Investigative Reporter – Pioneer Institute – Boston, MA

Pioneer Institute, Massachusetts’ free-market think tank, is seeking a full-time Investigative Reporter to cover state and local politics in addition to in-depth policy issues.  

The Investigative reporter will be based in Boston and will travel throughout the state.

Responsibilities for the Investigative Reporter include:

  • Managing research and analysis on a multitude of issues relating to the state government’s use of taxpayer dollars
  • Covering all aspects of statehouse news when the legislature is in session
  • Monitoring and writing government and policy focused stories emanating from  state agencies and the Governor’s office
  • Covering issues of importance to the state’s electorate, especially those related to policy, politics, and how government involvement helps or hinders the citizenry
  • Conception and execution of compelling, sophisticated stories and video interviews that reach a broad online readership
  • Producing a lively mix of news and analysis that consumers find both relevant and interesting
  • Utilizing new media tools (including Facebook, Twitter, other new media outlets) to maximize public awareness
  • Clearly and simply articulating complex policy initiatives, as well as first and second order consequences of such policy
  • Taking and editing digital photographs, videos and audio recordings
  • Meeting the highest standards of journalistic competence and professionalism
  • Partnering with other investigative reporters and journalists from state based news organizations, public-policy institutions & watchdog groups to share leads and information 

The ideal candidate for the Investigative Reporter role will have the following attributes: 

  • Solid background in journalism, investigation, and research
  • Experience reporting for print, web, radio, or television outlets; established record of getting published or broadcast
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Solid research and editing skills
  • Familiarity with key policy issues
  • Knowledge of new media, website maintenance, and basic video production
  • Self-starter mentality and ability to work independently
  • Ability to uncover original/breaking stories
  • Experience utilizing open-records law
  • Solid understanding of basic economic principles and how markets work
  • A commitment to the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, and free enterprise
  • A bachelor’s degree
  • Willingness to travel within Massachusetts

Interested candidates should submit a résumé, writing samples (preferably links), and a cover letter detailing salary requirements and your interest in the mission of Pioneer Institute to claire@talentmarket.org.

About Pioneer

Method. By producing research almost exclusively through outside experts, Pioneer ensures credibility, remaining focused on what we do best — developing a strategic research and programs agenda for issues we believe in. We are a resource for legislators on Beacon Hill and for staff in the State’s executive offices, and we attract more press than any other research institute in Massachusetts. 

Brand. The application of free markets is not a conservative nor even a libertarian dictum. Markets work. Over the past half-century, governments of all political persuasions have used markets to provide more effective and efficient services. 

Independence. We do not accept government grants, are not attached to a university, and do not do contract research. Instead, we address the issues we believe to be most pressing in the context of our mission. We are supported in our efforts by individuals and foundations who believe in our mission and in our ability to fulfill it.

Missouri State Director – Americans for Prosperity Foundation

While leading different Missouri state initiatives, the state director will act as the main spokesperson for Americans for Prosperity Foundation within Missouri. The director will report to the VP, State Operations, and will work closely with different departments in the national office, volunteers, legislators, press and donors. This position requires an individual with a broad range of core competencies as he/she is running an individual state chapter within the broader organization. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Build relations for the state chapter with political, business, media and community leaders. Additionally, work with coalition partners, investors and AFPF national and other state offices to sustain state operations
  • Mobilize and educate grassroots activists on issues within the organization’s mission
  • Utilize activists and volunteers to advance policy initiatives that bring about institutional change
  • Represent the organization as the key spokesperson for the state through consistent branding
  • Create and implement a state-wide legislative action plan and assist on national issues of importance
  • Draft and prepare press releases and op-eds as related to issues of importance to the state
  • Create and cultivate donor relationships with new, as well as existing supporters, at the state level
  • Develop and work within state budget parameters

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Experience cultivating relationships with high-profile individuals
  • Political experience is preferable
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and excellent problem solving skills
  • Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, environment
  • Integrity, humility, and an entrepreneurial attitude
  • A positive attitude and an earnest interest in providing good customer service to our members, partners and other state chapters
  • A firm commitment to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity through free markets

 GENERAL:

Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFP Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization of citizen leaders committed to educating consumers, business owners, and the general public about the value and operation of an open and market-oriented economy that is free of government interference. 

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter explaining philosophical interest in AFPF, resume and salary history/requirements to: claire@talentmarket.org with the position title in the subject line. AFPF is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.

Executive Director – Tennessee Center for Policy Research – Nashville, TN

About the Organization:

The Tennessee Center for Policy Research (TCPR) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to generating and encouraging public policy remedies grounded in the capacity of private enterprise, the ingenuity of individuals and the abilities of active communities to achieve a freer, more prosperous Tennessee. Since its founding in 2004, TCPR has come to be regarded as one of the most innovative, influential and effective free market think tanks in America.

Overview:

The Executive Director for the Tennessee Center for Policy Research is responsible for upholding and advancing the mission and principles of TCPR, while growing the organization and expanding its influence and impact. The Executive Director operates under the supervision of a Board of Directors and provides overall direction and execution of TCPR’s operations and strategic planning. 

The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing and enhancing the following primary components of the operation of TCPR: Fundraising and membership, legislative/policy goals and strategy, staff management, staff recruitment and training, budget, marketing and outreach. 

The Executive Director must possess financial, personnel and strategic planning skills suitable for a successful and growing non-profit. 

General Responsibilities:

  • Determine goals and overall strategy for TCPR’s efforts to expand free market principles in Tennessee
  • Serve as the leader for TCPR’s fundraising and donor relations efforts
  • Keep programs and projects on task and focused on advancing policy goals
  • Ensure that TCPR’s research is unfailingly accurate and of the highest quality
  • Produce print publications and electronic communications of outstanding quality, content and persuasiveness
  • Lead the preparations for annual operations review and strategic planning
  • Maintain thorough and consistent communications with the Board of Directors
  • Uphold high professional standards
  • Act as a credible and compelling public presence for TCPR, locally, statewide and nationally  
  • Communicate effectively to TCPR’s array of audiences, including donors and supporters, policymakers, political allies and the media

 Development and Budget Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the development staff and craft the annual fundraising plan
  • Engage in major donor solicitation as defined by the plan
  • Assist in donor relations efforts, grant proposals, event management and other fundraising tasks as needed
  • Develop an annual budget that aligns with objectives, is built on realistic assumptions and provides enough flexibility for adjustment of resources, if necessary
  • Ensure that overhead and operational expenses are reasonable and restrained 

Staff Oversight Responsibilities:

  • Hire excellent staff members capable of executing objectives
  • Encourage low employee turnover and high employee morale
  • Position staff in roles that allow them to utilize their strengths
  • Train/mentor/develop senior staff and ensure that senior staff does the same for employees, contractors and interns under their supervision  
  • Delegate responsibilities among staff members to maximize effective use of time and resources 

Evaluation and Implementation Responsibilities:

  • Conduct regular reviews of staff
  • Ensure all efforts, including projects, publications and events reflect the mission and principles of TCPR
  • Measure outcomes of projects, continually refining evaluation instruments to quantify impact of projects
  • Report project outcomes to the Board of Directors 

Qualifications:

  • Absolute commitment to the mission and vision of TCPR
  • A passion for – and nuanced understanding of – the ideas of individual liberty, free markets and limited government
  • A minimum of five years of management experience in a similar or larger-sized think tank, political organization, foundation, non-profit organization or the equivalent, with a proven track record of success
  • A history of fundraising success and a demonstrated ability to develop and manage lucrative fundraising campaigns
  • Willingness to cultivate lasting relationships with TCRP’s donors
  • Knowledge of, and ability to accurately assess, Tennessee’s unique political and policy landscape
  • Skillful in both written and oral communications, with the ability to represent TCPR in the media professionally and persuasively
  • Fearless, unique and innovative approach to delivering public policy concepts to policymakers, the media and the public
  • Familiarity with utilizing new media tools and developing technologies for marketing, communications and fundraising purposes
  • Experience in marketing messages and products, including a demonstrated ability to create successful marketing plans
  • Ability to travel frequently, both in-state and nationally   

Compensation:

The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Health insurance benefits are included in the compensation package. 

Location:

The Tennessee Center for Policy Research is located in a historic building in the heart of Downtown Nashville, just blocks from the State Capitol.  Due to the nature of this position, remote or virtual employment is not possible.

Application Process:

Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter explaining your philosophical interest in the organization, as well as a résumé and salary history/requirements to: claire@talentmarket.org.