Policy Analyst, Asset Building Program

The Asset Building Program, launched in 2002, has established itself as a leading voice on innovative, market-oriented public policies to enable low-income 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; is a leading voice for asset-building policies in California; 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. For more information, see http://www.newamerica.net/programs/asset_building.

The Asset Building Program of the New America Foundation, which aims to significantly broaden the ownership of assets in the U.S. and abroad, has an immediate opening for a Policy Analyst.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct policy research designed to help low- and moderate-income Americans access wealth-building financial services, save, and build assets.
• Write issue briefs, working papers, op-eds, and magazine stories.
• Brief Members of Congress, congressional staff, administration officials, regulators, and other policymakers. Participate in policy design efforts, as requested.
• 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, such as poverty, inequality, economic and community development, housing, education, savings, tax policy, and immigration; and
• 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: Human Resources, New America Foundation, 1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20009. Fax: 202-986-3696. E-mail: jobs@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.