JOB OPENING: Exciting Opportunity for a Researcher with a Commitment to Economic Justice

The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) has been in the forefront of the economic justice movement in L.A. since 1994.  LAANE is known for its broad-based labor/community coalitions and its combination of organizing, research, communications, and policy development.  LAANE led the movement to pass a Living Wage Ordinance in the city of L.A. in 1997 and continues to advocate for progressive policies that benefit low-wage workers and low-income communities. For more information about our work, visit www.laane.org.

Campaign Description: LAANE is currently seeking a full-time campaign researcher for a campaign to win justice for workers in — and communities affected by — the port trucking industry at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  These two ports are, together, the largest ports in the country, responsible for nearly half of all U.S. containerized trade.  This campaign seeks to:

• Achieve economic justice for the over 12,000 low-wage, mostly immigrant truck drivers without whom global trade could not take place;

• Achieve environmental justice for the hundreds of thousands of people who live around the Ports and along associated goods movement corridors, who are currently plagued by devastating health impacts;

• Link efforts with a national program to achieve similar changes at all other major ports across the country.

Position Responsibilities: LAANE’s Research Department conducts research both for policy campaigns and for publications that reframe the debate on the economy and low-wage work in Los Angeles.  Researchers conduct various types of research, including corporate research, research on laws and public decision-making processes to inform policy development and campaign strategy, and research on the economy and communities using government and other public data sources. Researchers present their findings through written materials and oral presentations at community meetings, government hearings, council and commission meetings, and other venues.  Researchers also represent LAANE at meetings with allies, attend LAANE actions, and support the work of the organization as a whole.

Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to economic justice and the labor movement.  Applicant must have a graduate degree in public policy or a related field, or experience as a researcher in the labor movement.  Also needed: willingness to work long hours and weekends when necessary, and ability to work independently.  Skills required: excellent analytical skills, written and verbal communications skills, familiarity with database and word processing software, basic quantitative skills including familiarity with spreadsheets, interviewing skills, ability to work well in a team.  Driving your own car required.  Preferred qualifications include: corporate research experience, knowledge of Westlaw, experience writing reports, fluency in Spanish.

Terms of Employment: LAANE’s salary and benefit standards are very competitive. Salary range starts at $40,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience.  Full health benefits; pension; generous time off; parking. Friendly, team-oriented working environment.

Application Process: This position is available immediately. E-mail cover letter and resume to Jon Zerolnick at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and James Elmendorf at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  No phone calls please. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not receive a response.

LAANE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.  WOMEN AND PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.