Position Announcement: Senior Budget Strategist

Jan 04, 2022

By Tara Jensen

MPBC is seeking a Senior Budget Strategist to lead the organization’s efforts to maximize the impact of federal and state funds in anti-poverty policies and programs through research, analysis, and advocacy. This position will coordinate with MBPC partner Montana Women Vote. Together these positions will build a coalition and deepen relationships in impacted communities to inform policy objectives and advocacy strategies to advance racial justice and economic justice. The Senior Budget Strategist will report to the Deputy Director of Research.

The Montana Budget & Policy Center is dedicated to advancing responsible tax, budget, and economic policies through credible research and analysis to promote opportunity and fairness for all Montanans. Since its founding in 2008, MBPC has become a trusted resource for information on important fiscal debates that will shape Montana's future.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Analyze state and federal policy, assess trends and conditions, and develop policy options.
• Develop materials including briefing documents, blogs, fact sheets, legislative testimony, and reports to synthesize technical information into relatable, simplified materials.
• Work with the Deputy Director of Research, Deputy Director of Equity Policy and Programs, and MBPC policy team to ensure MBPC’s research includes a racial equity lens and analysis of structural racism.
• Educate coalition participants and potential allies through various communication channels to convey information about the policy and engage them in the coalition’s activities. 
• Participate in coalition and partner activities such as community education, public events and rallies, action alerts, and other field activities.
• Write and present legislative analysis, critique, and testimony.
• Provide public education, including briefings, serving on panels, and delivering presentations in various venues.  
• Serve as point person for maximizing the impact of federal funds in Montana for partners, media interviews, and acts as liaison to national partner organizations. 

Qualifications 

• A demonstrated commitment to social, economic, and racial justice.
• A willingness to engage in anti-racism efforts, both internally and externally.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly to a range of audiences both in writing and through public speaking.
• Excellent research skills.
• At least three years of relevant higher education experience and at least three years of relevant work experience. A bachelor’s or graduate degree in a relevant field may substitute.
• Highly developed attention to detail.
• Organized and able to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and work effectively with diverse audiences and constituencies.
• An ability to think strategically and work in a collaborative working environment.
• Fluency in the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Knowledge of the legislative and budget process in Montana (preferred).
• Experience in a policy or political environment (preferred).

Position Details

The ideal candidate will work full-time and be based in Helena. Candidates based in other locations in Montana will be considered.

Salary range is $50,000 – $60,000, commensurate with experience. MBPC offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, flex funds, retirement, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, sabbatical, and paid family and medical leave.

To Apply:

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by email to Rose Bender at rbender@montanabudget.org.

The position is open until filled. Initial application review will begin February 7.

We strongly encourage applicants with lived experience and from underrepresented identities, including but not limited to people of all ethnic/racial backgrounds, people of all gender identities/gender expressions, people with disabilities, individuals living on low-incomes, and LGBTQ+ persons.