POLICY & RESEARCH ANALYST

Who We Are:

At Catalyst California, formerly Advancement Project California, we transform racial injustice and redesign systems for access and equity. We do this by shifting and building power with movement leaders in communities of color who are making real change. With the collective impact of community, data, and policy, we make the California Dream inclusive and available to all.

*This is a hybrid position with remote and work-from-home set up.

Position Summary:

The primary goal of the Equity in Community Investments (ECI) program is to support campaigns, led by community-based organizations, for more equitable investments in historically disinvested Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. We accomplish this through budget analysis, advocacy, narrative development, and capacity-building efforts for our partners.

The Policy & Research Analyst (“Analyst”) will report directly to the Associate Director of the Equity in Community Investments program. Specifically, the Analyst will research and produce action-oriented budget and data analysis informed by the advocacy needs of community-based organizations.

The successful applicant must have a strong, demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice, documented research and analysis skills, a track record of balancing multiple research projects at the same time, a record of involvement in racial justice/systems change campaigns, an ability to engage with local government decision-making processes, and be self-motivated, flexible, and skilled at fostering creative and collaborative spaces.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Conduct research and analysis of local government budget documents. Typical issues analysts research includes law enforcement, youth programs and parks, K-12 and housing spending to name a few;

• Research analysis will entail using Microsoft excel to create formulas and data tables and pie charts on a regular basis and writing memos/developing presentations with an analysis of the research conducted;

• Stay appraised of local government activities and developments;

• Develop and conduct detailed and accessible training curricula for a wide range of stakeholders (including staff of community-based organizations, community members, funders, and media) on topics including the budget development and implementation processes and how to engage in effective advocacy campaigns;

• Draft and edit presentation and communication (both internal and external) materials including slide decks, blog posts, substantive emails, reports, etc.;

• Support project implementation and management for current and emerging Equity in Community Investments efforts;

• Support and engage in community partner/coalition meetings as needed, with the goal of increasing partner/coalition management as part of the Analysts long-term professional development;

• Any other relevant duties and assignments assigned by the Associate Director.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function assigned satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Candidate profile, skills, and abilities:

• Sincere and demonstrated commitment to advancing racial and economic justice for highest-need communities;

• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills – experience translating technical analyses into compelling advocacy messages especially preferred;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to analyze complex information/data for policy and planning;

• Strong writing skills and experience, including for a wide variety of target audiences;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including basic formulas and functions;

• Experience in creating charts, graphs, and other data visualizations;

• Experience in data presentation / storytelling;

• Ability to read and interpret complex data tables, including public budgets and other financial documents;

• Additional consideration given to candidates with experience in PowerBI, Tableau, ArcGIS;

• Self-starter, analytical, and detail-oriented;

• Sound emotional intelligence with ability to work in partnership and in teams; and proven ability to work with diverse communities, leaders, and staff;

• Flexibility to adjust and contribute to continually evolving work situation and changing priorities and demonstrated ability to get up to speed in new policy and issue areas;

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple complex projects at same time and execute projects on-time;

• Ability to take on responsibilities independently with minimal supervision;

• Ability to multi-task under deadlines and work well under pressure;

• Excellent computer skills, including strong internet research skills, proficiency with MS Office applications, and Google Docs and Google Drive, and Zoom;

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in public policy, public administration, or the social sciences preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties will also be considered;

• 2-4 years of experience in civil rights and social justice, public policy, community-based policy advocacy, and/or organizing (beyond summer or short-term internships);

• Experience working with coalitions and campaigns, including partnerships with community partners (e.g., local residents, community-based organizations), civil rights organizations, and government officials and staff;

• Demonstrated experience conducting public policy research (qualitative and/or quantitative), analysis, and writing on racial and economic justice public policy issues.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Salary:

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position is $65,000-$83,000. If you are hired at Catalyst California, your final salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Benefits, Perks, & Work Environment:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees and their spouses and/or dependents, including registered Domestic Partners.

• 403B retirement plan with employer matching benefits after 90 days.

• Flexible Spending Account for eligible employees to allocate pre-tax money throughout the year.

• 15 vacation days, 6 personal days, 8 sick days, and 2 weeks paid parental leave along with national and office holidays.

• Organizational and team wellness days to help build team cohesion and camaraderie.

• Opportunity to work in a flexible work culture that is sensitive to employee wellbeing and encourages work-life balance.

• Opportunity to see the meaning and impact of your work at an organization actively building more equitable communities and systems across California.

• Opportunity to work in an organization dedicated to pay equity and diverse work culture.

• Yearly professional development allowance and support of personalized professional development goals.