Research Associate: Economic Policy

Research Associate: Economic Policy

*Note: Application will close after one week or after we reach a critical mass of applicants, whichever comes first*

Introduction: ACE is seeking a graduate-level Research Associate to lead our Economic Policy team for the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 research cycles. This position is intended for graduate-level students (MPP, MPA, JD, etc.) who want leadership and policy research experience on top of their coursework. Exceptional undergraduate candidates with significant policy research and/or leadership experience in monetary or fiscal policy will also be considered.

Research Associates lead teams of Policy Fellows, current undergraduate and graduate students who undertake policy research and publish briefs. Research Associates are an essential part of ACE's mission to engage young voters through nonpartisan research. The Economic Policy team will produce nonpartisan, accessible policy briefs on monetary and fiscal policies for publication on the ACE website. The Summer 2026 cycle will begin on May 18 and end on August 14, and Research Associates must be available for 1-2 onboarding meetings in early May. Please note that we are looking for candidates who can commit to leading this team for at least three consecutive cycles (Spring, Summer, and Fall).

Detailed Description: The Research Associate is responsible for providing guidance to their team and giving individualized feedback on Policy Fellows’ research deliverables. Associates will facilitate a weekly team check-in meeting and will meet with the Director of Policy biweekly to share updates on their team’s progress. At this time, it is estimated that there will be 5-6 Policy Fellows on the team. The Research Associate will edit and provide feedback on research projects to ensure every brief is well-researched, informative, and meets ACE’s rigorous quality standards. Research Associates are invited to undertake their own policy research throughout the semester for publication, although this is not required.

Prior to the formal start of the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 cycles, Research Associates may interview finalist Fellow candidates for their team and send out offers. Research Associates receive training in how to select candidates who will be successful in the program. The interview stage should take 4-5 hours in total.

This position requires an estimated 10 hours per week

• 1 hour: Leading weekly meeting with research team
• 1 hour: Weekly RA check-in with Director
• 6-8 hours: Editing and providing feedback on student research

Location: This position can be undertaken remotely from anywhere with reliable internet connection.

Management: This position reports to the Director of Policy. RAs will work collaboratively with the Director throughout the research cycle to suggest improvements to ACE’s research process. 

Availability: The majority of time in this role is self-scheduled. However, Research Associates meet at the same time each week with their team members throughout the semester, so Research Associates should have a set schedule.

Desired Skills:

• Policy research experience, especially with a focus on economic policy at a federal, state, or local level
• Leadership and mentor experience 
• Excellent professional writing skills
• Experience in copyediting or providing feedback on written deliverables
• Organized, self-motivated, and able to work with limited supervision

Benefits:

• Gain leadership experience in a professional research environment
• Opportunity to publish work in subject of interest
• Demonstrate subject matter expertise by supervising publication of 6-12 research briefs in field of interest
• Build network with policy-focused students across the country
• Opportunity to apply for a semesterly stipend, beginning your second consecutive semester

ACE's Research Associates have been accepted into the top universities in their field for graduate study, won Boren, Fulbright, and DAAD awards, and gone on to work at elite think tanks, consulting firms, and international organizations. This position is an opportunity which is entirely what you make of it, and can be leveraged to have a significant impact on futures and career paths.

Academic Credit: This internship can be undertaken for academic credit. Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position. The Director of Policy Research will communicate with universities to advocate on behalf of academic credit for Research Associates if requested. 

Stipend Funding: Research Associates have the opportunity to apply for a stipend beginning their second consecutive cycle with ACE (Fall 2026). In order to qualify for stipend funding, RAs must 1) demonstrate financial need, 2) show proof that they are unable to obtain funding from their school or another entity (e.g. an unpaid internship scholarship or practicum fund).