Policy Analyst

About the Organization

Groundwork Collaborative, founded in 2018, works from the principle that shared prosperity drives a stronger economy. The organization advances progressive economic policy and narrative change aimed at reinforcing accountable public power, reducing concentrated private power, and centering communities that have historically been excluded from economic opportunity.

Its model combines strategic communications, think tank-style research, and issue advocacy. Through this structure, Groundwork engages media, policymakers, economic experts, and grassroots leaders using research-driven policy campaigns and timely messaging to promote a more inclusive economic vision.

Role Overview

The Policy Analyst will join the Policy, Advocacy, and Research team and contribute research and analytical work that supports a coherent economic worldview within the broader progressive movement. This role involves partnering with internal colleagues and external stakeholders to develop internal analyses as well as materials intended for public use.

Reporting, Status, and Location

This position reports to the SVP of Policy and Advocacy. It is a full-time, non-exempt role based in Washington, D.C. The workplace is hybrid, with in-office work expected on Mondays and Wednesdays, while the remaining three days are remote. Occasional in-person attendance may also be needed for events and special projects.

What You Will Do

• Research and interpret academic studies, policy materials, statistical data, and information about federal, state, and local policy or implementation.
• Create policy content that translates research and policy findings into clear language for a broad audience.
• Prepare written and visual presentations of research for both internal circulation and external sharing.
• Monitor current news, literature, and legislative activity relevant to economic policy.
• Assist with team logistics, operations, and event coordination for the Policy, Advocacy, and Research team.
• Work closely with teammates, remain open to direction, and respond constructively to feedback.
• Participate in meetings and convenings connected to Groundwork’s worldview to build relationships across a wide network of organizations, experts, and advocates.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate brings a bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived experience in Economics, Political Science, Sociology, or a related field. They should also have experience in progressive economic policymaking or data analysis, such as work with a policy research organization, think tank, legislative office, executive agency, or academic institution.

This role calls for strong qualitative and quantitative research abilities, including comfort using a range of tools to collect, analyze, and explain data. You should be able to turn technical or jargon-heavy material into clear, concise, and persuasive content for different audiences. Strong writing skills and attention to overall quality are essential, along with confident and conversational speaking skills.

The position also requires a problem-solving mindset, a creative and entrepreneurial approach, and the ability to manage several detailed, time-sensitive priorities at once. Candidates should be self-directed, organized, adaptable, effective independently and in teams, and committed to economic, racial, and social justice.

Nice-to-Have Experience

Additional strengths include experience with social media and rapid response work, as well as exposure to any of the following areas: corporate or political research, state or federal legislative or regulatory processes, quantitative economic research, large public datasets and recurring economic releases, or advanced statistical and visualization tools such as R, Stata, Python, Tableau, or ggplot2.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $80,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience. Groundwork offers a strong benefits package that includes five weeks of vacation and personal leave, two week-long office closures, additional floating and federal holidays, zero-premium health insurance, a generous HRA, retirement contributions of up to 6%, up to 16 weeks of parental leave, and reimbursements for health club and cell-phone expenses.

Additional Terms

This role is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union, and employment conditions will be governed by future collective bargaining.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter explaining their interest in the role through the organization’s application portal. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.