The Arizona Center for Economic Progress (AZ Center) seeks to hire an Economic Policy Analyst to perform data analysis, research, and advocacy to advance policy solutions addressing poverty, economic well-being and a fairer tax code. Launched in 2017, the AZ Center is an affiliate of Children’s Action Alliance (CAA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization in Arizona for 34 years. The AZ Center advances budget, fiscal and economic policies that create economic opportunity for all Arizonans. A central role of the AZ Center is to provide credible and independent information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues.

The AZ Center and the Children’s Action Alliance are dynamic organizations with a vision for an equitable and healthy State of Arizona. We recognize that many of the barriers and disparities that block the path toward better economic opportunities can be traced to a history of discriminatory policies, the impacts of which continue to be felt today. As an organization, we are committed to advancing race equity and inclusion.

You can learn more about our work at azeconcenter.org.

About the position:

The economic policy analyst will use data, research, and analysis to advance policies that support thriving communities and better economic opportunities for all Arizonans. Responsibilities for this position include:

• Compile statistical data and research materials on issues related to poverty and economic well-being and other work of the AZ Center, and making the collection, analysis and use of ethnicity data an integral part of this work.
• Research, develop and analyze policy solutions for building shared prosperity, advancing race equity and inclusion, and improving the lives of struggling Arizonans. Prepare written briefing papers, blogs, talking points, social media content and other information to support these policies using the data and analysis from your research in a format that is easy to understand.
• Analyzing state budget and tax proposals and legislation; track bills; testify at committee hearings; communicate in-person or in writing with lawmakers, legislative staff and other key stakeholders; and other legislative activity as necessary to advance the AZ Center’s state legislative policy agenda during the legislative session.
• Analyzing federal budget and tax proposals and other key legislation; communicate in-person or in writing with Arizona’s congressional delegation, their staff and other key stakeholders; and other legislative activity as necessary to advance the AZ Center’s federal policy agenda.
• Building relationships with staff at the state legislature and key state agencies as necessary to advance the AZ Center’s policy agenda and serve as a resource.
• Assist in writing grants and prepare grant reports.
• Track state and federal legislation and administrative policy changes.
• Compile statistical data and informational materials from a wide range of sources and synthesize complex information into concise and compelling reports, charts, graphics, and fact sheets.
• Take an active role in building long-term relationships and collaborative partnerships with community and grassroots organizations throughout Arizona who have a vested interest in these issues, especially organizations that work with BIPOC people and communities that have been the subject of inequitable economic policies.
• Create and provide presentations to community groups and other key stakeholders.
• Network with national colleagues and experts to stay current on research, messaging, advocacy strategies and objectives, and emerging issues in policy and practice around the country.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent related work experience is required.
• Three years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to eliminating income inequality and to advancing the vision and mission of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.
• Basic knowledge of Arizona state agencies and essential services.
• Experience and knowledge of the state budget process and issues.
• Experience and knowledge of one or more of the following issues will be considered a plus: food insecurity; K-12 public education funding; infrastructure; tax and revenue policies, rural economic development; affordable housing; tribal economic policies; predatory lending; and income inequality.
• Knowledge of the Arizona legislative process.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to communicate data findings and issues to external audiences.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks at a time and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in coalitions and the ability to work in a team environment with diverse allies.
• Strategic thinking and flexible and collaborative workstyle, with a focus on authentic community engagement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Bilingual speakers preferred.

Compensation:

Salary range $55,000-$70,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Major medical and dental insurance, life insurance, matching retirement contribution. Competitive leave policies for vacation; sick leave; family, medical and personal leave; and earned sabbatical.

Location:

CAA operates a hybrid (office and home) working system and provides employees with the resources to work effectively from the CAA office in Phoenix and remotely. The Economic Policy Analyst is expected to work in person two days per week.

To Apply:

Position will remain open until filled. Application submissions will be reviewed on July 31, 2024. Only candidates who send cover letter and resume to hr@azchildren.org will be considered. 

The Arizona Center for Economic Progress strongly encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ identified people, gender-nonconforming people, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English.