Policy Analyst

Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) seeks a Policy Analyst to help build a fairer tax system, secure the resources needed for strong communities, and ensure all Mainers have a fair shot at a good life. The ideal candidate brings a demonstrated commitment to racial and economic justice; strong writing, communication, and analytical skills; and experience working in campaigns, coalitions, or community-centered advocacy.

The Policy Analyst will play a central role in advancing MECEP’s fiscal and economic policy work. This includes producing rapid-turnaround research, analyzing state and federal budget trends impacting Mainers with low income, and equipping lawmakers, advocates, and partners with credible, accessible information. The Policy Analyst will develop a portfolio grounded in state fiscal policy that spans key issue areas — such as tax and budget fairness, education equity, health care access, and housing affordability. The role also involves working with coalition partners on legislative strategies and strengthening relationships with impacted communities to ensure policy solutions reflect their experiences. The Policy Analyst reports directly to the Vice President, Programs and Policy.

About MECEP

Maine Center for Economic Policy advances equity and prosperity for all Maine people through issue-based analysis, education, and advocacy. Since 1994, MECEP has been a trusted, independent resource for policymakers, advocates, and the public, helping secure a fairer tax code, increase investment in Maine people and communities, strengthen economic security, and expand access to health care, education, and good jobs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst’s core responsibilities include:

• Work as a member of MECEP’s team to develop and implement a proactive policy agenda and work plan focused on state fiscal policy.
• Conduct research and deliver high quality, accessible analysis. Written products include testimony, blog posts, op-eds, fact sheets, and reports.
• Build relationships with policymakers and engage in advocacy and public outreach to advance legislative priorities.
• Respond to information and technical assistance requests from state and federal policymakers, the media, and community partners.
• Represent MECEP in coalitions, in the legislature, and on committees. The Policy Analyst should expect to be a registered lobbyist and have a regular presence at the State House during legislative sessions.

Skills and Experience

• Commitment to economic, racial, and social justice.
• Strong research and analytic skills and a commitment to delivering high quality, credible analysis.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects, and adapt to emerging priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to respectful, culturally competent communication.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with an array of individuals and organizations.
• Capacity for systems thinking and managing complex projects.

Compensation

Salary range: $65,000–$ 75,000 depending on experience.

Benefits include paid vacation, wellness leave, family medical leave, 13 paid holidays, SEP-IRA retirement contributions, and employer-paid health and dental insurance.

How to apply

Submit your resume, a writing sample, and a brief email (no more than 300 words) explaining your interest in the position to jharris@mecep.org by January 5, 2026. Please include “Policy Analyst” in the subject line.

MECEP is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and building a team that reflects a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people who have been incarcerated, and others with lived experiences that are underrepresented in public policy spaces.

Benefits include paid vacation, wellness leave, family medical leave, 13 paid holidays, SEP-IRA retirement contributions, and employer-paid health and dental insurance.