Research and Policy Fellow

Research and Policy Fellow

The Public Interest Network

Denver, CO

The Public Interest Network is hiring research and policy fellows to join our in-house “new economy” think tank, which is dedicated to reorienting America’s political and cultural conversation around the problems that accompany human progress.

According to a 2020 study in Nature, the combined mass of man-made things now outweighs all life on Earth. We already produce more food than we can eat and more clothes than we can wear. But as humankind finally transcends material scarcity and its attendant hardships, our institutions and habits of thought have not kept up. Our continued, blind pursuit of limitless economic growth and job creation, done in the name of overcoming scarcity, now threatens our survival and flourishing more than it aids it. Among the alarming downstream consequences of our profoundly outdated priorities: climate crisis, greater vulnerability to pandemics, and a collapse of faith in politics to solve today’s challenges.

It’s time to change course—and our in-house think tank is ready to help chart this new course. Questions like these drive our research, communications and advocacy:

• What does it mean in policy and practice to put human and planetary well-being before economic growth?
• What can and should be the future of work, as the capacity for automation and artificial intelligence to replace human labor improves?
• Why, in a world of unheralded and increasing abundance, do hunger and poverty persist and, in some cases, worsen?

Representative Responsibilities

Fellows will participate in research, writing, policy analysis, communications, advocacy and other efforts to further our mission. Fellows could manage a program within our think tank, focused on a “new economy” area or corresponding to an issue area that is the focus of The Public Interest Network’s flagship advocacy organizations PIRG and Environment America, in addition to their own research and writing projects. Job responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Review and draw conclusions from recent research and thought-leaders in environmental science, public health, economics, and other fields
• Conduct quantitative analysis of existing data sets and collect original data through interviews, surveys and collaboration with academic researchers
• Write and promote reports and papers
• Produce op-eds, digital and social media content, podcast episodes, fact sheets and other communications to disseminate our research and ideas
• Evaluate policy alternatives and work with federal and state advocates to develop principles for evaluating policy proposals
• Attend conferences and roundtables with thought-leaders on topics including environmental sustainability, public health, economic growth, and the future of work
• Potential additional projects to manage or help run include a research journal, an intern program, a visiting and senior fellows program, and a mini-grant program

Qualifications

Candidates should have excellent writing skills, a problem-solving orientation, and the ability to think critically and present persuasive arguments. We’re looking for individuals with a track record of academic success, proven leadership ability and strong affinity for our vision of a new politics that faces today’s defining challenges head on. Familiarity with quantitative analysis is a plus; as is experience in debate, public speaking, journalism, political campaigning, fundraising, and/or grassroots political organizing.

Compensation

The target annual compensation for this position is $38,180-$40,000 in the first year and depends on relevant experience. The Public Interest Network offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, paid time off, our commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location

Denver, CO

Start Date

We’re accepting applications for immediate-start positions and for positions starting in August 2024.

To Apply

To apply, fill out our online application here.

Our Mission and Values

The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://publicinterestnetwork.org/core-values for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Why work with The Public Interest Network? Here are ten reasons: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/why-work-with-us/ 

Fund for the Public Interest is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boosted. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.