Higher Education Policy Analyst

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Education Trust (Ed Trust) seeks a Policy Analyst on our Higher Education team. The Policy Analyst will join a staff who are committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

The Policy Analyst is an analytical thinker with a passion for higher education and expertise researching, analyzing, and writing policy that improves higher education equity, access, and outcomes. This position monitors and responds to federal, state, and local education policy activities and engages with policymakers, coalition partners, and researchers to support bill proposals and policy priorities in alignment with Ed Trust’s issue areas. The role also collaborates to develop and disseminate report, briefs, or other materials advancing our policy priorities, often on tight timelines or in fast-paced contexts.

Ed Trust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

This role, available immediately, is based in our Washington, DC office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. The Policy Analyst reports to the Assistant Director, Higher Ed and will serve as a member of the higher education policy team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The responsibilities and objectives for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct research and data analysis (both quantitative and qualitative), bill or policy analysis, and literature reviews related to Education, remedying disparities in opportunity to learn, and improving student outcomes
• Execute projects that identify and/or elevate promising policies to advance educational equity
• Share and elevate findings publicly with various audiences--including the media, advocates, and policymakers -- that inform and align with Ed Trust’s policy priorities of eliminating educational disparities and enhancing student outcomes
• Build and cultivate external partnerships with policymakers, researchers and advocates to advance and refine policy priorities
• Produce reports, briefs, blogs, and other resources to further inform policymakers, educators, journalists, and other public audiences of Ed Trust’s agenda
• Collaborate internally across Ed Trust to support fundraising and grants management, strategic communications, as well as offering any relevant assistance to other teams
  
  

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in Ed Trust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• Strong project management (including time management) skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in addition to presentation skills
• Teamwork skills and an eagerness for collaboration
• Problem-solving ability
• Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback
• Continuous learner
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will pos sess the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field
• Familiarity with education policy and/or developing policy recommendations based in data and research
• Work or internship experience in college access advising, higher education policy, financial aid, admissions or student affairs is a plus.
  
  

COMPENSATION

This position falls in Level B of our Washington, DC salary structure, and the new hire salary range is $60,000-$70,200. New hire offers are commensurate with skills, experience, and internal equity.

The Education Trust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To apply : Please provide an updated resume and respond to the required job posting questions.