Work at MPI

The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions.

MPI is committed to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and developing staff at all levels who reflect the breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where we work. This encourages diversity of thought that enriches and adds greater credibility to our work. As such, we are committed to making sure that staff members of all backgrounds work in an inclusive environment with equity and access for all.

Associate Policy Analyst/Policy Analyst – U.S. Immigration Policy Program

Program and Research Assistant, National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy

Associate Policy Analyst/Policy Analyst – U.S. Immigration Policy Program

What if the next step in your career was to join a dynamic team of migration experts who focus on U.S. policies that shape immigration to the United States? We are a group of researchers and policy analysts who value supporting and learning from each other and generating research directly relevant to key policy issues relating to improving the U.S. immigration system so that it works most effectively in the national interest. We are a tight-knit, collegial team looking for a new member who has training in social science research to contribute to MPI’s mission.

As an Associate Policy Analyst/Policy Analyst (depending on level of experience), you will quickly become proficient in the wide range of topics that fall within MPI’s U.S. immigration policy work. You will contribute to the Institute through strong research, analytical, and dissemination skills that bring reliable information, policy ideas, and commentary to current public policy debates. The work will also involve regularly speaking with the media and organizing and participating in private and public events that build understanding of critical policy problems and solutions.

About MPI and the U.S. Immigration Policy Program

MPI is an independent, nonpartisan think tank that is focused on international migration. We seek to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions. MPI is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining staff at all levels who reflect the breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where we work. This breadth of experience encourages diversity of thought that enriches and adds greater credibility to our work. MPI is committed to making sure that staff members of all backgrounds work in an inclusive, equitable environment.

The U.S. Immigration Policy Program addresses a broad range of immigration issues. Our work is strongly policy focused and draws on both research and relationships with decisionmakers, other experts, and stakeholders across the immigration spectrum, especially—though not exclusively—at the federal level.

Duties and Responsibilities

At either the Associate Policy Analyst or Policy Analyst level, candidates should have an advanced degree in sociology, political science, economics, or another relevant social science. Candidates who have similar skills through experience are welcome to apply. Candidates must demonstrate strong research, writing, analytical, and communications skills. Typically, an Associate Policy Analyst will have three or more years of relevant full-time work experience. A Policy Analyst will have five or more years of full-time experience with a relevant work history that includes conceptualizing, developing, and implementing projects, reports, and dissemination activities.

Responsibilities that will be assumed by both positions include:

Research and Project Coordination

Systematically track current migration and immigration policy developments.
Assist with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, including key interviews, site visits, and other fieldwork; conduct literature reviews; and contribute to or take the lead on analytical research products, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
Contribute to, co-author, or author explanatory and analytical reports, policy briefs, and other research materials, under the guidance of senior staff.
Regularly compile needed information from a variety of resources (e.g., meetings, news sources, academic journals, and webinars) to share with the team and other stakeholders.
Assist in the organization of public and private roundtables and events (e.g., developing event agendas, drafting invitations, and coordinating with speakers) under the supervision of senior staff and coordinating with MPI’s Senior Events Manager.
Support and work with MPI’s intern program and interns, the data team, and MPI’s Communications program.
Assist in conceptualizing and writing funding proposals and reports to key donors and partners in support of MPI’s projects.
Participate actively as a member of MPI’s staff in institutional planning, internal meetings and discussions, and outside panel and speaking appearances.

Required Skills

Academic or professional experience conducting qualitative (interview or focus-group based) or quantitative research
Strong knowledge of key immigration programs and policies, U.S. governmental and nongovernmental institutions, and relevant legislation.
Academic or professional background involving analyzing and writing research reports that are public policy relevant and developing evidence-based policy ideas and proposals.
Excellent English writing skills in varying formats and speaking fluency.
Proactive, motivated, curious, collegial. Ability to handle multiple assignments, prioritize, and meet deadlines in an often fast-paced, changing environment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and as part of a team.
Proven research, organization, and project management skills.
Ability to understand and succinctly synthesize the details of complex policy questions and actions.
Comfort with collecting, compiling, cleaning, and carefully checking data in Excel.

Preferred Skills

Research and writing on issues at the intersections of immigration with other key public policy fields, e.g. the criminal justice system, humanitarian protection regimes, poverty studies, public benefits, labor market dynamics, or fiscal policy.
Prior publications as a co- or sole author.
Experience taking a leading role in a research project, such as through conducting a master’s thesis, or managing a component of a larger research project
Training or experience in research design
Demonstrated ability to convey complex issues to specialist and nonspecialist audiences, verbally and in writing.
Strong relationships with immigration professionals and experts and an ability to strengthen personal contacts and outreach with key immigration actors and networks.
Spanish proficiency with demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak in professional settings.

Salary and Benefits

This position comes with a competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience and generous benefits package, including health and retirement benefits.

Details

The Associate Policy Analyst/Policy Analyst will be part of MPI’s U.S. Immigration Policy Program and report to its Director. The job is based in Washington, DC, but qualified candidates requesting to work from another location may be considered.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and an unedited, sole-authored writing sample to [email protected]. Please reference “APA/PA U.S. Program – Social Science Research” in the subject line and include a sentence telling us how you heard about this position. When attaching your resume, the saved title should be “[Name] U.S. Program Application.”

Application Date

Applications are due by close of business on May 31, 2022, but interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the large number of applicants expected, only those being considered for the position will be contacted. No direct phone calls or emails to MPI staff, please.

The Migration Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual or gender orientation, religion, or physical ability. We value a diverse work environment and welcome applications from all candidates who meet the requirements for the position.

Program and Research Assistant, National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy

Are you looking to jump start your career in public policy analysis focused on issues related to migrant-background children, adults, and families? MPI’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy (NCIIP) is seeking a full-time Program and Research Assistant to join its Washington D.C.-based team. Through policy research and analysis as well as technical assistance, NCIIP supports state and local community leaders, elected officials, researchers, state and local agency managers, and others in identifying and promoting policy solutions that support the integration of immigrant and refugee families.

Our team is diverse in its areas of expertise, seeking to identify and support implementation of solutions to improve access and quality for immigrant families in early childhood education and care, K-12 education, and adult education and workforce training systems. We also work to advance broader efforts to improve the governance of integration policy at the federal level and the inclusion of migrant-background families’ unique needs in current federal government efforts to advance equity for underserved populations.

As NCIIP’s Program and Research Assistant, you will be uniquely positioned to gain an informed perspective in all of these realms while providing research and administrative support to our team members. Short- and long-term assignments will vary, enabling you to sharpen a variety of skills, including but not limited to writing memos, analyzing policies, tracking legislation, supporting qualitative and quantitative analyses, and organizing meetings with diverse experts and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented and highly organized self-starter, able to prioritize among a range of projects and tasks.

About MPI

MPI is an independent, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions. MPI is committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining staff at all levels who reflect the breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where we work. This breadth of experience encourages diversity of thought that enriches and adds greater credibility to our work. MPI is committed to making sure that staff members of all backgrounds work in an inclusive, equitable environment.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree, 1 to 3 years of relevant experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize among multiple tasks
Ability to interact with coworkers, vendors, organizational partners, and the public in a professional manner
Commitment to NCIIP’s mission and general interest in immigrant integration issues.

Preferred

Familiarity with federal and state policies related to immigrant integration
Experience in a program support and/or in a professional administrative capacity
Experience organizing conference calls, webinars, and public meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities

Draft and/or edit routine correspondence and memos
Provide background research for NCIIP projects and support development of fact sheets and other products
Organize logistics of national meetings and workshops (invitations, travel arrangements, site logistics, materials)
Assist in scheduling webinars, briefing calls, project meetings, and other appointments;
Assist, with supervision, in drafting explanatory and analytical reports, policy briefs, and other research materials
Maintain and update contact lists, working files, and databases
Track NCIIP publications and other grant deliverables
Assist in hiring and supervising NCIIP interns
Provide other administrative and research support as needed.

Salary and Benefits

This position comes with a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and generous benefits package.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and short writing sample to [email protected]. Please reference “Program and Research Assistant - NCIIP” in the subject line and include a line telling us how you heard about this position. No phone calls, please.

Hard copies may be sent to:
Human Resources
Migration Policy Institute
1275 K St., Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005

Applications are due by close of business May 30, 2022. However, we encourage candidates to apply as early as possible as applications are being considered on a rolling basis. Due to the large number of applicants, only those being considered for the position will be contacted.

The Migration Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual or gender orientation, religion or physical ability.

View job openings in the MPI Europe office in Brussels.