[Hiring] Senior Director of Policy and Research @Economic Security Project

Role Description

The Economic Security Project (ESP) is seeking a Senior Director of Policy and Research to help lead its policy team. This is a senior leadership role in which the Senior Director will partner closely with the Vice President of Policy and Research to manage the department, from setting strategy and priorities to overseeing the budget and developing program managers.

The Senior Director will build a strong team and advance an ambitious policy and research agenda aimed at rebuilding economic security for working people. In this role, they will:

• Propose and direct original research, policy briefs, and factsheets.
• Oversee a research fellowship program.
• Help drive ESP’s movement-building efforts—cultivating support for new economic ideas while representing the organization to partners, policymakers, and the public.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in economic policy.
• Track record of strategic coalition building.
• Proven ability to mentor and manage high-performing teams.
• Sharp analytical mind, navigating complex legislative landscapes.
• Ability to translate bold economic concepts into actionable policy wins and public campaigns.

Requirements

• Oversee the workflows that create our research and policy products and events.
• Set short-term and long-term priorities across the team’s portfolio toward the highest-impact work.
• Coach, mentor, and develop program managers, including through regular feedback and support for their career growth.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Team, working as a connector across the organization.
• Build an inclusive, mission-driven team culture.
• Develop team strategy for maximum impact.
• Propose, plan, and execute projects to advance our work at the federal and state level.
• Oversee commissioned policy and research projects with external research partners.
• Support ESP colleagues in producing and understanding research relevant to their work.
• Support the ESP team in writing or preparing for events or media opportunities related to research.
• Work with ESP’s executive and development teams to support fundraising.
• Ensure methodological quality, analytical rigor, and strength of arguments in our outputs.
• Develop and lead initiatives to advance new economic policy ideas.
• Build and sustain partnerships with various organizations.
• Provide technical assistance to policymakers and partner groups.
• Partner with the ESP events team to host workshops and meetings.

Benefits

• Flexible remote work.
• Regular office closures.
• Five-year sabbatical program.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Company Description

The Economic Security Project (ESP) advocates for ideas that build economic power for all Americans by legitimizing bold concepts through cutting-edge research and the elevation of key champions. Their diverse team facilitates change by:

• Disbursing grants.
• Running targeted issue campaigns.
• Developing creative interventions.
• Convening leaders to spur broader investment and collective action.

ESP has successfully set a bold agenda for a more just political economy, leading to significant policy victories and investments in research and grassroots coalitions.