Job Opportunities - The Century Foundation

Current Openings:

Executive Director, Youth-driven Public Policy Think Tank (New York)
Accounting and HR Specialist (New York)
Part-time Office Intern (D.C.)

Executive Director

Youth-driven Public Policy Think Tank
New York, New York

The Century Foundation is seeking a creative and energetic executive director, committed to lifting up youth voices and perspectives, to set up, launch, and run a newly created youth-driven public policy think tank. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who values diversity, innovation, and engagement in the policymaking process and has demonstrated an ability to generate and then translate great ideas into policy impact.

This one-of-a-kind national think tank is a two-year funded project of The Century Foundation and will be launched in early 2019. The executive director will be tasked with establishing this new organization from the ground up, including securing office space, hiring staff, developing curriculum, training new thinkers, overseeing communications plans, and managing the work of 7–10 emerging policy researchers to develop actionable policy solutions. These researchers will also be matched with TCF and external mentors to guide their policy work.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an up-and-coming leader in the progressive policy space to take on a high-profile leadership role, with strong support and backing from an already established and connected research institution. TCF will provide back office, communications, and leadership support, but TCF is looking for an on-the-ground, action-oriented thought leader and facilitator for this new “start up” policy program. The overarching goals for the project are to (1) foster talent and help seed a new generation of smart, engaged thinkers and innovators to help influence policy in the years to come, and (2) launch new research and policy recommendations in the lead-up to the 2020 Presidential Election.

Duties:

Lead the recruitment process to source a diverse group of emerging public policy thinkers to work full-time for two years on a policy agenda
Develop a blueprint for the two-year think tank, including onboarding and offboarding, skills development, research design, policy execution, external communications, and events
Oversee all public communications from and about this project, including webpages, social media, channels and media partnerships
Guide emerging thinkers through the process of designing and executing on quality research and policy writing to deliver public policy change
Coordinate a public policy bootcamp and ongoing curriculum to support emerging public policy researchers with varying degrees of experience to achieve success
Facilitate group collaboration within the think tank toward the development of set of youth-driven policies to be launched in the lead up to the 2020 Presidential Election
Connect with peer organizations in the youth advocacy and progressive policy arena and create opportunities for the emerging thinkers to work in partnership with others toward shared policy goals
Build an audience and community around the work of the think tank
Communicate effectively with TCF leadership on the progress and efficacy of the project and potentially manage additional relationships with ambassadors, mentors, and additional thought partners
Seek out strategic supplemental external funding to supercharge and grow the project (base funding for the two-year project will be provided by The Century Foundation)
Ensure compliance with TCF’s 501(c)3 tax status and internal HR policies, including enforcing lobbying restrictions, restrictions on political activities, and managing personnel in accordance with TCF’s standards
Track and monitor operational budgets, expenses, and revenues in collaboration with the TCF finance team

Qualifications:

10 years professional experience, including 3–5+ years of management experience leading teams on collaborative and ambitious projects
A background as a policymaker, researcher, or advocate with deep knowledge in at least one policy field
A well developed understanding of how politics and policy interact, and how to drive national change, taking both into account
A passion for engaging with emerging voices on public policy challenges and solutions
Demonstrated ability to dissect, interpret, and utilize both academic and policy research
Experience in developing structured training and curriculum for diverse cohorts
Exceptional writer and communicator
Ability to review and edit written materials for substance and style
Familiarity with nonprofit governance structures, legal limitations, and lobbying restrictions a plus
A network of policy-relevant contacts in New York and/or Washington, D.C.
Willingness to participate in and oversee press outreach, media interviews, and social media strategy
Grants management and fundraising experience preferred
A commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture
Experience managing projects within defined budget parameters and overseeing enforcement of HR policies.

About TCF

Founded in 1919 by the progressive business leader Edward Filene, TCF is a think tank that pursues our mission by conducting timely, nonpartisan research and policy analysis that informs citizens, guides policymakers, and reshapes what government does for the better.

TCF is at the forefront of positive change in some of the most critical areas of domestic and foreign policy including pursuing fairness and opportunity in education; protecting workers and further strengthening the social safety net; encouraging democracy and ensuring personal rights in the tech age; and promoting stability and prosperity abroad.

Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and résumé to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No inquiries by third-party vendors and no phone calls please.

The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to apply, including LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities.

Accounting and HR Specialist

New York, New York

Reporting to TCF’s Chief Operating Officer, the Accounting and HR Specialist will work closely with the Finance Director and provide accounting and HR support for the organization. The role requires coordination with different departments and has immense opportunities for growth and hence it is ideal for someone who is looking to pivot their careers. If you are looking to immerse yourself in a professional opportunity while giving back to the community in an impactful way, this is the role for you!

Core Responsibilities:

Actively participates in the monthly closing and review of the general ledger, including diverse accounting functions and the preparation of general ledger entries and account reconciliations.
Interprets and analyzes financial information and presenting results, ensuring that assigned accruals are accurate and complete as directed.
Produce monthly, quarterly and annual financial and administrative reports, utilize report generation features to automate standard report formats
Process, code, enter, and track, accounts receivable and payables.
Track/reconcile/document credit card statements.
Maintain files/documentation and assist with audit preparations
Assist in HR and benefits administration including staff education, benefits/vendor tracking and documentatio
Assist with grants accounting, reporting, tracking and reconciliation with fundraising/grants management databases
Work with Finance Director and COO to enhance and document processes and procedures
Provide back-up support for Executive Assistant and other duties as assigned

Requirements:

Experience working in an office setting preferably with a small, multifunctional staff.
Has an experience wearing multiple hats and is willing to learn.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field or equivalent work experience.
Five years general accounting experience, nonprofit accounting is a plus. Ideal candidate will have worked in a small organization and enjoys learning.
Strong attention to detail, highly organized, able to manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
General office skills (email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management, facile user of accounting package (such as Sage, QuickBooks, etc.) and very strong report generation experience.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Excellent interpersonal skills and customer-service orientation.
Flexible, collaborative, supportive, and proactive.

About TCF
The Century Foundation is a progressive, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to foster opportunity, reduce inequality, and promote security at home and abroad. It was founded in 1919 by the progressive business leader Edward Filene and is one of the oldest public policy research institute of the country.

In the past 99 years, they have been at the forefront of positive change in some of the most critical areas of domestic and foreign policy including pursuing fairness and opportunity in education, protecting workers and further strengthening the social safety net, encouraging democracy and ensuring personal rights in the tech age and promoting stability and prosperity abroad.

The organization has a supportive culture, having employees that are committed to the mission. The employees have ample opportunity to voice their ideas and challenge existing norms. They have a diverse staff and a fun working environment, with regular social events and activities.

Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and salary expectations to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No inquiries by third-party vendors and no phone calls please.

The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds (Arabic or Spanish speakers are welcome). Everyone is encouraged to apply, including LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with non-job-impairing disabilities.

Part-time Office Intern, DC

Washington, D.C.

The Century Foundation (TCF)—a think tank promoting progressive ideas and innovative practical solutions that advance opportunity, equality, and security—seeks a proactive, self-directed, part-time temporary Office Intern in our Washington, DC office.

Position Description Summary:
The part-time Office Intern in DC is responsible for ensuring smooth office operations working with DC staff with the support of New York communications and administrative teams.

Representative Core Responsibilities:

General Assistance:

Basic research assistance (internet and legislative searches) for fellows.
Compile research into spreadsheets and memos.
Helping with finalizing research reports (checking references, formatting)
Participating in meetings and events as appropriate
Scheduling large meetings (4 plus people)
Travel reservations
Scanning receipts, filing reimbursements, and reconciling petty cash
Researching and adding new contacts to contact lists

Office:

Tracking supplies and ordering with our headquarters in New York
Opening and sorting mail
Scheduling repairs with landlord
Troubleshooting problems with office machines and communications, refilling printer cartridges
Tidying up common areas (discarding old copies, newspapers and keeping supply room under control)
Ensuring kitchen is kept clean. Ordering coffee/tea, snacks, etc.

Events:

Ordering food
Handling room reservations with our building
Copying materials
Setting up signage
Registering guests
Publicizing events and developing invite lists
Helping with personalized outreach

Other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

Strong attention to detail, highly organized, able to manage priorities, and meet deadlines
Hands-on experience, willing to roll up sleeves to get the job done
Strong communication skills, both written and oral
Energetic, flexible, collaborative, supportive, and proactive
Able to work a consistent part-time schedule, e.g., Monday through Friday 9-2
Prefer candidates willing to commit to a September – May internship

About TCF:
The Century Foundation is a progressive public policy think tank that seeks to foster opportunity, reduce inequality, and promote security at home and abroad. Founded in 1919 by the progressive business leader Edward Filene, the TCF pursues its mission by conducting timely, non-partisan research and policy analysis that informs citizens, guides policymakers, and reshapes what government does for the better.

TCF has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Its fellows come from academia, journalism, and public service, but share a commitment to the TCF’s abiding belief in the power of ideas.