Research Assistant

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to help execute a research agenda that advances broad prosperity for all Marylanders. The Research Assistant will be responsible for assisting in the production of timely, accessible, and credible research and analysis on a range of issues including—but not limited to—criminal justice spending, local (particularly Baltimore City) and state budget and tax policy, economic opportunity for all Marylanders, and the impacts of federal policy. The Research Assistant will also spend roughly 10 percent of their time providing general administrative support to the CEO, including preparing mailings, scheduling, and other tasks.

The position is based in Baltimore but requires travel to Annapolis and other parts of the state, and may make rare trips outside of Maryland. Please note that all staff are currently working remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions. This includes both daily office work and external events and meetings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in criminal justice budgeting, particularly local police budgets, and in the local budget process.
• Incorporate a racial, ethnic, and gender equity lens in every research process.
• Support staff research and analysis on state budget and tax policies and related issues, including the impact of proposed legislation on individuals and the state.
• Collaborate effectively on informal and formal teams with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Work with stakeholders and MDCEP staff to identify areas where further research and analysis is needed.
• Update reports on demographic and economic data.
• Reproduce national-level research at the state or local scale.
• Produce reports, briefs, fact sheets, and other written materials for a general audience.
• Publish at least two blog posts per month.
• Draft written communications, including testimony, intended for policymakers in the legislative and executive branches.
• Collaborate with state and national partners to advance fiscal and economic policy priorities and exchange information on best practices.
• Stay up to date with relevant state and federal legislation, track events and developments with consequences for the state budget and for low- and moderate-income residents, and stay abreast of the latest fiscal and economic policy research.
• Assist with responses to requests for information and technical assistance from policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Attend conferences and other meetings on matters of interest to MDCEP.
• Provide general office support for MDCEP staff, particularly the CEO.

Qualifications

• Dedication to the mission of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy.
• A demonstrated commitment to racial, ethnic, gender and other forms of equity and incorporating equity lenses into work.
• College-level coursework in economics, public policy, public finance, statistics, demographics, sociology, social work, or a related field.
• Familiarity with public policy and the public policy process.
• The ability to think strategically, be creative, and identify opportunities to advance broad prosperity for all.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and to proactively pursue MDCEP’s mission in your areas of responsibility.
• The capacity to develop and to maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse array of individuals and organizations.
• The ability to meet deadlines and problem-solve.
• Work collaboratively with policy and outreach staff and consultants to translate research into accessible communications and civic engagement materials.
• Travel is rarely required, but candidates should be willing and able to travel throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Travel is suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Able to work 32 hours per week (scheduling is flexible).
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

 Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Maryland public policy process specifically.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• The ability to communicate technical information to non-expert audiences clearly and compellingly, both in writing and through public speaking.
• Proficiency with mapping software, R or other statistical programs.

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

About the Maryland Center on Economic Policy

MDCEP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to ideas that work for everyone and a public climate where they can prevail. We believe in a Maryland where everyone is able to achieve their full potential in a healthy economy that offers a widely shared, rising standard of living. The mission of MDCEP is to advance innovative policy ideas that foster broad prosperity and help our state be the standard-bearer for responsible public policy. We engage in research, analysis, strategic communications, public education, and grassroots alliances promoting robust debate and greater public awareness of the policy choices Maryland residents face together.

The Maryland Center on Economic Policy values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply.