Issue Analysts

Issue Analysts

We Are NEXT is looking for volunteer Issue Analysts to join our Plans staff and help identify policy issues and author specific policy initiatives that address each issue. Donate your time and expertise to help our core group of volunteers create a more perfect union and a democracy that truly puts the people first.

About the Role

As an Issue Analyst, you will:

• Conduct thorough, well‑documented research on policy, community, economic, social, and organizational issues
• Develop policy briefs, issue analyses, white papers, reports, model legislation, and other strategic recommendations
• Survey existing research, best practices, and innovative models to identify opportunities for improvement and impact
• Identify root causes, trends, challenges, and opportunities within assigned issue areas
• Propose practical, evidence‑based solutions and implementation strategies
• Facilitate discussions and collaborate with fellow analysts, subject‑matter experts, organizational leaders, and stakeholders
• Assist in evaluating existing policies, programs, and systems to identify areas for improvement
• Support the development of strategic initiatives that align with We Are NEXT’s mission, vision, and goals
• Participate in peer‑review and editorial processes to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency of published materials

Who We Are

We Are NEXT is a grassroots organization run entirely by volunteers like you. Our mission is to create a more perfect union—where Freedom, Opportunity, and Security are available to all; where all people are treated equally; where the three branches of government are co‑equal; where corruption is exposed; and where laws are established for the good of everyone.

We are developing actionable policies to create a flourishing, transparent, and accountable government that works for all people. We are identifying and empowering new state and federal leaders to step into public service roles with the integrity and vision to implement fair and effective policies. We are rewriting the rules of governance to ignite a movement for democracy anchored in justice and committed to future generations.

Issue Analysts, together with the Planning Chief, spearhead the group’s issue identification, brainstorming, and authoring process, creating comprehensive policy briefs that contain specific policy proposals.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for volunteer candidates who are excited about progressive politics and dedicated to the idea that we can change what is happening in our country.

Issue Analysts identify critical policy issues and author proposals to ensure We Are NEXT’s success through the development of implementation actions. They work with Planning leaders to verify policy proposals through a robust editorial process involving the policy group at‑large before advancing these proposals for publication.

As a volunteer position, this role is flexible. Issue Analysts may:

• Bring deep expertise in specific fields
• Have broad policy backgrounds with strong research, analysis, and communication skills
• Contribute intensively to one or two policy areas for short periods
• Provide an ongoing commitment of 4+ hours per week across multiple policy areas

Successful applicants will have some combination of:

• Experience in policy research in academic, government, or policy settings
• Experience drafting summary reports, issue analyses, white/grey papers, policy proposals, expert testimony, etc.
• Ability to understand complex policy issues and distill them into actionable elements
• Understanding of policy mechanisms and government levers that address areas of concern

Qualifications

• Experience conducting in‑depth research, analysis, and report writing
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to facilitate respectful discussions on complex or challenging topics
• Research, policy, academic, legal, or analytical writing sample required
• Ability to work remotely and collaborate effectively using online communication platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, Nonprofit Management, or related field
• Experience developing policy initiatives, strategic recommendations, or organizational improvement plans
• Experience working with government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, academic institutions, or research organizations
• Commitment of approximately 4–10 hours per week
• Remote

We value volunteers who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our work, and we particularly encourage applications from individuals who represent communities often underrepresented in advocacy spaces.

Instructions for Applying

Please fill out the form to apply: https://project2029.app.neoncrm.com/forms/join-project-2029