Policy Analyst Jobs

New England Board of Higher Education

Boston, MA

Position Title: Policy Analyst

Department: Policy & Research

Reports To: Director of Policy & Research

Date: April 27, 2023

Salary Range: $55,000 - 65,000

GENERAL SUMMARY:

NEBHE’s Department of Policy & Research is embarking on an exciting phase of strategic growth. The Policy Analyst will work to support and grow NEBHE’s grants and strategic initiatives. Specifically, this person will be responsible for conducting a variety of complex investigations and analyses in support of research projects and strategic initiatives related to higher education policy and workforce development in the six New England states. Under the direction of the Director of Policy & Research, the Policy Analyst will also develop and sustain relationships with external stakeholders including policymakers, higher education and business leaders, and subject matter experts across the region.

NEBHE BACKGROUND:

Established in 1955 by six visionary New England governors, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) is a regional compact that works across New England to help leaders assess, develop, and implement education practices and policies of regional significance; promote regional cooperation that encourages efficient sharing of education resources; and strengthen the relationship between higher education and the regional economy. Based in downtown Boston, NEBHE is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Policy Analysis and Research

• Assist department in formulation of grant funded projects and the execution of the Policy & Research Agenda
• Tracks and documents current higher education issues and legislation relevant to state and federal policymakers
• Monitors events, policy decisions, trends, and other issues with implications for postsecondary education in the New England
• Conducts qualitative and quantitative research to support policy recommendations and inform policy discussions
• Synthesizes and communicates complex policy topics for a variety of audiences through written briefs, presentations, and other platforms
• Responds to inquiries from stakeholders regarding activities and projects

Program Coordination and Outreach

• Develops website content for the Policy & Research team
• Implements grant-funded projects focused on impacting state and institution policy and practice in the New England states
• Represents the organization with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public
• Designs and facilitates effective meetings, workshops, and forums for policymakers and other stakeholders on relevant higher education topics

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Required

• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methodology, particularly as they relate to policy research, evaluation, and analysis
• Demonstrated project management skills, including exceptional attention to detail and the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral, with the ability to speak to and write clearly for policy audiences such as legislators, governors’ staff, and state agency officials
• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, education, or a related field
• General familiarity with and interest in higher education and related public policies
• Demonstrated competency in generating effective presentations of data including charts, graphs, maps, and other visual representations and research findings

Preferred

• Experience with data visualization software (e.g., Power BI)
• Experience working with open-source, public data sources such as IPEDS, US Census
• Master’s degree in a field appropriate to the analysis of public policy, such as public policy, political science, higher education, sociology, or economics

BENEFITS

• Flexible work environment
• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life and disability insurance
• Overnight travel in the New England area is occasionally required
• Paid holidays and vacation

CONTACT

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume or CV on LinkedIn or email to [email protected] using the subject line: "NEBHE Policy Analyst Role." Review of applications will begin immediately.