Executive Director

A Better Connecticut Institute (ABCI), a Connecticut-based non-profit, provides research and strategic communication about the connection between legislation and public policy and the real-world struggles for justice of Connecticut’s working families and systemically marginalized communities. ABCI is seeking an Executive Director. This position requires someone who is a well-trained researcher with experience researching policy related to labor, public policy, economic, and education issues. The Executive Director will lead ABCI in researching emerging topics, developing academic papers, and driving public narratives related to these topics. This work will include but not be limited to studying disparities in income and wealth, access to quality education, access to good jobs, availability of good public services - on the horizon. 

The ED will be responsible for working with the ABCI Board to accomplish the following: 

• Develop or commission academic research papers, blog posts, fact sheets, and other materials on the subject of Connecticut’s social, economic, and racial inequities with the intent of educating policy makers and the general public. 
• Deliver expert testimony at public hearings to support policies addressing the state’s inequality. 
• Organize panels, roundtable discussions, and conferences to promote progressive solutions for working people and social and racial justice. 
• Engage in public debates and in the media with well-researched responses including press statements and opinion pieces.
• Develop long-term strategic work plans for ABCI in order to set priorities and achieve our long-term vision creating a more just Connecticut. 

The following qualities and experience are highly desirable:

• An ability to lead a group of people from a diverse array of backgrounds and expertise. 
• An advanced degree in economics, public policy, sociology, or another social science. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills adaptable to reach state legislators, elected officials and the general public. 
• Ability to represent the organization at meetings, events, before legislative bodies, and in the media.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data sets such as the American Community Survey and other census data.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 
• Grant-writing experience. 
• Knowledge of Connecticut’s political, social, and economic landscape.
• The job requires someone who is self-motivated but also able to work collaboratively with diverse organizations and with a board of directors.