Application review will begin on March 25, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Overview   

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KyPolicy) seeks to hire a Research Analyst to address Worker Justice issues. The research analyst will conduct analysis of worker justice issues and collaborate with unions and community partners to build power and advance economic justice in Kentucky.  

The position will carry out research to support organizing and advocacy efforts aimed at empowering workers and improving job quality. The analyst will conduct data analysis and author reports, briefs and other products that clearly and compellingly describe issues and conditions. They will also support organizing and issue campaigns through communications, coalition building and outreach. A special initial focus will be on new opportunities created through the implementation of federal industrial policy, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act. 

Background 

KyPolicy seeks to build a thriving and equitable commonwealth and improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians through research, education and advocacy on important policy issues facing the state. KyPolicy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and a respected provider of information and insight on the impact of policies on Kentucky communities. The organization strives for strategic, timely and analytically rigorous research as well as compelling, clear and accessible communications. KyPolicy seeks to influence public understanding and debate about state fiscal and economic issues and contribute to lasting improvements in policy.

Position Description 

The duties and responsibilities of the research analyst include the following:

Research and analysis of worker issues — 50%

• Build expertise on labor issues, opportunities and threats, including through analysis of data, bills, policy reports, laws and regulations, and corporate research. 
• Author products on worker issues, including policy briefs and reports, shorter analyses, fact sheets and resources for partners. 
• Track and analyze economic data related to jobs, wages and other economic indicators relevant to worker justice.  
• Collaboratively develop proposals that would increase job quality and worker power.

Partnership Building and Advocacy — 30%

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with union partners. Create mechanisms for regular communication and joint strategy development. 
• Help develop issue campaigns and other initiatives that advance strategic goals and combat threats. 
• Help create support for goals among the broader public through outreach with a range of community partners.

Communications and Public Education —10%

• Work with partners and the communications director to create compelling communications products including social media, press releases and op-eds, and advocate for media coverage. 
• Prepare and deliver clear public presentations that help everyday Kentuckians understand and build support for worker power.

Other/General — 10%

• Support other staff analysts and researchers through feedback on draft reports and assistance with data analysis and map making. 
• Carry out administrative tasks as needed, including related to KyPolicy mailings, events and other activities. 
• Assist with keeping KyPolicy systems, such as our contact database, up to date. 
• Assist with fundraising activities as needed.  
• Engage with and participate in KyPolicy’s efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our workplace and our work. 
• Participate in organization-wide activities, meetings and training programs as required. 
• Participate in planning processes and the implementation of plans as it relates to this role.  
• Practice safety in all aspects of the job. 
• Perform all other duties, as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications  

• Strongly articulated interest in and commitment to social, economic and racial justice. 
• Familiarity with unions and labor issues. 
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent research or work experience.  
• Facility with data and strong analytical skills. 
• Computer skills, including the ability to use spreadsheets to analyze data sets and word processing. 
• Ability to conduct policy analysis and build policy expertise.  
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.  
• Ability to work constructively in teams and build trusting relationships.  
• Strong writing skills and the ability to write clearly for a general audience.
• Self-motivated, creative thinker with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  
• Able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner. 

Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Two years of experience in policy, advocacy, research, labor unions or related work. 
• Graduate degree in a related field.  
• Understanding of Kentucky’s economic and labor landscape. 
• Familiarity with statistical software such as STATA and Tableau. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

KyPolicy provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations. 

Americans with Disabilities Act 

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law. 

Additional Information 

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, with a range of $44,880 to $67,320 depending on experience, and a generous benefits package. The position’s location is flexible between home office and KyPolicy’s office in Berea, with regular travel to Berea for staff work/meetings, Frankfort and other Kentucky locations as well as occasionally national travel.  This position will be supervised by KyPolicy’s policy director, Dustin Pugel.  

Please e-mail your resume and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to researchanalyst@kypolicy.org. We will ask candidates selected for second interviews to provide contact information for three references. Our hiring process typically includes two rounds of interviews and a skill-based activity.  

Once the priority review date has passed, application review will continue until the position is filled. The interview process may include in-person and remote interviews. For more information about KyPolicy visit www.kypolicy.org.