This role is remote.
We prioritize the following locations for hiring: CA, CT, DC, GA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, VT but we welcome candidates from other states to apply as well.
About the Roosevelt Institute
The Roosevelt Institute is a think tank, a student network, and the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum that, together, are learning from the past and working to redefine our collective future. Focusing on corporate and public power, labor and wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality, the Roosevelt Institute unifies experts, invests in young leaders, and advances progressive policies that bring the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor into the 21st century.
Roosevelt takes on today’s greatest challenges by advancing bold, cutting-edge research and policy ideas. We believe that the future of the American economy and our democracy depends on a new way of thinking about markets and government. Too few people hold too much economic and political power today, and we know that a stronger society is possible if we rectify this imbalance between private actors and the public. With a commitment to transforming corporations, restructuring markets, reviving democratic institutions, and reimagining the role of government, our work moves our nation toward a more resilient, equitable, and green future.
Our Culture
At Roosevelt, we recognize that the culture of the workplace and opportunities for career growth and development are important to all. We believe that diversity of background and experience among our people make our work to rewrite the rules of our social and economic realities stronger. Roosevelt is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to consider all applications in all job classifications, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, military status, height and weight, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or other legally protected status. We strongly encourage people with diverse work and life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, and diverse cultures to apply.
What You’ll Do
The Director, Democratic Institutions will build the Roosevelt Institute’s portfolio of work on strengthening and rebuilding our democratic institutions. The Director will develop a portfolio on key governing institutions and their relationship to a functioning democracy and democratic economy.
This position will combine day-to-day management, long-range strategy development, and research and writing. The Director’s time will be divided roughly as follows: 40 percent personal research and writing; 30 percent managing the research and writing of fellows and contract authors; 20 percent promoting the work of the program; and 10 percent administrative and management tasks—for example, supporting Roosevelt’s development team. Included in the time devoted to research and writing and fellows’ research and writing may involve helping research associates and program managers support the program’s work.
Reporting to the Vice President, Think Tank, the Director will partner with team members and leaders across the organization to develop, refine, and execute program strategy. The Director will also serve as Roosevelt’s primary resident expert on democratic institutions representing Roosevelt in the media, among advocacy groups, with funders, and with elected officials.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Research and Writing:
- Conduct research and author briefs, reports, and other products, such as blog posts, articles, and op-eds.
- Engage fellows, external partners, and outside experts in the development of research agendas and products.
Program Strategy and Leadership:
- Develop new lines of research and policy proposals, with a special focus on how democratic institutions have been weakened over the neoliberal era and new ideas for how to strengthen them.
- Lead a team, potentially including both full-time staff, part-time fellows, and contract experts, aligning them around goals, overseeing research product development, and ensuring that the whole of the program’s work and products is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Partner with the Think Tank Director to guide research by junior staff in support of program goals.
- Partner with government relations and communications teams to develop overall programmatic goals and materials and promote work in service of those goals.
- Where appropriate, represent the organization’s work among press, government officials, funders, and allied organizations.
- Manage and review the research and writing of fellows, contractors, and staff to ensure quality and rigor.
- Partner with development team to articulate clear goals, strategies, and deliverables for proposals to support program work, and to track and report out on progress.
Management:
- Oversee product pipeline for program area and ensure all products are delivered on time and meet the highest research standards.
What You’ll Have
- Law degree or advanced degree in economics, history, political science, sociology, public policy, or related subject preferred, but not required
- Research expertise on core democratic institutions
- A proven record of bringing a racial lens to research
- Exceptional writing, editing, and communications skills
- Experience writing and/or communicating about policy ideas to a wide audience
- Demonstrated success managing multiple complex projects at once and leading teams—including balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders (e.g., academic and research experts, advocacy and media goals) and timely delivery of projects
- Experience collaborating with teams across an organization to develop and execute on program strategies, as well as troubleshooting and course-correcting as needed
- Passion for the Roosevelt Institute’s mission and strategy of intervening at the level of paradigm shift
Note: Candidates advanced to the Hiring Manager interview will be asked for two items: a research writing sample and an op-ed.
Not sure if you meet all the qualifications? Please apply!
We know talent comes in many forms. Our only requirement is that you’re passionate about advancing democracy—to create meaningful change. Join our team and help envision a new equitable future for all.
The salary range for this role is $119,000 – $146,000 annually. The Roosevelt Institute offers excellent benefits that include 100 percent paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and 80 percent paid for dependents; life insurance; vacation; personal and sick time; paid parental leave; professional development; healthcare, dependent care, and commuter FSA; and a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4 percent contribution.