Policy Assistant

WE ARE 

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation’s preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and society. 

IWPR’s mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support policies that help grow women’s economic power and influence in society, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic security and well-being of girls, women, and families. We generate the ideas that build power and economic equity for all women. 

Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality 

At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff. 

Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination 

IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital or veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. 

 JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW: 

The Policy Assistant will provide program support, coordination, and assistance to the Policy Team, with particular focus on supporting IWPR’s new State Policy Action Lab (PAL) program. The Policy Assistant will work closely with all members of the Policy Team to support efforts to build, launch, and maintain components of the State PAL program and website; they will be a key member of the team and integral to the success of the project.  

As part of the State PAL work, the Policy Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Senior Policy Analyst in daily monitoring of state legislative developments and maintaining a database of state policy solutions. The Policy Assistant will be expected to develop fluency in state legislative tracking and will support the Policy Team’s ability to quickly identify and analyze key legislative developments at the state level. They will work with other members of the Policy and Communications teams, as well as with external vendors, to keep the State PAL website up to date and current; as such, the ideal candidate for this position will have some experience working with web tools, including WordPress. 

This position will also provide a range of general support to the policy team. This will include administrative tasks, support for events and meetings, and opportunities to be part of larger research and policy projects.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Support – State Policy Action Lab  

• Assist with database management for State PAL program, with particularly emphasis on support for maintenance of policy solutions database; 

• In cooperation with research and policy staff, maintain upkeep on spreadsheets and databases with data sets; 

• Support fielding and responding to time-sensitive inquiries from lawmakers for state policy developments and data with the Senior Policy Analyst; 

• Assist with state legislative tracking for State PAL program;  

• Support maintenance of State PAL website;  

• Fact check written products for publication (such as reports, briefing papers, fact sheets, and blog posts) to communicate research findings and provide policy recommendations 

• Organize and participate in internal and external project workgroup, committee and/or advisory board meetings, teleconferences, and regional meetings; 

• Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the internal stakeholders in the project, including key research and policy staff, ensuring the ready flow and management of files, data, and information; 

• Supports project management for the State PAL project, using Microsoft Planner. 

General Support to Policy Team  

• Support planning, development, and execution of meetings, webinars, and events targeting policy audiences or amplifying IWPR’s policy products;  

• Maintain IWPR’s internal databases tracking engagement with legislators and other key policy metrics, working with the Senior Policy Analyst;  

• Maintain IWPR’s compliance databases and other internal tracking tools, with support from VP of Policy and other policy team staff; 

• As assigned, attend external events, briefings, meetings, and other activities in support of legislative and executive priorities;  

• Gain expertise in research oversight and coordination of research activities, data gathering, literature reviews, some data analysis, tracking, creation of data visuals, etc. with assigned staff 

• Monitor relevant news, research, and policy on topics such as childcare, the social safety net, gender equity in occupations, workforce development, and employers’ work family policies 

• Other duties as assigned 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of experience in policy, advocacy, gender issues, or a related field; and academic background or demonstrated interest in gender equity is desired. 

• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks 

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills 

• Strong attention to detail reflects the ability to input data with accuracy and fact check large datasets as well as written products for publication. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Planner and PowerPoint are required. 

• Basic understanding of the legislative process and key gender policy issues and key stakeholders, with an interest growing policy expertise required 

• Collegial and ability to work successfully across teams; 

• Self-motivated, ability to work independently, and enjoy achieving high impact results and outcomes; and 

• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities. 

• Congressional or state legislative tracking experience strongly preferred. 

• Some experience working with web tools, including WordPress, or maintaining a website preferred. 

SALARY 

This is an on-site, full-time exempt position. The salary for Policy Assistant is $56,150-67,834/ year  The salary will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.  

To learn more about the IWPR compensation program and role structures, please click HERE.  

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit a resume, writing sample, and thoughtful, relevant cover letter.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer.  

Vaccine Policy 

IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e.- IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources by email at [email protected] .