Jones Act Stakeholder Research Analyst

Balsa Research is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan think tank focused on identifying and facilitating high-impact opportunities for federal policy reform.

We're a small team currently focused on understanding the Jones Act and paths to potential reform. We aim to have a comprehensive policy binder on Jones Act reform by the end of 2025. Through extensive research and some ongoing academic partnerships, we’re developing a strong theoretical understanding of Jones Act reform, but we're now at a point where further progress requires direct engagement with stakeholders and constituents to understand their practical concerns and priorities - which is what this role will focus on.

Salary Range

$28 - $38 hourly rate. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to experience.

Location

Washington, D.C.

This is a D.C.-based role without a physical office. The analyst will work remotely (typically from home) while conducting in-person meetings with stakeholders throughout DC. Candidates must be physically located in the Washington D.C. area for the duration of their contract.

Duration

Mid-May to end of August 2025, with possibility of a part-time or full-time extension for strong candidates. The start and end dates are flexible.

Position Overview

Balsa Research is seeking a DC-based analyst to help us understand how key stakeholders across Washington - from Congressional offices to industry groups - think about Jones Act reform. Our goal is to create the closest thing we can to a politically viable, shovel-ready policy binder on Jones Act reform by the end of 2025.

This is a 4-month contract position (May-August 2025). While we expect many of our candidates to be current students or recent graduates, we welcome applications from anyone with relevant experience and capabilities. We are unfortunately unable to sponsor visas at this time.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead our DC stakeholder engagement efforts, working closely with our remote team to map how different entities approach Jones Act reform

  • Take initiative to set up and conduct meetings with Congressional offices and other stakeholders

  • Understand and document different perspectives on reform, focusing on finding win-win solutions

  • Help develop targeted policy materials based on stakeholder feedback

  • Synthesize findings into insights for our policy binder

What We're Looking For:

  • Full professional proficiency in English

  • A self-starter excited by the challenge of being our only person on the ground in DC; Comfortable working independently while keeping the team informed.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and comfort reaching out to and meeting with various stakeholders

  • Ability to understand and document different perspectives on various policies

  • Clear analytical and writing abilities

  • Professional discretion and good judgment

  • Prior Hill/policy experience

  • Experience with draft legislation is a plus but not required

Is this a lobbying position?

No. This position is intended to be one focused on research and understanding, not advocacy. Your primary goal will be to gather information about how different stakeholders think about Jones Act reform - their concerns, priorities, and perspectives. While you may opportunistically share information about Balsa's work if appropriate in certain meetings, your main mission is to approach these discussions as an analyst seeking to understand the policy landscape - similar to how journalists or academic researchers conduct interviews.

The insights you gather will inform our internal policy analysis and help us develop materials that address real-world concerns. We're looking to create the most useful and well-informed policy binder possible, which requires understanding the real constraints and considerations that matter to key players in DC. This role is about helping us bridge the gap between academic analysis and practical policy development.

Work Environment

Balsa Research is a fully remote organization. While this role operates independently in DC, you'll work closely with our remote team through regular check-ins and collaborative sessions. We provide ongoing support to ensure your success in the role.

You’ll be expected to work around 35 hours a week. Hours are flexible as long as you are able to schedule and attend meetings during standard business hours. Academic schedules can be accommodated, and a part-time schedule can be considered for particularly strong candidates. There may be occasional early morning or evening activities required.

How to Apply

Please click here to apply. You will need a Gmail account to complete the application form. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Later stages of the application process will consist of a short work task and an interview. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, please email careers@balsaresearch.com.