Title: Director, Policy Research
Organization: WorkMoney, Inc.
Reporting to: Vice-President, Policy Research & Government Affairs
Location: United States / Remote, requires U.S. work authorization; <10% travel
Term: Permanent, Full-Time, Exempt
Compensation: The salary for this role is $144,200
To Apply: LINK
Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; target start February
About WorkMoney, Inc.
At WorkMoney.org, we are dedicated to enhancing the financial well-being of hard working Americans. Founded on the belief in the American dream, we strive to provide our 8M+ members with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate their financial journeys with confidence.
We don't stop at individual support. At WorkMoney, we believe in systemic change and actively advocate for policies that promote economic fairness and opportunity. By amplifying the voices of our members and engaging policymakers, we strive to create a more just and equitable economic landscape.
We believe that financial stability should be accessible for everyone and we're here to make that a reality. By offering financial tools and resources, fostering a supportive environment and championing policy changes, we empower our members to take control of their finances and build a more secure future.
Join us at WorkMoney, Inc. and become part of an organization dedicated to making sure all Americans can afford to live a good life.
About the Director of Policy Research position:
The Director of Policy Research oversees WorkMoney’s policy and research function. A successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing the execution of research projects that support WorkMoney’s policy campaigns, civic engagement program, and service that connects everyday Americans to government programs. This position requires an understanding of the policy-making process, excellent research and analytical skills, a passion for making life affordable for working- and middle-class Americans, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. The Director will work closely with the advocacy team leadership, as well as outside partners including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academia, to better understand the policy and government program landscape and surface opportunities for policy change at the state, local and federal levels. This position will manage a small team of policy analysts and contracted researchers and will report to the Vice-President of Policy, Research and Government Affairs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee Research and Analysis to Support Policy Campaigns, Civic Engagement, and Member Services
- Identify policy change opportunities, and develop and analyze legislative and policy proposals at the local, state, and federal levels that raise incomes and lower costs for everyday Americans
- Draft memos, letters, reports and other internal and external communications that analyze opportunities and/or advocate for policy change
- Lead research projects on candidates for public office and their policy platforms and records
- Manage ongoing research of state, federal and local government programs that can unlock savings and value for WorkMoney members
- Provide research to support the development of tools and calculators that determine the real dollar value impact of policies and programs on individuals and families
- Develop Systems and Processes for Tracking Research
- Lead the design and optimization of research and tracking systems, ensuring efficient, scalable, and user-friendly tools
- Ensure data accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the organization’s objectives and strategies
- Represent WorkMoney’s Policy Perspective with Internal and External Stakeholders
- Provide policy expertise to, and collaborate with, internal WorkMoney teams, including the member services team, the marketing team, and the advocacy team.
- Develop relationships with government staff, non-profit partners, academics and other subject matter experts within the policy and research space to ensure ongoing information exchange and effective collaboration on shared policy priorities.
- Reporting and Analysis
- Prepare and present detailed reports, briefs, and presentations on research findings for internal and external stakeholders
- Provide thought leadership in translating research insights into actionable recommendations that advance the organization’s policy initiatives and objectives
- Team and Consultant Management
- Manage and mentor policy analyst(s), providing guidance on research methodologies, project execution, and professional development
- Identify, engage, and manage external consultants as needed to support research efforts and special projects
- Other Duties
- Assist with additional research-related tasks as assigned by leadership to support ongoing initiatives
- Support cross-departmental collaboration to ensure research outcomes align with broader organizational goals and priorities
- Expertise in Policy Research:
- 7+ years of experience in research related to laws, programs, and policies that raise incomes and lower costs for everyday people
- Exceptional research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to design and oversee multiple research projects to completion
- Project and Time Management:
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with a focus on delivering results and maintaining high standards under pressure
- Collaboration, Communication and Presentation:
- Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders and partners, including developing new relationships
- Skilled in translating research into clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations, tailored for those who don’t speak “policy”
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely in various formats, including memos, slide decks, letters, and 1-pagers
- People Management and Leadership Experience:
- Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring teams, including policy and/or research analysts, with a focus on fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
At WorkMoney, Inc., we're proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth. In addition to competitive salaries, we invest in your success and create a work environment that's as dynamic and rewarding as the work we do! We fully cover the premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance, our retirement plan includes up to a 6% employer match for IRA contributions and we contribute toward your student debt repayment. You'll enjoy five weeks of paid vacation each year, alongside generous paid family and medical leaves. To further enhance your work experience, we offer stipends for remote work expenses, professional development, health & wellness, and cell/internet data usage.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and equity in our organization, the starting salary for this position is $144,200 and is non-negotiable.
Why join our team?
At the heart of our work is a commitment to meaningful innovation and impact. We take on ambitious projects, driven by a shared mission to create lasting change. Our team thrives in a dynamic, ever-evolving environment where adaptability, collaboration, and creativity are celebrated. We combine hard work with ingenuity and approach challenges fearlessly, always learning, growing, and supporting one another along the way. Partnering with exceptional people, we celebrate successes, learn from experience, and truly enjoy the journey together. If you’re looking to make a difference while working alongside a passionate, purpose-driven team, we’d love to have you with us.
WorkMoney, Inc. believes that embracing diversity enriches our workplace and enhances our ability to achieve our mission and serve our members. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or veteran status.
At our core, we understand that true excellence comes from embracing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We are dedicated to creating a team that represents the diverse fabric of America. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented communities to apply and join us in our mission.
We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment and employment process. For accommodations or assistance during the application or interview process, please contact careers@workmoney.org
To Apply
Follow the link to the application page, complete the required fields, and submit a resume.
**Please do not reach out directly to any team members. If you'd like more information or to check the status of your application, email careers@workmoney.org
