Frontier Group produces ideas and research to promote a cleaner environment and a fairer and more democratic society. We are issue experts, writers and analysts who recognize that good ideas must be coupled with organizing, advocacy and effective communication if they are to make a difference.
Frontier Group staff research, write and oversee the production of timely, high-quality reports that address important issues in the current public debate. In addition, Frontier Group staff work to develop and hone innovative public policy strategies capable of solving America’s most pressing problems.
To maximize our impact, we work with partner organizations across the country to insert our research and ideas into public policy debates at the local, state and federal levels. We also disseminate the results of our research and promote our policy vision through media appearances, op-eds and journal submissions. Frontier Group’s mission also includes the development of social change theory, with the goal of improving understanding of the mechanisms by which citizens affect public policy in a democratic society.
Frontier Group offers a variety of career and internship opportunities for experienced and entry-level candidates.
POLICY ANALYST
Job Description
Frontier Group policy analysts conceptualize and write compelling reports on social problems and their solutions, participate in the development of effective public policies, and disseminate our ideas and research findings to decision-makers and the public.
Frontier Group policy analysts write reports on a variety of issues, using a variety of research methodologies. Policy analysts can expect to work on many issues, and develop expertise in a few. Policy analysts also employ both qualitative and quantitative approaches to evaluating social problems and their solutions.
Policy analysts work with our partners in the Public Interest Network, a family of organizations including U.S. PIRG, Environment America and their state affiliates, to develop and hone effective public policies and to disseminate our work. Policy analysts write op-eds, blog entries and journal articles that insert the results of our research into the public debate, and are participate in recruitment and fundraising efforts to build the strength of the organization and the public interest movement overall.
Specifically, the policy analyst will:
- Review and draw conclusions from recent research in environmental science, public health, economics, and other fields.
- Conduct quantitative analysis of existing data sets and sometimes collect original data through interviews, surveys and collaboration with academic researchers.
- Evaluate policy alternatives and work with advocates on the ground to develop policy principles and specific policy proposals.
- Write clear, concise and evocative issue-based reports.
- Produce op-eds, journal articles, web tools and other communications to disseminate the results of our research.
- Take part in policy and program development with the Public Interest Network.
- Assist in the Public Interest Network’s organization-building activities including recruitment, fundraising, and staff training
Qualifications
We seek a smart, creative, strategic thinker with strong communication skills and a commitment to social change. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in public interest advocacy, journalism, or policy analysis and development, OR an advanced degree in a relevant field plus some experience in public interest advocacy, journalism, or policy analysis and development. We evaluate candidates based on their writing ability, experience in political or public interest work, academic record, and reasoning and research skills. We especially look for candidates who are “quick studies,” function well under deadlines, and have demonstrated both leadership and the ability to work well as part of a larger team to achieve positive change.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with the amount of an applicant's relevant experience, and is consistent with community organizer salaries (i.e. a candidate with 5 years of experience may be offered $30,000-35,000). Benefits are available, as are training and opportunities for advancement.
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
To Apply
Email a resume and cover letter to Susan Rakov at susan[AT]frontiergroup.org. Please be sure to mention where you saw our job advertised.
ENTRY-LEVEL POSITIONS
Frontier Group hires college graduates into two-year associate positions. Associates in their first year spend approximately half their time doing policy research and analysis along with the rest of our team. The rest of the year is devoted to intensive training and hands-on experience in political organizing, advocacy, fundraising and media work. In the second year of the position, about three-quarters of the year is spent on research and policy work. Upon successful completion of the two-year program, the associate will be eligible for a policy analyst position within Frontier Group, or may choose to be considered for a leadership role with one of our partner organizations.
A Frontier Group Policy Associate’s job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Conceptualizing and writing compelling reports on social problems and their solutions using a variety of research methodologies including literature reviews and data analysis.
• Collaborating with partner organizations to design and implement research ideas and to maximize distribution of our research product.
• Writing op-eds, blog entries and journal articles that insert the results of our research into the public debate.
• Participating in trainings, presentations and panels for researchers and advocates;
• Learning the skills of canvassing and managing a fundraising operation, and running a canvass office for a partner organization during the summer months.
• Learning recruiting skills and applying them to job recruitment drives for graduating college seniors seeking careers in social change.
Qualifications
Candidates should have excellent writing skills, a problem-solving orientation, ability and drive to dig for and synthesize information under deadline, ability to organize and present an argument, critical thinking and analytical ability. We’re looking for individuals with a strong commitment to social change, academic achievement, and proven leadership ability. Familiarity with quantitative analysis is a plus; in addition, debate, speechwriting, journalistic reporting, political campaigning and fundraising are excellent preparation for this position.
Salary and Benefits
Entry-level staff earn $23,750 or more in their first year on staff, depending on location. In addition, full-time staff can opt into a health care plan, receive paid holidays and are eligible for paid sick days. Staff are also eligible to join our 401(k) program in their second year. Training includes one-on-one collaboration with experienced staff, classroom study, and hands-on field work.
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
To Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, references and sample of your writing to Elizabeth Ridlington at elizabeth[AT]frontiergroup.org.
INTERNSHIPS
Summer and school-year internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students in any field of study. We seek students who have a strong commitment to public interest issues, are willing to engage others, can think strategically, and have strong research and writing skills.
Locations
Santa Barbara, CA
Boston, MA
Baltimore, MD
To Apply
Send a cover letter, resume and sample of your writing to Elizabeth Ridlington at elizabeth[AT]frontiergroup.org.