Director/Senior Director, Tax Policy

The position requires strong writing and quantitative skills, expertise in federal tax policy, experience analyzing and interpreting economic data and policy, and familiarity with policy development. The candidate should be comfortable approaching the tax code from multiple perspectives, including as a revenue raiser and a policy tool to build wealth for working families. The candidate should be meticulous and comfortable in a fast-paced environment and able to juggle both research projects and rapid response products, as well as have a passion for advancing progressive economic policies. They should be able to track fast-moving legislative developments and identify opportunities for informing and influencing the policy landscape. The candidate’s primary role will be to creatively and accurately use evidence to respond to and inform a range of policy and political debates with analyses of relevant economic theory, evidence, and data. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate leadership across the organization in identifying promising directions for new research, analysis, and policy, and they may be asked to supervise staff.

The successful candidate will be guided by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation but changing the country. The candidate will support the Inclusive Economy team, the Inclusive Growth department, and others across the organization on issues related to building an economy that works for all people.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to analyses that distill key economic and public policy issues—including tax policy—for technical and nontechnical audiences, including experts and nonexperts. This will include active collaboration with other subject matter experts across American Progress to support policy development and recommendations, as well as helping to shape the Inclusive Economy team’s agenda.
• Independently manage the development, scoping, and execution of analysis and other projects.
• Advance organization’s policy goals through original research and quick-turnaround requests as they arise.
• Collaborate across departments on projects that involve tax policy as a tool for other organizational policy priorities.
• Ensure and advocate for factual accuracy and consistent narrative of internal analysis and external products within and across policy teams.
• Represent American Progress to policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders. Maintain and strengthen relationships with external partners and coalitions.
• Mentor early-career staff and other researchers throughout the organization as asked.
• Partner with American Progress communications and advocacy experts—including on the Production, Government Affairs, Digital Strategy, and Press teams—to create compelling, accessible, and engaging research and analysis to support policies and legislation that foster a just and equitable economy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus. This is not an entry-level position. At least 10 years of experience is required for the Senior Director role.
• Expertise in tax policy and familiarity with its intersection with a broad range of economic concepts and issues. Senior Director candidates should have successful experience setting and executing an agenda for policy analysis and policy development.
• Federal legislative or executive branch tax policy experience preferred.
• Ability to explain complex policy and economic concepts clearly through writing, data and visual representations, and verbal communication. Senior Director candidates should have a strong track record of public speaking and writing.
• Commitment to accuracy and evidence-based analysis. Meticulousness, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly get up to speed on a new policy area or research question. Experience using major U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis data sets is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, mentorship skills, and the ability to work well on a team.
• Flexibility, commitment to working toward broader Inclusive Growth department and organizational goals, and willingness to apply analytical skills across a wide range of issue areas and needs.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position has a salary range of $92,000–$134,400.