Senior Fellow: Economic Security & Worker Transitions (Modernizing Social Protections)

Senior Fellow: Economic Security & Worker Transitions (Modernizing Social Protections)

Role Overview

The Senior Fellow for Economic Security will lead NELP’s efforts to modernize social protection systems, with a primary focus on Unemployment Insurance (UI) and strengthening job transitions. This role is critical for developing innovative, research-backed policy ideas that can be scaled and replicated across states.

Core Responsibilities

• UI Modernization: Develop and advocate for policy models that modernize UI systems to better serve today's workforce, with particular attention to the dislocation from AI and other macrotrends.
• Policy Leadership & Innovation: Design durable policy solutions, such as more effective worker profiling, income support during training, and more, to lead state-level policy shifts.
• Analytical Impact: Ensure all policy decisions are analytically informed, focusing on the projected scale of impact and the number of workers assisted, in partnership with the VP of Narrative and Impact.
• Strategic Partnership: Work closely with the VP of Policy Solutions and the VP of Partnerships and Advocacy to align policy research with high-impact advocacy campaigns.

Key Deliverables:

• Conduct outreach and map policy trends and campaigns in their focus area.
• Convene and lead strategy sessions, including with NELP staff and the Board Program Committee.
• Author a final policy report/proposal with actionable recommendations, co-authoring with NELP staff where appropriate.
• Present findings publicly, including through public speaking and media engagement.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in labor economics, law, or public policy, specifically regarding social insurance and wage policy.
• Proven track record of translating complex economic analysis into actionable, politically compelling policy solutions.
• Commitment to racial and gender equity in the design of economic security programs.

Program Logistics

• Duration: 6 months (June – November/December)
• Contract: Consultancy
• Availability: Fellow must be available to attend internal meetings (estimated 2 hours per week.) Additionally, Fellow must be able to participate in-person at a NELP convening in September in either Washington DC or New York.
• Location: Any location within the US
• Reporting: Reports to the VP of Policy and Strategy.
• Compensation: NELP offers competitive compensation.

Application Deadline and Instructions

Deadline: Please apply no later than May 25, 2026

Instructions: Submit a resume and expression of interest highlighting your experience and availability.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.