Good Jobs First, a non-profit research center in Washington, DC seeks a researcher to work on its globally popular Subsidy Tracker database.
Subsidy Tracker, our oldest and largest database, contains data on which corporations are getting local, state, and federal taxpayer dollars — from more than 1,050 programs. It compiles economic development subsidy awards such as tax abatements, tax credits, and grants: it currently holds over 730,000 entries, mostly scraped from government websites and some through public records requests. Subsidy Tracker is a heavily trafficked resource used by journalists, activists, academics, unions, government agencies, and private sector researchers.
The researcher will work directly with the Good Jobs First Research Director and a Senior Research Analyst on collecting data for and expanding the Subsidy Tracker database. This is, for now, a remote position, but work meetings take place and staff works largely on an Eastern Time Zone schedule.
This position is ideal for someone who can work independently but is also energized by working collaboratively – our researchers regularly co-author pieces. Though this position is heavy on research and data collection, there are opportunities to lead trainings and research webinars, agitate for better disclosure, and cross-train on other aspects of our work.
What you will do:
- Scour and scrape online sources for federal, state, and local subsidy data for inclusion in ST
- Regularly file FOIA and state public records requests for non-scrapable data
- Clean and prepare new data for online posting
- Clean the existing dataset to ensure data quality
- Create, implement, and manage systems and standards for data collection, tracking, and update logs
- Provide regular (quarterly or semi-annual) data updates
- Respond to questions about the database
- Track disclosure practices of state and local economic development agencies
- Help with promotion of the database and the data
- Identify trends, unusual practices, or big deals for potential outreach or campaign work, blog posts, or for social media mentions
- Semi-regularly contribute short pieces to our blog or to be pitched to media outlets or other forums
We are looking for someone with:
- A demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice
- At least two years of experience working with big datasets and doing corporate or other research for a progressive non-profit organization, a labor union, or an academic institution
- Experience with data scraping tools and interest in building on those skills
- Knowledge of and experience in using Microsoft Excel
- Interest in collecting and working with data
- Some writing experience
- Digital organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity with Microsoft Teams and Dropbox applications a plus
What we offer:
Salary range: $60,000-$70,000. The Good Jobs First benefit package includes a platinum-level health plan (including dental and vision) with a 100-percent employer-paid premium, 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer contributions, access to a professional development fund, generous vacation and parental leave.
Good Jobs First is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women and people of color. Occasion travel may be required (when safe). Vaccination required for in-person interactions.
Send a cover letter and resume to Greg LeRoy at [email protected].