Research and Policy Analyst

Casa•Hyattsville, MD

About The Position

We Are CASA’s Research and Policy Analyst is part of the Political Institute, which promotes evidence-based policies and initiatives addressing the needs of immigrant and working families. The analyst helps devise and execute research, policy analysis, and advocacy campaigns to improve the lives of working-class Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and immigrant communities in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The position shares time between We Are CASA and its related nonprofit CASA in Action; this does not affect salary or benefits. The role combines quantitative and qualitative research, policy writing, coalition building, public advocacy, and community engagement. It produces research and communications for varied audiences and works with government officials, legislators, agency staff, candidates, advocacy leaders, media, and community members. The position is represented by Communications Workers of America Local WBNG 32035; employees in bargaining-unit positions must hold union membership or agency-fee-payer status. Compensation is $55,000–$63,368. The position requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable vehicle. The work regularly involves sitting, occasionally involves standing or walking, and is classified as medium work, with lifting up to 25 pounds potentially required. The employee may occasionally encounter wet or humid conditions and outside weather; noise is usually moderate. The position is not expected to involve handling human body fluids, biological agents, laboratory chemicals, or exposure to hazardous materials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience.
Valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
Ability to perform the duties outlined in the job description.
Deep commitment to social change and to growing We Are CASA and CASA in Action as membership organizations in which members have decision-making authority.
Demonstrated interest in and familiarity with policymaking, gained through prior work experience in the federal government, on the Hill, or in state or local government.
Fluency in both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods.
Excellent verbal and writing skills.
Strong interpersonal communication, conflict-resolution, and negotiation skills.
Ability to connect with administrative, organizational, and grassroots leaders.
Outgoing and highly charismatic personality.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong organization and ability to manage multiple ongoing projects.
Attention to detail and persistent follow-up.
Experience working with immigrant or low-income communities and commitment to progressive issues.
Skills with Microsoft Office or Google Suite software.
Ability to handle privileged information professionally and confidentially.
At least two years of experience creating partnerships and coalitions.
At least two years of experience with advocacy and lobbying.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree.
Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, French, or Haitian Creole.

Responsibilities

Use public and private datasets to conduct advanced data and statistical analysis on immigration, affordable housing, labor, climate, criminal justice, and other issues.
Conduct literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, policy evaluations, and qualitative research to inform policy recommendations.
Research state and local policies in environmental and climate justice, healthcare, housing, workers’ rights, education, and other areas.
Stay current with scholarly and academic research across relevant fields.
Create data products in We Are CASA’s core issue areas.
Write policy memos, briefs, and handbooks that translate data insights into actionable recommendations.
Independently devise and author short pieces, op-eds, and essays in We Are CASA’s core issue areas.
Tailor research and policy insights for different audiences.
Advocate with state and local government representatives by sharing CASA data and insights and providing feedback on key issues and concerns.
Monitor opportunities for public engagement at critical advocacy and funding moments.
Develop an events calendar, including advocacy days and bill hearings, and coordinate with other departments to support community mobilization.
Prepare fact sheets, action alerts, member profiles, written and verbal testimony, petitions, and other advocacy documents.
Represent We Are CASA on issue-related boards and task forces.
Build and maintain a network or database of aligned state and local advocacy leaders through calls, meetings, webinars, panels, and written exchanges.
Present to external audiences and represent the organization at conferences and other venues.
Respond to stakeholder and media requests for data and information.
Engage legislators, agency staff, and candidates to explain We Are CASA and CASA in Action priorities.
Understand and promote We Are CASA membership and services.
Meet deadlines established by the supervisor and departmental and individual work plans.
Think creatively about ways to improve the role and the organizations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Paid time off for full-time employees, including annual leave starting at three weeks per year, two weeks of sick leave, three days of personal leave, and additional compensatory leave for exempt employees; prorated for part-time employees.
Sixteen paid holidays per calendar year.
Health, dental, and vision insurance, with CASA covering 100% of employee premiums up to the HMO plan, 55% for couples, 65% for children, and 60% for family coverage.
Basic life and AD&D insurance.
Long- and short-term disability insurance.
Professional-development reimbursement of up to $3,000 for eligible work-related study.
Employee Assistance Program.
Flexible Spending Account, including dependent care.
401(k) retirement plan with a 2% employer discretionary match.
Supplemental health insurance.
Mileage reimbursement for positions required to drive on We Are CASA business.
Cell phone stipend for positions required to use a cellphone for We Are CASA business.