Policy Analyst

Summary

Description

The Colorado Fiscal Institute is seeking a Policy Analyst!

WHAT WE DO

The Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for sound tax, budget, and economic policies that promote equity and widespread economic prosperity. Through innovative research, advocacy, communications, and deep partnerships, CFI is leading a growing movement to advance anti-racist fiscal and economic policies that support working families and dismantle constitutional and structural barriers to equitably shared wealth and power in Colorado.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

CFI is committed to the ongoing effort to create and maintain a workforce that reflects our unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Recruiting staff that reflects the diversity of perspectives and lived experiences of Colorado is a priority. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse communities, constituencies, and identities, including but not limited to: class, race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, immigration status, sexual orientation, history of incarceration, military status, and geographic location.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI) is seeking a Policy Analyst to contribute to its efforts to inform and shape tax, budget, and economic policy debates in Colorado. The Policy Analyst will support CFI’s work across various functions including legislative and ballot advocacy, research, outreach, and communications. This position is integral to CFI’s ability to use research and data to inform and advance people-centered economic and fiscal policies that promote equity and widespread economic prosperity. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, skilled in writing, speaking, and critical thinking, and bring a collaborative results-driven approach. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Research, Policy Analysis & Writing

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to advance CFI and partner policy priorities, or to help answer research requests

• Develop, write, and disseminate research-based reports, blog posts, issue briefs, factsheets, opinion pieces and other materials related to proposed state legislation
   

Legislative Advocacy 

• Advocate for CFI-backed policies with state legislators, government staff and agencies, media and other key stakeholders

• Serve as a tax and budget expert by providing public testimony at legislative hearings, written comments on rules, and engaging with other agency staff as needed 

• In collaboration with grassroots partners and stakeholders, assist in developing policy proposals that uplift individuals, families, and communities, particularly people of color, women, immigrants, and other historically oppressed groups
   

Outreach, Coalitions & Campaigns  

• Serve as a CFI representative in coalition spaces, stakeholder groups, and issue specific tables

• Foster and deepen relationships with new and existing partners, including grassroots and grasstops groups, national, state and local organizations, state government representatives, and others 

• Support issue campaigns and coordinate advocacy efforts in collaboration with the outreach and communications team and external partners 

Statewide Education & Strategic Communications  

• Create and deliver presentations, workshops, and briefings for policymakers, community organizations, advocacy groups, and others as needed

• Serve as a spokesperson for CFI with media, communicating research findings and policy positions through interviews, quotes, and other earned media opportunities

• Actively participate in and complete CFI’s Tax Ambassador Program 

Professional Development & Organizational Contribution

• Attend conferences, trainings, and other professional development opportunities as available to develop skills and expertise in the position and to contribute to the growth of the organization

• Stay informed about changes in the political, economic, and social landscape that affect CFI’s policy priorities and advocacy strategies 

• Contribute to a collaborative, values-driven organizational culture that supports the growth of CFI

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO OUR ORGANIZATION 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with 2-3 years of related experience, or a graduate degree with comparable experience 

• National, state, or local fiscal policy (e.g. tax or budget policy) advocacy experience preferred

• Alignment with CFI’s mission of a more economically just and racially equitable society

• Familiarity in policy analysis, particularly from an equity framework

• Demonstrated ability to conduct basic policy research and analysis, and comfort with using publicly available data sources such as U.S. Census Bureau to craft data-supported policy arguments

• Proven ability to be responsive and adapt to changing social, political, and environmental changes that impact how we advocate on policies that move CFI’s mission

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact comfortably and respectfully with a diverse team and alongside diverse external partners

• Strong critical thinking skills with an ability to construct persuasive arguments

• Ability to translate complex topics for non-technical audiences. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, and Google Workspace 

• Strong organization skills with the ability to meet deadlines, including the deadlines that emerge in a tight legislative environment

• Self-starter with a can-do, results oriented attitude 

• Able to work independently and collaboratively with a team of highly motivated, values-aligned professionals

WHAT OUR ORGANIZATION IS PROVIDING

• Expected annual salary range of $65,000

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with up to 100% employer paid coverage for employees

• SIMPLE IRA with an employer match of 100% of the first 3% employee contribution

• CO Family and Medical Leave, Employer Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Generous Vacation, Health Leave, and Paid Holidays

• Paid Sabbatical Leave beginning at 5 years of service

• Hybrid work environment with required in-person days Tuesdays and Wednesdays

• Hybrid work stipend to offset costs associated with working at home and commuting to the office

CFI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, CFI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

CFI will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants for failing to disclose wage rate history in accordance with applicable law.

CFI expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CFI employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.