Senior Fellow: Economic Security & Worker Transitions (Modernizing Social Protections)

National Employment Law Project

8d•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Fellow for Economic Security will lead NELP’s efforts to modernize social protection systems, with a primary focus on Unemployment Insurance (UI) and strengthening job transitions. This role is critical for developing innovative, research-backed policy ideas that can be scaled and replicated across states.

Requirements

Deep expertise in labor economics, law, or public policy, specifically regarding social insurance and wage policy.
Proven track record of translating complex economic analysis into actionable, politically compelling policy solutions.
Commitment to racial and gender equity in the design of economic security programs.
Availability to attend internal meetings (estimated 2 hours per week).
Ability to participate in-person at a NELP convening in September in either Washington DC or New York.
Submit a resume and expression of interest highlighting your experience and availability.

Responsibilities

Develop and advocate for policy models that modernize UI systems to better serve today's workforce, with particular attention to the dislocation from AI and other macrotrends.
Design durable policy solutions, such as more effective worker profiling, income support during training, and more, to lead state-level policy shifts.
Ensure all policy decisions are analytically informed, focusing on the projected scale of impact and the number of workers assisted, in partnership with the VP of Narrative and Impact.
Work closely with the VP of Policy Solutions and the VP of Partnerships and Advocacy to align policy research with high-impact advocacy campaigns.
Conduct outreach and map policy trends and campaigns in their focus area.
Convene and lead strategy sessions, including with NELP staff and the Board Program Committee.
Author a final policy report/proposal with actionable recommendations, co-authoring with NELP staff where appropriate.
Present findings publicly, including through public speaking and media engagement.