Policy Director

The Sycamore Institute, an independent public policy research center for Tennessee, seeks a full-time Policy Director to join its bipartisan team. Sycamore uses data and impartial analysis to help Tennesseans identify, understand, and solve big challenges.

The Policy Director leads a small but high-producing research team and is responsible for developing the organization’s research plan. They also conduct and oversee data analysis, research, and writing on a range of public policy issues that affect and connect Tennesseans’ health and prosperity.

We are seeking a candidate who has significant experience in policy analysis and project planning; proven written and oral communications skills; political savvy; and strong leadership and interpersonal skills to build relationships with diverse audiences.

The position reports to the Executive Vice President and is located in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Key Responsibilities

·       Work with Sycamore’s senior leadership team to develop the organization’s research priorities.

·       Directly supervise 1-2 policy analysts/senior policy analysts—including mentoring, training (as needed), and providing ongoing feedback and professional development support.

·       Conduct and oversee research and analyses of diverse issues that relate to Tennessee state policy and the health and economic prosperity of Tennesseans—consistent with Sycamore’s research priorities and strategic plan.

·       Use quantitative and qualitative analytic skills to identify and explain the impact of issues, challenges, and policies in a way that is accessible for Sycamore’s target audiences (i.e. policymakers, journalists, policy influencers, and the public).

·       Translate quantitative information and analyses to data visualizations.

·       Collaborate closely with policy analyst(s) to plan and scope research projects, assign responsibilities, set timelines, and ensure alignment with Sycamore’s mission and goals.

·       Edit and provide detailed feedback on policy analyst(s)’ written work to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility for key audiences.

·       Ensure that research-specific project/grant deadlines are met.

·       Develop potential research projects for funding proposals and applications.

·       Stay abreast of literature, national policy, and state activity relevant to Sycamore’s research priorities.

·       Build and maintain positive relationships with key policymakers and stakeholders throughout the state.

·       Represent the organization externally—including presenting Sycamore’s work in public settings.

·       Take initiative to identify emerging issues, research questions, and methods and how they are relevant for Tennessee and Tennesseans.

·       Provide information and technical assistance in response to requests from policymakers and other stakeholders.

·       Participate in internal staff meetings and trainings.

·       Perform other duties, as assigned, related to the mission of Sycamore.

·       Additional responsibilities and duties may vary.

Candidate Qualifications

The successful applicant will have:

·     Graduate degree in public policy, public health, public administration, economics, law, or related field and 5 years of experience relevant to the position. OR 10 years of experience relevant to this position.

·     Substantive subject matter knowledge in one or more of Sycamore’s past research areas.

·     Attention to detail.

·     Excellent writing, communication, analytic, and organizational skills.

·     Knowledge of statistical methods and interdisciplinary research approaches—including, at a minimum, a basic knowledge in survey design/analysis, program evaluation, and data visualization.

·     Ability to synthesize information/data from multiple sources and translate complex ideas into accessible, actionable analysis for a broad audience.

·     An openness and interest in working on multiple areas of policy that affect and connect Tennesseans’ health and prosperity—including, but not limited to, economic mobility, criminal justice, financial security, education, early childhood, housing and land use, social capital, public finance, and public health.

·     Initiative to learn new skills and information to fulfill the duties of the position and improve Sycamore’s ability to deliver on its mission in new, innovative ways.

·     Capacity to problem-solve when faced with unexpected obstacles.

·     Ability to provide impartial, unbiased analysis of politically-charged issues.

·     Commitment to having open dialogue on complex and sometimes difficult policy issues—including a willingness to share and listen to people with different perspectives.

·     Capacity to work well both independently and collaboratively.

·     Ability to self-start and manage and prioritize multiple projects and requests to achieve quality results in a timely manner.

·     Ability to maintain performance and self-control under pressure or adversity.

Sycamore is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates with backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in public policy.

Working at Sycamore

As a member of the Sycamore team, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are fun, smart, mission-driven, and collaborative. At the Sycamore Institute, our internal culture is as important to our work as high-quality research. We embrace collaboration, complexity, intellectual honesty, empathy, and disagreement. We reward skill, innovation, and hard work and provide ample flexibility and meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in ways that benefit both you and the organization.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets employees’ needs during the various stages of their life— including paid time off and parental leave, medical and life insurance with dental, vision, and disability options, and a 401(k) matching option.

The salary for the Policy Director will depend on skill and experience, with a potential range of $85,000-$100,000.

About the Sycamore Institute

Founded in 2015, The Sycamore Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center whose mission is to provide accessible, reliable data and research in pursuit of sound, sustainable policies that improve the lives of all Tennesseans.

The Sycamore Institute exists to help policymakers, the media, and the public understand complex issues that affect and connect Tennesseans’ health and prosperity. We are:

·       Independent – Sycamore takes an impartial approach to analyze and explain public policy issues. We are not beholden to any political, government, academic, or other organization.

·       Nonpartisan – Our leadership and staff come from across the political spectrum, but we all believe that data and evidence create the best foundation for effective public policy.

·       Researchers – Sycamore provides information, analysis, and opportunities for learning and discussion. We are not lobbyists or advocates for particular legislative proposals, political perspectives, or party agendas.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resumé, and writing sample (no more than 4 pages) through this link. All writing samples will be screened for the use of AI-generated text. No calls or in-person submissions please.

The Sycamore Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes qualified candidates from all backgrounds and experience to apply for this position.

Tagged as: public policy, research, tennessee