Policy Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a leading nonprofit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats—and providing them with the space, policy insights, and evidence-based research needed to negotiate in good faith—BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into passable, durable laws. In the 17+ years since its founding, BPC has played an integral role in countless legislative accomplishments.

With projects in multiple issue areas including economic policy, energy, health, housing, human capital and democracy, BPC combines politically balanced policy making with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. As the only Washington, D.C.-based organization that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Its policy solutions are the product of informed deliberations by former elected and appointed officials, business and labor leaders, and academics and advocates who represent both sides of the political spectrum.

BPC is committed to seeing its policy solutions enacted by lawmakers. Through BPC Action, its (c)(4) affiliate, BPC engages in advocacy and strategic outreach and education to bolster the legislative center and support efforts that bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing the country. While a healthy, civil debate among those with differing viewpoints is an essential component of our democracy, the current partisan tone in government is impeding progress. Through the Democracy Program and bridge-building events, political summits and timely policy discussions, BPC is fostering an ongoing conversation about how to overcome political divides and help make our government work better.

Mission:

• Build connections.
• Negotiate policy.
• Achieve bipartisan solutions.
• Improve lives.

Elections Project

The Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst will play a central role in the development and implementation of the Election Project’s research and advocacy priorities. This analyst role will focus on existing priorities of the Elections Project, including election administration and infrastructure, supporting the needs of local election official associations, and analyzing state and federal legislation affecting election administration. The analyst will also have the flexibility to explore research topics of their choice if those topics are in alignment with the needs of the project and of BPC.

Because the Elections Project takes an evidence-based approach and employs rigorous research methods, applicants should have experience with policy research and writing. Applicant experience might include leading white papers, blogs, research memos, or legislation. Applicants must also have strong oral communication skills and experience communicating their research to a variety of audiences. The position will report to the Senior Associate Director of the Elections Project and work closely with others on BPC’s elections team.

Application Process:

Individuals interested in this position should submit a resume, a cover letter, and two writing samples. The cover letter should indicate whether you are applying for the Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst position. The cover letter should include a brief description of your role in producing each writing sample.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and draft reports, blogs, explainers, and other written deliverables on an array of election administration issues
• Draft legislative memos and bill analyses that include close readings of statutory and regulatory text, assessing the impact on voters and election officials, and proposing technical or substantive amendments consistent with BPC’s policy priorities
• Maintain a thorough understanding of legislative and policy developments in states we are partnering with, including tracking bills, amendments, and other activities
• Develop (and/or oversee development of) internal and external meeting agendas. Facilitate internal and external meetings, representing BPC Elections and its policy priorities to a broad and diverse audience
• Develop and maintain a network of key stakeholders (such as election administrators, peer organizations, funders, state and local government representatives, and more)

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required
• In addition to the below qualifications, an applicant to the Senior Policy Analyst position should have:
  • Experience managing projects from inception to execution, including development of timelines, task delegation, and producing high-quality deliverables
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government, advocacy, consulting, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, trade associations, or related fields. An advanced degree (e.g., MPP, MPA, JD, or related) is an added bonus

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Research, writing, and relevant skills

• Strong writing skills across a variety of formats (short articles, long reports, policy briefs and memos, etc.) are a must. Writing samples are required, and a short writing assignment will likely be a core part of the interview process
• Experience with policy research, legislative analysis, regulatory interpretation, or drafting legislation. Experience conducting election policy research (e.g., as a nonprofit researcher, an academic, or a policy-focused staffer in a legislative or election office) is advantageous. We will also consider candidates that have experience in other policy areas involving state and local government (e.g., education, public health, or transportation)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex issues, or statutory and regulatory text, translating them into clear, accessible analysis for policymakers, practitioners, or the public
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Experience in advocacy or working with government officials is a plus

Professional qualities

• Independence coupled with a collaborative spirit. Strong candidates can conduct research and writing independently—but they don’t hesitate to reach out when they need additional guidance
• Attention to detail. Because our research products are widely cited and used, candidates should be fastidious in their work, taking care to document their approach and only make assertions that are supported by evidence
• Commitment to continuous improvement. Strong candidates work well within a team and contribute to a culture of reflection, offering constructive feedback, and helping improve internal processes when opportunities arise
• Positive energy. Because elections policy work can be demanding, high-stakes, and high-profile, candidates should bring enthusiasm and optimism, helping to foster a supportive and motivating team environment

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BPC does not sponsor employment visas.

BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.

Work Schedule

The work/life balance of employees is a priority for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, BPC is currently operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees at BPC are currently working in the office Tuesday through Thursday. Occasional travel is expected throughout the calendar year.

In rare circumstances, we may consider candidates for this role who do not reside in the DC area. Frequent travel to DC will be expected.

Compensation and Benefits

BPC offers comprehensive health insurance benefits with a choice of open access HMO, POS, or PPO plan. HMO and POS individual plans have a monthly premium cost share of 10%. Dependent and Family HMO and POS plans are offered with a monthly cost share equal to 20% of the difference between the plan premium and the individual HMO monthly premium. PPO plans are offered with a 20% premium cost-share for all plans.

Additional benefits include 403(b) matching contributions of up to 7% of salary in addition to a non-elective contribution of 2% of salary (both after 90 days of employment); 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 15 sick days, and 12 holidays per year; education benefits up to $5,250 per year after one year of employment; $2,000 for professional development expenses after six months of employment; Metro benefits of up to $130 per month; Company provided life insurance; and dental and vision insurance coverage with a Flexible Spending Plan.

We reasonably believe that the base salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 for the Analyst level/$80,000 to $100,000 for the Senior Analyst level. At BPC, a wide range of factors are considered when making compensation decisions including and not limited to skill set, experience, training, education, knowledge, and other business and organizational needs.