About the Illinois Policy Institute
The Illinois Policy Institute is the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state. We stand up for regular Illinoisans who deserve a voice in their government but have been ignored in favor of special interests for too long. We educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life to ensure our state is a place where everyone can thrive. Illinois is a place we should all be proud to call home.
The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research organization. Our partner organization, Illinois Policy, is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(4) advocacy organization.
About the role
The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking a budget and tax policy analyst to expand our coverage of government budget and tax issues. This role is ideal for someone who is deeply interested in fiscal public policy at the state and local levels, relishes digging into governmental budgets, wants to help the institute develop solutions and can explain to residents how those policies affect their everyday lives.
Applicants should thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative and fast-paced environment. They should have a clear commitment to free-market principles.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting in-depth research and analysis on existing and proposed fiscal policies (e.g., tax policies, public expenditures, government programs) to determine their alignment with free-market principles.
- Developing financial models to quantify how proposed tax and spending reforms would affect state and local revenues, expenditures and long-term budget balances under multiple policy scenarios.
- Developing budget and tax policy proposals that would ensure our state is a place where individuals and businesses can thrive.
- Drafting articles, op-eds and other content on state and local fiscal issues and best practices.
- Participating in media interviews, panels and events related to fiscal policy issues.
- Reviewing related legislation flagged by the director of legal research.
- Providing support to institute leadership and colleagues as needed.
Qualifications and requirements
- A minimum of three years’ finance, accounting or public policy experience. Tax or public-sector experience is a plus.
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in accounting, finance or economics.
- Excellent communication abilities, both verbally and in writing.
- Capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Alignment with the institute’s priorities and mission, coupled with a strong desire to contribute to and grow the institute’s initiatives.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced expertise in Excel for fiscal analysis and financial modeling.
Compensation
Range of $55,000 to $80,000 base salary, commensurate with experience. Opportunity for performance-based bonuses on top of base salary. Compensation package includes health (medical and dental plans with employer-paid share), 401(k), flexible spending benefits and vacation and sick days.
Location:
The fiscal policy analyst will work in our Chicago office. The Illinois Policy Institute has a hybrid work policy through which employees can work from home for up to two days each week.
How to apply
To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to the institute’s mission and how you came to those beliefs. Be sure to include at least one specific issue, case or policy area that resonates with you.
- Salary requirements.
- Resume
Applications should be submitted via the Illinois Policy application link here.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.