multi-organization projects
• Established relationships with federal policymakers, state policy leaders, researchers, or organizations in relevant fields
• Familiarity with outcomes-based approaches, innovative financing, evidence-based policymaking, or public-sector performance and delivery
• A graduate degree in public policy, public administration, law, economics, finance, or a related field

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care coverage: medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Access to Blue Cross Blue Shield Wellness Program AHealthyMe Rewards
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Short-term, long-term and life insurance policies
• Commuter benefits and cell phone reimbursements
• Hybrid work model
• Dedicated budgets for team building and employee recognition
• Annual budget for external professional development opportunities
• Mentorship and onboarding programs
• Paid vacation and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave

Before you apply

• Applicants must be permanently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
• To be in-person at a Social Finance office, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including receiving a booster shot

About the company

Social Finance is a national nonprofit and registered investment adviser expanding economic opportunity in America. They bring government, philanthropy, and business leaders together to improve systems and put capital to work in new ways.