Policy & Research Manager

About

The States Project (TSP) connects the importance of state legislatures to every aspect of our lives and brings together communities to help build a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

Our electoral work focuses on winning governing  majorities in the states by making state legislative campaigns more effective and better-funded. Our policy work provides nonpartisan tools and resources that connect a diverse community of state lawmakers committed to improving lives for the people they serve.   We do it because we believe that state legislatures are the strongest force for change in this country.

We encourage you to find out more about the organizations’ values here.

Policy & Research Manager, The States Project

LOCATION: National. 100% Remote, with 5-10% of expected travel for in-person team meetings and events. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: April 25, 2025.

Position Details:

This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position. The team currently operates remotely, with occasional in-person team retreats, etc. Some travel will be required. Additional evening and weekend hours are occasionally required to fulfill the duties of this position. 

The Opportunity:

The Policy and Research Manager will have the opportunity to conduct significant policy research, writing, analysis and legislative tracking as a member of the Lawmaker Engagement team.

This role will ensure TSP’s policy resources meet the needs of state lawmakers and help achieve the American Promise in principles-aligned ways. This work will include policy research and drafting of memos, policy resources, and components of model policies, responsibility for policy tracking processes, and collaborating with other teams to support them in using and engaging with these systems. The role reports to the Senior Director of Policy.

• Principal activities will include but not be limited to: 

• Evaluate new policy ideas that advance America’s Goals and align with the Principles of the American Promise.
• Assess policies from a variety of lenses to synthesize public popularity, economic viability, and impact, including through utilizing research best practices, effectively/strategically utilizing data, and aligning with internal standards.
• Strategically draft policy resources, including specific model policy language.
• Advance opportunities to disseminate policy work to key stakeholders, including supporting engagement with external partners as needed.
• Support research requests from lawmakers and conduct rapid response research and compile information for lawmakers and staff  as needed.
• Assist with public opinion policy polling, and ensure use of insights and data in policy development processes.

• Post approved model policies to the TSP Policy Library, and assist with periodic reviews of public model policies to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.
• Support and maintain policy tracking; produce periodic reports on introductions and enactments and other data points.

• Monitor and direct follow-up for general policy inquiries from lawmakers and partners.
• Manage external stakeholder/policy partner tracking.
• Identify opportunities to expand resources and reach, including through media scanning and engaging with external partner programming.
• Contribute to Lawmaker Engagement products, programming, and resources that feature TSP policies (e.g., TSP policy agenda, seminars, briefings, task forces, fellowship, etc.).
• Collaborate across teams to ensure alignment of policy work.
• Participate in and assist in facilitating various internal meetings, including policy development meetings.
• Train and support colleagues in being able to understand and use policy development and policy tracking materials as appropriate.

• 4+ years experience working in public policy or research within non-profits or any level of government, or combination of work experience
• Bachelors' degree or equivalent
• Strong policy research and/or legislative analysis skillset
• Experience with state legislative research and/or legislative drafting
• Passion for and alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and theory of change
• Self-starter with a drive to make things happen: proven track record of excellence and high standards for success
• Highly collaborative approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of independently managing time and tasks associated with a fast-paced organization

• Experience or knowledge on the intersection of policy and politics, and the role of elected officials in setting policy
• Advanced degree (MPA, MPP, MA, JD, etc.)

Benefits:

The position offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits currently offered include 75% paid coverage of medical, dental, and vision for individuals and dependents, basic life insurance, an employee assistance program, unlimited PTO, 401(k) matching, annual professional development, wellness, and work-from-home stipends and paid family leave.

Compensation:

The salary for this position is  $97,582 - $103,000*. Salary offers are made based on the market rate and the candidate's demonstrated level of proficiency, experience, and credentials.

*The pay rate or range noted for this position is in compliance with the District of Columbia Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023, NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, and other state and local laws.

TSP does not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. TSP values diversity and strongly encourages women, individuals with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, religious beliefs, and military backgrounds to apply.

TSP complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact People & Culture.

What You Can Expect During the Recruitment and Hiring Process:

All applicants will submit a resume and cover letter. Selected applicants will be moved forward to a phone screen. The next steps will include interviews with leadership.