About the Tax Foundation
We’re an 80-year-old nonpartisan, non-profit located steps away from the White House in Washington, DC. We regularly work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to help fix problems in national and state tax codes and by focusing on effective policies instead of politics, we have curated a reputation as one of the most effective policy think tanks in the nation. We use our research and analysis to bring tax changes to the national spotlight, foster competition between the states, and advise policymakers on how to improve their tax systems. In 2017, our work was cited in 41,052 news articles, including the largest national outlets and the papers of record in all fifty states. We produced over 70 major reports and our website got a record 18.8 million views.

Job Overview
Tax Foundation seeks a VP or Director to lead our state policy team and be our lead spokesperson on state policy issues. The team produces numerous major annual studies and dozens of smaller reports each year, testifies and presents on its research, and works with friends to promote smarter, pro-growth policy.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the team; coordinating with other teams, especially our marketing team; setting direction for our state research, outreach, and fundraising; and engaging with policymakers, reporters, and other key audiences. Good speaking, good writing, and good attitude are a must. The right candidate must also believe strongly in the Tax Foundation mission of pushing the tax reform debate toward smarter policies.

Since the VP/Director will spend a significant portion of time on the road, having an outgoing personality (high energy, extroverted) that lends itself to external outreach is critical. Also important will be strong interpersonal/management skills and the experience of effectively communicating up, down, and laterally.  And while experience in policy is important, being an expert in tax policy is not necessary. The right candidate will be able to learn the on the job. 

The Director will report to our President and Executive Vice President and will be located in Washington, DC.

The VP or Director of State Projects candidate will:

• • Provide overall leadership and strategic vision to the organization’s state tax policy efforts, including all stately-focused research and education projects. Extensive travel (25%-50% depending on the month/project/etc.)
  • Oversee the state policy team’s research agenda, including setting a publications schedule, project timelines, and guidelines. Balance engagement in issues of the day with long-term building projects and networks for future issues and making issues happen. Serve as lead spokesperson on state policy.
  • Cultivate relationships with key audiences, including state policymakers and their staff, reporters, allied groups, and interested stakeholders, to make Tax Foundation and its experts the go-to source on tax policy.
  • Lead a fundraising strategy for the state program, in concert with our development team, including coordinating working groups, briefings, and meetings. Manage the departmental budget, and monitoring progress toward budgeted revenue goals.
  • Lead a marketing strategy for the state program, reaching our key legislative, media, allies, donor, and grasstops audiences, particularly emphasizing readability, timeliness, and market penetration.
  • Collaborate with marketing, development, and other teams to ensure cohesion in messages and priorities.
  • Supervise and coach the members of the state policy team, playing an active and personal role in constructing a culture that cultivates high performance and high quality.
  • Maintain knowledge of current state tax policy and economic issues, and identify new research opportunities. Ability to navigate and utilize major data sources.
  • Research and write studies, reports, blog posts, and op-eds on state tax issues.
  • Contribute as a member of the executive team, where we decide organization strategy.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Passion for the Tax Foundation’s mission and principles, and ensure Tax Foundation work comports with the credibility of the organization.
• Experience facilitating projects, leading them from conception to completion under time or resource pressure
• Experience interacting with state or federal policymakers or government officials
• Success securing financial support for programs or projects
• Advanced experience or training in economics, public policy, or government
• The ability to interface well with all departments of the organization and represent Tax Foundation in a highly professional manner
• Strong interpersonal skills, mentoring skills, and an affinity for working with a team
• 7-10 years of experience in relevant positions

Benefits
Benefits include HSA-based health coverage (TF covers an amount equivalent to three-quarters of a reference plan and deposits $1,500 annually into the HSA), dental and vision coverage, life/AD&D/LTD insurance, 12 holidays per year, 15 vacation days per year, sick leave, early release on Fridays, and a 401(k) retirement plan (100% match on first 5%). The Tax Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V

How to Apply

To apply, qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

• • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing your philosophical interest in the organization’s mission, how your background and experience make you a good fit for the role, and your salary requirements

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, Executive Director of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: claire@talentmarket.org.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide free consulting and recruiting services to free-market think tanks, policy organizations, research centers, and capacity-building institutions dedicated to advancing the principles of limited government and free enterprise.