http://community-wealth.org/jobs

The Democracy Collaborative (Takoma Park, MD) is seeking a Research Associate to work on the Next System Project, an ambitious new initiative aimed at helping Americans think boldly about what is required to deal with the systemic challenges the United States faces now and in coming decades. Working with a broad group of theorists and activists, and using the best research, understanding and policy thinking, the Next System Project seeks to develop and refine comprehensive alternative political-economic system models and launch a national debate that will put the central idea of system change – and that there can be a “next system” – on the map in a serious way.

The Research Associate will provide administrative and research support for the project’s Executive Director, Joe Guinan, and Co-Chairs Gar Alperovitz and Gus Speth. Candidates for the position should possess strong administrative, organizational, research and writing skills and have a demonstrable interest in alternative political economy and a commitment to transformative political, economic, social and ecological change.

Responsibilities will include:

Providing administrative assistance for the planning and execution of day-to-day project activities, including setting up meetings and events, networking and partnership-building, and generally providing support for the development and expansion of the project;
Research, analysis and writing for broad audiences, including academic, policy-making, and lay audiences, and production of professional reports and memoranda;
Representing the project professionally in a variety of public settings;
Contributing as needed to other priority activities.
Additional Qualifications:

Strong knowledge of political economy issues and related fields;
Superior research skills, especially in qualitative analysis;
Ability to work independently and manage a complex workflow;
Ability to work as part of a collaborative team;
Excellence in both written and verbal communication.
Technical proficiency in working with spreadsheets, databases, and other project management software and tools.
Ability to build relationships with academics, practitioners, activist groups, and other project partners;
A track record of commitment to economic and social justice, diversity and inclusion;
A graduate degree in political science, economics, sociology, public policy or related field would be helpful, but is not required. Salary commensurate with work and academic experience. Job includes health and retirement benefits and three weeks’ vacation. The position is based at the Democracy Collaborative’s office in Takoma Park, MD.
Length of position: Two-year commitment (contingent on satisfactory 90-day and annual review) strongly preferred. Position can extend beyond two years by mutual agreement.

Start date: Summer 2014

To apply: Please email a cover letter, resume and writing sample to jobs@democracycollaborative.org by July 15, 2014. No phone calls please. http://community-wealth.org/jobs