Position Announcement: Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst

The Montana Budget & Policy Center (MBPC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing responsible tax, budget, and economic policies through credible research and analysis to shape public policy solutions to promote opportunity and fairness for all Montanans. For over 15 years, MBPC has been at the forefront of elevating critical policies that support shared prosperity for all Montana residents, including increased access to quality health care, a fair and adequate taxation system, and improved investments in housing, public education, and early childhood education.

MBPC seeks a highly-qualified Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst to lead the organization’s research and analysis of Montana’s tax system and state fiscal policies. This position presents an opportunity to guide the development of state taxation and budget policy to better serve all Montana residents.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst will report directly to the Executive Director and will serve as the chief researcher on MBPC’s work on tax and fiscal policy and assist with research in other focus areas, determined by the organization’s leadership, priority policy agenda, and grant requirements. The Senior Analyst will provide key findings and develop related policy recommendations, policy briefs, fact sheets, reports, presentations, and papers. This position will also represent MBPC at the Montana Legislative Session, testifying on relevant legislation and engaging directly with policymakers, and serve as the chief presenter of MBPC’s fiscal work in relevant spaces.

Core Competencies:

• Knowledge of state and federal tax policy principles;

• Competency in designing methods for research and analysis;

• Ability to effectively communicate research findings to various audiences;

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with policymakers and partner organizations;

• Ability to stay up to date with current state policy trends on tax, budget, and economic policies;

• Ability to develop policy briefs and reports in a timely manner; and

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and external partners.

Specific Responsibilities will include:

• In-Depth Research and Analysis (50%)

  • Conduct in-depth research, data analysis, and policy monitoring on tax and budget policy issues aligned with MBPC’s priorities;

  • Produce findings and develop reports, explainers, blog posts, op-eds, and fact sheets that translate complex research into accessible, actionable content for diverse audiences;

  • Identify new, emerging issues in tax and budget policies that affect state residents, with a particular focus on supports for low- and middle-income residents, communities of color, and other historically excluded groups.

• Policy Advocacy (30%)

  • Monitor and shape policy developments in tax and budget areas, including legislation and administrative actions;

  • Serve as MBPC’s lead expert on tax and fiscal policy, representing the organization at legislative hearings, coalition meetings, and public forums, articulating MBPC’s research and recommendations to policymakers, media, and stakeholders;

  • Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, impacted communities, and policymakers;

  • Attend meetings on MBPC’s behalf;

  • Communicate and represent the organization in a non-partisan manner; and

  • Provide other timely information and communication as requested by partners.

• Collaboration and Strategy (20%)

  • Collaborate with communications staff on messaging, visuals, video content, and press materials;

  • Collaborate with research analysts to review and strengthen MBPC’s publications through peer reviews and fact checking;

  • Assist the Executive Director in grant development and reporting and support with foundation and donor meetings related to the policy portfolio;

  • Present updates on policy research and advocacy to the MBPC Board of Directors, as requested by the Executive Director; and

  • Contribute to the overall sustainability of MBPC, including implementation of the organization’s mission and theory of change, teamwork through effective interpersonal communications and meeting work deadlines, and representation of the organization in a professional and non-partisan manner.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have the following experiences, qualifications, and expertise:

• A commitment to MBPC’s mission and experience working constructively in a team environment;

• A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in public policy, economics, or a related research field;

• Five or more years of experience in policy research, analysis, or advocacy on fiscal or economic policy issues;

• Strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills and ability to quickly absorb and analyze potential changes in tax and budget policy;

• Experience with Excel and other data analysis tools;

• Experience with public speaking on technical topics (experience giving testimony to government bodies preferred);

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly to a range of audiences;

• An understanding of Montana’s political and policy environment (familiarity with Montana’s tax system, state budget, and legislative process preferred);

• Demonstrated experience in communication with decision makers and collaboration with stakeholders, including the ability to communicate respectfully with diverse constituencies;

• A demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice; and

• An ability to think strategically and create a collaborative working environment.

Position Details

The position is full-time and will be based in Helena. A truly exceptional candidate based elsewhere in Montana and willing to relocate for the Montana biennial legislative session will be considered.

The salary range is $65,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience. MBPC offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, retirement, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and paid family and medical leave.

To Apply:

To apply, submit: (i) a cover letter; and (ii) a resume, by email to Executive Director Heather O’Loughlin at:

            holoughlin@montanabudget.org

The position is open until filled. Initial application review will include all applications received by November 10, 2026. Finalists will be asked to submit a writing sample and references.

MBPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse communities, constituencies, and identities, including but not limited to people of all ethnic/racial backgrounds, people of all gender identities/gender expressions, people with disabilities, individuals living on low incomes, and LGBTQ persons.