About the Role

The Mississippi Center for Public Policy is an award-winning think tank with an exceptional track record of getting our policy proposals turned into law. We seek a new team member to help expand our capacity to gather and present the data needed to make compelling cases for meaningful policy reforms. We are looking for someone capable of drilling down into detail and with an interest in:  

• Energy policy / net zero / energy disinformation 
• Health care, including Certificate of Need Laws
• Consumer advocacy and the state’s public service commission regulatory structure and mandate. 

This person will produce first-class research on a regular basis, which we can use to produce long-form articles and other material to help change the policy narrative. The ideal candidate will be flexible enough to adjust their research focus as priorities change. They will report to the newly appointed Director of Communications, who will assist in turning the given research material into compelling long-form copy and other content. The candidate will also work collaboratively with partner organizations in the liberty movement, including Bigger Pie Forum. 

This is a full-time position and can be done in-office located in Jackson, MS, or virtually.  

Priorities

1. Conduct detailed, original research into key fields of public policy, including energy policy / net zero, health care and consumer advocacy / certificate of need. 
2. Produce facts and information to enable other members of the communications team to produce long-form articles, and other compelling content.
3. Offer original insights into public policy from a free-market perspective.

Outputs 

A regularly updated plan for research projects that advance both our strategic objectives and the objectives of our partner organizations.

• Information that is gathered, aggregated, and collated in a form that can be used in a variety of products.
• Published research that our communications team can use to produce long-form copy. Output needs to be evidence-based, not merely opinion. 

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in research, policy, or equivalent field preferred; internships and fellowships apply. 
• A passion for liberty and an understanding of free-market economics. 
• Interest in energy / net zero policy, health care and consumer advocacy issues.
• Ability to immerse yourself in data and policy details. 
• Ability to learn about and understand our litigation work, as undertaken by the Mississippi Justice Institute (MJI). 
• Ability to produce rigorous, accurate research, paying attention to detail.
• Drive – you must have a ‘make it happen’ mindset.  
• Reliability – this job is virtual, which makes it essential that you are able to meet goals and take the initiative and not wait to be micromanaged.
• Appreciation of what is of interest to a general, non-specialist readership.  

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

• A cover letter detailing your philosophical interest in the organization, why the position interest you, how your experience has prepared you for this position, and your salary requirements
• Résumé 
• A writing sample that includes original research, either professional or academic

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

Questions can be directed to Lydia Ocampo, Network Engagement Specialist, who is assisting with the search: lydia@talentmarket.org.

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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.