Director, Income Security

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that advances federal and state policies to help build a nation where everyone — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ZIP code, immigration status, or disability status — has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity.

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation both nationally and in states. It works closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and other communities that face systemic barriers to opportunity. CBPP promotes policies to build a more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. CBPP also shows the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.

CBPP’s Housing and Income Security team brings together the organization’s housing and income security policy staff to work collectively on improving housing affordability and cash assistance for families with low incomes. Income Security team members promote federal and state policies to provide cash and employment assistance to families with children through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child support, and related programs using a reproductive justice lens. This includes a focus on increasing TANF cash benefits, removing barriers that keep families from receiving benefits and child support payments, improving work opportunities, and emphasizing the importance of cash on short- and long-term outcomes for children and families.

The Income Security team works in close partnership with state and national organizations to advocate for anti-racist policy reforms and promotes changes that align these programs with the principles of economic and reproductive justice. Recognizing the disproportionate impact on single mothers, the team focuses on how well-designed cash assistance programs can reduce poverty — particularly for women. Their work includes developing policy proposals, analyzing existing and proposed policies, providing technical assistance to policymakers and advocates, and conducting research on program funding, design, and implementation.

CBPP seeks a strategic, mission-driven leader with deep expertise in income support policy — particularly TANF — and a strong commitment to advancing economic, racial, and reproductive justice. The ideal candidate brings at least ten years of relevant experience, including a minimum of three years managing staff or teams, along with exceptional research, writing, and communication skills.

This role requires the ability to lead and collaborate across teams, manage complex projects, and engage effectively with policymakers, advocates, and community partners. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of how public policy can address poverty, systemic racism, and economic inequality. Experience mentoring staff, fostering inclusive team environments, and working with diverse communities is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Policy Development & Analysis
  • Lead development of policy proposals and strategies to advance income security goals.
  • Evaluate the impact of policy proposals at the federal, state, and local levels, including legislative and regulatory changes, with attention to how changes affect communities historically impacted by racism and discrimination.
  • Analyze and assess the potential impact of federal, state, and local policy proposals to inform strategic decision-making and advocacy efforts.
  • Inform and contribute to team and organization-wide efforts to orient work toward a justice framework, including understanding impacts on people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
• Communication & External Relations
  • Author, contribute to, and review reports, policy briefs, blogs, and other communications materials to clearly and accessibly convey complex policy ideas to a range of audiences — including policymakers, advocates, funders, media, and internal stakeholders — to inform decisions, influence discourse, and advance the organization’s policy goals.
  • Represent CBPP in meetings with partners, policymakers, and administration officials by serving as a spokesperson for the organization’s policy positions, building strategic relationships, advocating for CBPP’s priorities, sharing expert analysis, and gathering insights to inform internal strategy and strengthen external collaboration.
  • Respond to information requests from policymakers and the media by providing timely, accurate, and accessible data, analysis, and policy insights to support informed decision-making, shape public understanding, and promote CBPP’s expertise.
  • Build and maintain relationships with national and state advocates, including non-traditional partners and people with lived experience.
  • Develop and maintain a robust national and statewide network of TANF advocates by fostering strong relationships, facilitating communication and collaboration, and providing resources and support to strengthen advocacy efforts and advance policy goals.
  • Contribute to grant writing and reporting in partnership with the Development team.
• Team Management & Mentorship
  • Supervise, mentor, and train staff by fostering collaboration, building trusting relationships, promoting professional growth, and encouraging a healthy work-life balance through shared decision-making.
  • Make significant contributions to mission and vision setting to help inspire and align the team around shared goals and values.
  • Work proactively to unite the income security and housing teams, fostering cross-team collaboration and a cohesive approach to advancing CBPP’s policy priorities.
  • Cultivate an inclusive and collaborative team culture that reflects and advances CBPP’s justice-centered approach, ensuring all voices are valued and equity is prioritized.
• General Responsibilities
  • Perform other job-related duties within the role’s scope as assigned to support the team’s goals.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree required; a relevant advanced degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.
  • At least ten years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of three years managing staff or teams.
• People Management & Leadership
  • Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful team environment.
  • Experience mentoring and developing staff with attention to fairness, growth, and accountability.
  • Strong project and people management skills, including setting clear goals, giving constructive feedback, and navigating competing priorities.
  • Leadership approach grounded in transparency, shared decision-making, and continuous learning.
  • Comfortable working across teams and with external partners to build relationships and drive collective impact.
• Skills & Abilities
  • Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet high standards in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Skilled in managing multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong research and data analysis skills; able to interpret program data and assess policy proposals.
  • Experience developing policy solutions and communicating them to policymakers, advocates, and the public.
• Subject Matter Expertise
  • Deep understanding of TANF and related income support programs.
  • Experience in policy advocacy at the federal or state level to reduce poverty and promote economic opportunity.
  • Commitment to racial, economic, and reproductive justice, with understanding of how public policy can address structural inequities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Alignment with the mission and values of CBPP and its income security policy work.

This position reports to the Vice President for Housing and Income Security.

Work Location and Hybrid Schedule Expectations: Employees are expected to work in the Washington, D.C. office for this position. CBPP is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule of two full in-office days (Tuesday and Wednesday) per week, as well as the first Thursday of each month in our Washington, D.C. office.

Terms of Employment: Full-time; exempt.

Bargaining Unit Status: This is not a bargaining unit position.

Compensation: Salary for this position ranges from $125,000 to $160,000 per year; pay is based on a number of factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience and internal pay equity. Excellent benefits (including health insurance, vision and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, MERP, and DCAP) and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please submit your application here.

Make sure to upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to this role and this work.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.