The Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality (GCPI) is a research center that generates policy solutions to improve the lives of people experiencing poverty in the United States. Collaborating with government and movement leaders, we provide timely, evidenced-based ideas to impact decision-making, increase economic well-being, and advance racial and gender equity.

We equip policymakers with research and analysis as they create and implement solutions to improve the lives of people experiencing poverty–or push back against harmful proposals. We collaborate directly with government administrators and policymakers on policy design ideas to find ways to make steady progress and move big ideas forward. These contributions lend credibility and specificity to movement efforts to support families experiencing poverty and hardship, particularly women of color, who are the most economically harmed and excluded in the U.S.

Our work ensures that policy actions are informed by the lived experiences of people experiencing poverty. Together, we’re building a future free from poverty, grounded in opportunity for all.

If you share our commitment to economic, racial, and gender equity, consider applying for one of our open positions.

Managing Director for Policy & Research

The Managing Director for Policy & Research manages and provides strategic direction for the Center’s research and policy initiatives. 

What You’ll Do

• Develop policy ideas, research initiatives, funding streams, and partnerships 
• Build and strengthen relationships with policymakers, partners, funders, media, faculty, and students.
• Provide strategic direction, support, and oversight to staff for all research and policy initiatives 
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director in formulating center goals, strategies, and long-term plans.

Who You Are

We understand that the right candidate may not have all these qualities listed below; however, we are seeking a commitment and excitement to build your skills or experiences in these areas. (Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply to jobs if they meet all of the qualifications. We encourage you to break with that trend and apply!)

• You are a deeply networked policy expert with strong relationships and credibility in movements and coalitions that align with the Center’s mission.
• You are an idea generator and creative thinker for policy design with knowledge of a broad range of poverty & inequality issues, and deep expertise in one or more of GCPI areas of focus, including the care economy, good jobs, public benefits, and housing.
• You are a strong writer and speaker who knows how to engage policymakers, researchers, advocates, and funders–translating policy details and complex ideas for various audiences.
• You are a strategic, collaborative leader with experience leading teams, supervising and mentoring staff, and managing projects and timelines.
• You have well-developed race, class, and gender analyses and consistently integrate them into your work and interactions.
• You are a flexible problem-solver with a positive, proactive, forward-thinking mindset and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• You are skilled at interpreting research, analyzing data, and developing policy recommendations, and you have a record of publications on subjects related to the Center’s mission.
• You have enthusiasm for learning and strong accountability practices.
• You have demonstrated success in fundraising
• You have a JD or Master’s degree or equivalent and at least 8 years of relevant experience. (Experience in government service, e.g. federal or state agencies and legislatures, is a plus.)

What We Offer

The salary range for the position is $135,000-$150,000.

Georgetown University offers comprehensive and competitive benefits, including health, dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance coverage, retirement savings programs, tuition assistance, voluntary insurance options, and much more. For more information, visit https://benefits.georgetown.edu/.  

The position is designated as hybrid, with an expectation for in-person work 2-3 days per week.

Research Assistant

The Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality often has openings for part-time Research Assistants (RAs). We’re looking for Georgetown law and graduate students who share a commitment to our mission to develop and advance ideas that alleviate poverty and inequality, advance racial and gender equity, and expand economic inclusion for all in the United States.

RAs will:

• Conduct policy research on economic security issues and analyze pending legislation, existing laws and policies, and new policy ideas and proposals;
• Help draft reports, policy briefs, fact sheets, articles, blog posts, op-eds, talking points, public presentations, and other written materials; and
• Develop charts, infographics, and other visual representations of data.

GCPI RAs will make significant contributions to our current projects, which include research and policy development focused on broad-based economic security policy, postsecondary education, job creation, paid family medical leave, census, tax credits, universal family care, subsidized employment, human services, social determinants of health, and unemployment insurance, all with an intersectional focus on racial equity and gender justice.

RAs should have:

• Excellent research & writing skills; and

• Professional, academic and/or lived experience with issues related to poverty, economic justice, social inclusion, racial equity, and/or gender equity.

Interested candidates should send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter (which should include the number of hours you’d hope to work per week—between 10-20 is ideal), to povertyinequalitycenter@georgetown.edu.