Executive Director Search

Stepping Back

Read Rachel's announcement of her stepping back as executive director and transitioning to a Senior Policy Analyst role at the Institute.

Dear Friend,

I’m writing to share some big news. Following five years as Executive Director, I have decided to take a step back from leadership of the Institute. I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with an incredible staff and Board to grow the organization over the last five years and am thankful to so many of you who have supported me. While my passion and commitment to the work have not changed, it is time for me to step aside to enable a new leader to bring their energy and passion to the Institute. With the support of the Board, I plan to transition to a part-time Senior Policy Analyst position starting January 1, 2021.

I will continue to support the work of EPI along with our Board of Directors and staff, who work tirelessly every day to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders through public policy. Together we’ve helped increase the minimum wage and the Earned Income Tax Credit. We’ve helped enact paid sick days for thousands of Rhode Islanders and have helped protect Medicaid so that 1 in 3 Rhode Islanders have easy access to low-cost health insurance and much more.

Together we’ve strengthened the Institute’s voice and coalitions around the state, deepened our commitment to racial equity, combined data with powerful stories, and engaged more Rhode Islanders in policy change. Our collective efforts have been done with a love for the Ocean State and a strong commitment to improve the lives of all who live here.

As Rhode Island works to address the damage done by COVID-19, the entrenched impact of systemic racism, and the economic recession, the Institute is poised to help create systemic changes that lead to a more just and equitable Rhode Island. This is the right time for the Board to find new leadership for the Institute during a critical moment in our evolution. It is also the right time for me to step back a bit to have more time to balance my family obligations.

I have the utmost confidence in our strong and diverse Board of Directors, led by the wonderful Carolyn Mark, to guide the Institute through a smooth leadership transition and to select an amazing new leader for this critical organization. We have engaged NPAG, an executive search firm, to help lead a national search and will share more information in the coming weeks about what that process will look like.

Thank you for your partnership and support and I look forward to continuing to work for economic justice together.

Warmly,

Rachel Flum

Exciting Opportunity to Lead Our Team

The Economic Progress Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit research and advocacy organization working to improve economic security and opportunity for Rhode Islanders, invites applications and nominations in the search for its next Executive Director.

The Institute is seeking a leader to collaboratively set a vision for the next stage of its work, building on its strong reputation on issues impacting the economic vitality of Rhode Island residents and the state, and carrying forward a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of its internal operations and public-facing work. The incoming Executive Director will be the lead spokesperson for the Institute, promoting issues to audiences including funders, elected officials, and the media, while uplifting community organizations and voices. They will be responsible for the overall management of the organization and will work with the staff and Board of Directors to establish and implement strategic direction and the annual work plan, ensuring that the organization continuously improves its policies and practices in a manner consistent with its DEI commitment. The Executive Director will collaborate with the board to lead ongoing fund development and ensure strong fiduciary oversight of the budget and operations

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