About the Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.

The Milken Institute’s events and programmatic activities, involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event.

About Environmental and Social Innovation

Environmental and Social Innovation (ESI) is part of the Strategic Philanthropy pillar, and is focused on future-oriented philanthropy, prize-based innovation, and foresight driven program delivery to advance thriving communities.

We research emerging issues, analyze trends, and synthesize evidence to inform how philanthropic capital can be deployed more effectively. This includes producing briefs, background memos, landscape scans, and narrative content that helps partners and decision-makers understand what’s changing, what’s promising, and where investment can have the greatest impact.

ESI operates as a generalist, problem-solving team. We work across topics and sectors, drawing connections between technology, philanthropy, community safety, and the future of education and work. Team members are expected to think critically, ask good questions, and translate complex ideas into clear, compelling work for diverse audiences.

We are comfortable working with new tools, including AI and other emerging technologies, and we think carefully about how they can effectively and ethically improve research, analysis, and philanthropic practice. Our goal is not to chase technology for its own sake, but to use it thoughtfully in service of better insight, better decisions, and better outcomes.

Guided by a future-oriented perspective, the ESI looks ahead to anticipate where social needs and philanthropic opportunities are likely to converge and build action-oriented programs.

About the Position

The Senior Associate, Social Impact & Philanthropic Research, will play a critical role in advancing the Social Innovation team’s work across multiple future-focused social impact areas that ensure communities across the globe can thrive. In this role, the Senior Associate will translate rigorous research and cross-sector insights—spanning philanthropy, finance, policy, and emerging business models—into strategies that drive measurable, long-term social and economic value. This role is ideal for a strong writer and researcher who thrives in a dynamic environment, excels at managing details, and is energized by both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

The Senior Associate will contribute to research, writing, project management, and logistics for convening that drives the team’s mission to surface scalable, evidence-based solutions for people and the planet. They will support and, at times, lead components of fast-paced projects - ensuring high-quality research outputs, seamless event coordination, and clear communication with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

conducting research under direction
identifying and engaging experts
leading expert interviews
drafting project milestones with supervisor support
developing recurring project reports.

The Senior Associate will also manage convening logistics, prepare materials for internal and external events, and serve as a team liaison to other internal departments. Strong writing will be essential, as the role includes drafting research, agendas, project materials, and communications content for review. Success in this position requires intellectual curiosity, exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities across diverse work areas.

Professional Qualifications

4+ years of full-time professional experience in social impact, philanthropy, impact investing, public policy, or related fields, with a strong track record in research, writing, and project coordination.
Demonstrated excellence in research and synthesis, including the ability to analyze complex information, conduct expert interviews, and translate insights into clear, actionable materials.
Exceptional writing and communication skills, with experience drafting reports, memos, agendas, briefing documents, and communications materials for diverse audiences.
Strong project management experience, including managing timelines, supporting milestone development, coordinating convenings, and handling logistics across multiple workstreams or issue areas.
Ability to quickly learn and adapt within evolving areas such as the Future of Education and Work, Community Safety, and Economic Mobility, bringing intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills to emerging topics.
Comfort working across technology platforms, with the ability to support IT coordination needs and manage collaborative tools, virtual convenings, and shared workflows.
Proven interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, external experts, and cross-functional partners in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Personal Qualities

Detail-oriented self-starter who drives projects forward and addresses issues proactively.
Capable of managing multiple tasks and projects effectively.
Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to working with various stakeholders across sectors and cultures.
Entrepreneurial mindset with flexibility, a positive attitude, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Academic Qualifications and Technical Skills

A graduate degree in a relevant discipline is preferred, though a strong combination of experience and skills will also be considered.
High proficiency in written and verbal communication, with the ability to convey complex topics clearly.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management tools, AI platforms, and familiarity with CRM systems or databases.

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

This position will work in a professional office environment on a hybrid schedule consisting of three (3) days per week reporting in-person to the Washington, DC office location (Tuesday – Thursday), with the remaining two (2) days working remotely. Please understand, this schedule is subject to change at the Institute’s sole discretion.

This person will also be required to travel occasionally to other offices and/or venues to assist with events as needed, requiring occasional work outside of traditional hours. International along with domestic travel is possible. Additionally, this position requires interacting virtually on a regular basis with Milken Institute staff based in other locations in the United States and around the world.

Note

The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.

Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Our Culture

The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.

Benefits

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan - 403b (5% match)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Personal, Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
Fertility Support
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
Pet Insurance Discount
Training & Development:
LinkedIn Learning – over 15,000 self-guided classes offered
Annual Mentor Program
Wellness Resources:
Employee Assistance Program
CALM app membership

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Senior Associate, Social Impact & Philanthropic Research jobs

Senior Associate, Social Impact & Philanthropic Research