Policy Analyst, Asset Building Program, California Office


The New America Foundation seeks a California-based Policy Analyst for the Asset Building Program. The program, launched in 2002, has established itself as a leading voice on innovative, market-oriented public policies to enable low- and moderate-wealth families in the U.S. and around the world to (a) accumulate savings; (b) access wealth-building financial services and financial education; (c) better manage their debts; and (d) build and protect lifelong, productive assets—a home, an education, a small business, investments, and a nest-egg for retirement. The program is among the world’s leading policy experts and advocates for universal and progressively funded savings accounts at birth in developed and developing countries.

In 2006, the program launched both the Financial Services and Education Project and the Global Assets Project to deepen its work in these areas; launched and manages the assets clearinghouse, AssetBuilding.org; and played a seminal role in the 2005 formation of the bi-partisan, bi-cameral Congressional Savings and Ownership Caucus in the U.S. Congress. The program has also published in the nation’s leading newspapers and magazines, and has appeared on the nation’s top television and radio programs. The program is also a leading voice for asset-building policies in California. For more information, see www.newamerica.net/programs/asset_building.

Primary Responsibilities


The Policy Analyst will work closely with the Asset Building Program’s California Legislative Director, who is based in Sacramento. Primary responsibilities include:

  • Lead and conduct policy research designed to help low- and moderate-income Californians access wealth-building financial services, save, and build assets.
  • Write issue briefs, working papers, op-eds, blog posts, and magazine stories.
  • Brief members of the California Legislature, legislative staff, administration officials, regulators, and other policymakers, as necessary. Participate in policy design efforts, as requested.
  • Work with New America’s in-house website team to manage and strategically develop the California Asset Building Program page of www.newamerica.net and contribute to www.AssetBuilding.org, the nation’s premier web-based clearinghouse on asset-building ideas, policies, and programs in the U.S. and around the world.
  • Provide programmatic support, as necessary.
  • Represent the program on radio and television, and at meetings and conferences around the U.S.

Qualifications


Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • Excellent research skills and analytical abilities.
  • Strong writing and public speaking skills, especially the ability to communicate policy ideas and legislative proposals concisely and effectively to a diverse range of audiences.
  • Working knowledge of relevant policy issues in California, related to poverty, inequality, economic and community development, housing, education, savings, tax policy, and immigration.
  • A bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, social policy or related fields is required.

Application Process


Mail, fax, or e-mail a resume and a brief cover letter summarizing your interests and qualifications to: Claudie Kiti Bustamante, New America Foundation, 921 11th Street, Suite 901, Sacramento, CA 95814. Fax: 916-448-3724. E-mail: bustamante@newamerica.net. Please state “Policy Analyst, Asset Building Program” in e-mail title.

Generous salary package commensurate with experience; excellent benefits. The New America Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

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