How to apply for Senior Fellow, Finance and Insurance

About R Street Institute

The R Street Institute is a US think tank that produces research and analysis to advance a more market-oriented society and an effective, efficient government. It focuses on policy areas including finance, insurance, and housing. Working there means contributing to policy debates through writing, media engagement, and direct outreach to policymakers.

About the role

As a Senior Fellow in Finance and Insurance, you will research and write policy papers, op-eds, and blog posts on topics such as credit card regulations and open banking. You will engage with Congressional staff, media outlets, and other stakeholders to explain complex financial policy issues. The role also involves coordinating research projects and adapting strategy as the legislative and regulatory landscape changes.

A typical day

A typical day might involve researching and writing a policy paper on a new banking regulation, then briefing Congressional staff on its implications. You might also speak with a journalist about open banking policy or coordinate with the communications team on an op-ed. The work varies with the legislative and regulatory calendar.

Who R Street Institute is looking for

• Has deep knowledge of finance, insurance, or housing policy, with the ability to translate complex ideas for varied audiences.
• Has a track record of writing policy papers, op-eds, or regulatory comments that influence policy debates.
• Is comfortable engaging directly with policymakers, media, and experts, often in public settings like conferences or briefings.
• Can manage multiple research projects and adapt to shifting legislative and regulatory priorities.

Tips for this application

• Submit writing samples that show your ability to explain finance or insurance policy to both general and expert audiences, such as op-eds or policy papers.
• In your cover letter, mention specific finance or insurance policy topics you have worked on, like credit card regulations or open banking.
• Highlight any experience interacting with Congressional staff, media, or other policymakers in your resume or cover letter.
• Research R Street's published work on finance and insurance to understand their market-oriented approach and reference it in your application.
• If you have experience with regulatory comments or testimony, include examples to demonstrate your ability to engage in the policy process.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your expertise in a specific area of finance, insurance, or housing policy and how it aligns with R Street's focus.", 'Examples of your writing that influenced policy debates or reached diverse audiences.', 'Your experience engaging with policymakers, media, or stakeholders to communicate complex issues.', 'Your ability to conceive and coordinate research projects that are timely and credible.']

Research before applying

• Read recent R Street publications on finance and insurance to understand their policy positions and style.
• Look into the backgrounds of R Street's finance and insurance team members to see their areas of expertise.
• Review R Street's website and social media to learn about their engagement with media and policymakers.
• Check recent Congressional or regulatory activity in finance and insurance to identify hot topics R Street might address.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would approach writing a policy paper on a current finance or insurance issue, such as new credit card regulations.
• Your experience working with Congressional staff or other policymakers on banking or insurance regulations.
• How you would adapt your communication strategy for different audiences, from general public to expert stakeholders.
• A time you managed a research project from conception to publication and how you ensured its quality and timeliness.
• Your understanding of market-oriented policy solutions in finance, insurance, or housing.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting generic writing samples that do not demonstrate expertise in finance or insurance policy.
• Failing to show familiarity with R Street's market-oriented approach or their specific policy areas.
• Not providing evidence of past engagement with policymakers, media, or stakeholders in a policy context.