Researcher & Policy Advocate

Are you a meticulous researcher who can distill complex data into actionable insights? Do you want to be part of an inclusive team where your work will be truly valued?

Are you ready to join the fight for racial and economic justice?

About CPI

The Center on Policy Initiatives is an independent nonprofit that has been at the forefront of the fight for economic justice since 1997.

We are the San Diego County people’s think tank. We conduct research, generate policy solutions, advance leadership development, and build alliances to win policies that benefit working families and diverse communities.

All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.

About the Position

CPI’s Research & Policy Team conducts research that informs policy development and campaign strategies in the fight for real solutions that improve the lives of workers, Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latinx people, and other oppressed or underrepresented communities.

We are seeking a skilled Research and Policy Advocate who is passionate about economic and social justice and can strategically research, plan, and implement issue-based campaign work.

Candidates should be genuine collaborators who understand CPI’s mission to achieve economic and racial justice by transforming systems and institutions.

This role reports to the Deputy Director.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES (in collaboration with the Research and Policy Team)

Provide research, data, and analysis to inform public understanding of the problems facing working communities in San Diego and the impact of policies with a racial and social justice focus.

Identify and / or develop policies that can improve the lives of working families.

Write briefs or reports to share research findings and analysis.

Synthesize complex policy into clear and accessible materials for community advocates and policymakers.

Analyze the impact of current or proposed public policies on working people with a focus on racial and social justice.

Collaborate with CPI staff to develop accessible outreach and education materials to build awareness.

Present research findings at community meetings, government hearings, and other venues.

Advocate for policies by developing analysis, writing position letters and statements, speaking at public hearings, meeting with public officials, and presenting to diverse audiences.

Lead and / or support CPI campaigns to reach policy goals.

Collaborate with CPI staff and partners to develop campaign goals and strategies informed by research findings.

Coordinate and collaborate with partner organizations, government officials, and other stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications :

Experience conducting quantitative or qualitative research, especially in real-world, applied settings.

Proven ability to design and execute meaningful, focused research to support policy change.

Proven ability to write and organize engaging, clear, and precise reports and articles accessible to many audiences.

Proven ability to present information in a clear, concise way, synthesizing information as appropriate for different audiences.

Experience in policy analysis and advocacy.

Excellent writing, analytical, and verbal presentation skills.

Strong team collaboration skills with an ability to incorporate input from colleagues and partners.

Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated high standard of quality and accuracy in work products.

Project management and organization skills, including using project / work plans effectively, managing a team to complete projects successfully, working independently, troubleshooting, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.

Demonstrated commitment to economic justice, racial equity, and social justice.

Availability and willingness to work irregular hours, potentially attending evening or weekend meetings and events.

Experience with policy addressing one or more of the following : economic justice, workers’ rights, and education equity, housing justice and environmental justice especially connected to workers’ rights.

Demonstrated commitment to economic justice, racial equity, and social justice.

Availability and willingness to work irregular hours, potentially attending evening or weekend meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications :

Experience working alongside community leaders and organizers to guide and inform campaign efforts based on data and research.

Experience working with partner organizations advocating for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.

Experience working with government officials (elected, appointed, staff) on policy issues, preferably in the San Diego region.

Experience in community / labor campaign research.

Experience applying a participatory action research framework to engage communities in policy change.

Experience working with communities of color, immigrant communities, and / or people whose first or only language is other than English.

Understanding of the critical role of the labor movement in achieving social and economic justice.

Bilingual in English and Spanish advanced fluency.

San Diego ties or a history of participation in regional organizing networks or experience in regional research networks.

Physical Requirements :

Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods in meetings or while working on a computer.

Frequently required to sit, stand, walk and reach.

Required to push, pull, lift and carry.

Transportation & Travel Requirements :

This position requires occasional driving throughout San Diego County using a personal vehicle or other reliable & trustworthy transportation source.

We offer mileage reimbursement for authorized trips. Occasional non-local travel is required.

Salary and Benefits :

CPI’s salary and benefit standards are competitive and reflect our commitment to livable wages and equal pay for equal work.

The salary range for this position is between $68,967 and $84,888 per year. We offer a full benefits package including employer-paid health, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, and a generous paid time-off program including paid sick, vacation, and holidays.

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