Director of Economic Policy Programs

Position description

The Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) is a U.S. policy institute and public outreach organization dedicated to helping Americans understand the breadth and importance of the relationship with the Republic of Korea. Through our publications, programs, and public events, KEI seeks to advance understanding of Korea in ways that will inform policymakers and the American public of the economic and political implications of our connections to the Korean Peninsula.

KEI is seeking an expert with a strong economics background and deep knowledge of the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and U.S. foreign policy towards the region, primarily in economics and trade and their relation to science, energy, technology, and security. Reporting to the President & CEO and working with the team, the Director of Economic Policy Programs leads KEI’s economic policy work by developing programmatic strategy in line with KEI’s mission and priorities and overseeing economic-related programming and offerings.

In addition to a demonstrated record of publications and media presence as an expert on relevant policy issues, a successful candidate should possess exceptional communications and interpersonal skills, as well as political judgement, to establish and sustain relationships with government officials, external peers, and potential partners.

This is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C. with the possibility of two days per week of telework, subject to program and office requirements. The position requires domestic and international travel. KEI offers a competitive benefits package including 401k; 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; Flexible Spending Account; transportation subsidies; on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies. We offer a salary commensurate with experience plus a competitive benefits package.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy, program management, and research

• In partnership with senior management, develop and implement programmatic strategy and objectives in line with KEI’s mission and priority.
• Oversee KEI’s policy programs and initiatives and actively contribute to the Program Committee to ensure the timely formulation and delivery of programs in response to global events.
• Serve as subject matter expert on economic issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including trade, technology, energy, and the U.S.-ROK alliance.
• Author policy reports, research papers, op-eds, analyses, and presentations on a regular basis.
• Review and edit written content, including blog posts, newsletters, press releases, issue briefs on relevant policy matters.
• Create programs to bring focus on the most pressing issues relating to U.S.-ROK economic and trade relations through engagement with partner organizations, government officials, academics, and journalists.
• Design topics for discussion, recruit speakers and participants, and coordinate logistics for program events including meetings, briefings, private roundtables, and conferences.
• Cultivate and expand the pool of experts who collaborate with KEI.
• Supervise the work of Economic Policy Analyst, assigned interns, and others.
• Perform other duties as required.

External engagement

• Advance KEI’s work product through op-eds, briefings, and media engagements.
• Represent KEI at discussions and conferences to ensure that KEI’s activities are effectively represented externally.
• Establish working relationships with American and Korean government officials, peers at other Washington-based policy institutes, academics, journalists, and others.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise primarily in economics and trade but also be knowledgeable about the politics and security of the Korean Peninsula
• Strong editorial judgment, writing and editing ability, and attention to detail.
• At least 5 years of directly related experience.
• Experience in the legislative branch is preferred.
• Strong management and organizational skills with demonstrated experience in successfully managing projects.
• Master’s degree in related discipline plus equivalent experience; economics or political economy preferred.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Benefits:

• Salary: $80-90k, commensurate with experience
• 401(k): 8% of base salary and 100% vested
• Health insurance: KEI pays 100% of the premiums for medical, prescription, dental, and vision.
• Life insurance: KEI covers 100% of the premium.
• Flexible Spending Account
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid vacation days, sick leave, and personal days
• 12-week paid parental leave
• Severance pay
• Commuter benefits: Up to $300 monthly for public transit
• Professional development
• Free access to on-site gym

Application instructions

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