Policy Analyst/Senior Policy Analyst, K-12 Education Policy

Reports to: Director, K-12 Education
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Education
Position classification: Exempt, full time
Minimum compensation: $61,000/$68,000
Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress has an immediate opening for a Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst on the K-12 Education team. The team is devoted to generating pragmatic and progressive new policy ideas to advance education reform in the United States. The successful candidate will be guided by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.

They will assist in strengthening K-12 education policy in service of the five crosscutting priorities that guide the work of American Progress:

• Strengthening health and ending the pandemic
• Building an economy for all
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Restoring social trust in democracy

Within these priorities, the work of the K-12 Education team particularly focuses on achieving outcomes through the development of policies that apply an explicit race equity lens to education policymaking; aid the recruitment and retention of effective teachers and principals; guarantee equitable access to K-12 opportunities in preparation for the future of work; and ensure public schools are funded equitably in support of all students receiving access to a quality education. The Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst will join a dynamic team of colleagues working together to deliver high-quality and timely education policy work.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct policy research on a range of topics related to K-12 education policy and interpret qualitative and quantitative research related to: 1) advancing a cradle-to-career continuum agenda that cultivates lifelong learners and uplifts recommendations for advancing racial equity in the workforce; and 2) identifying innovations in the future of assessments and accountability for school quality.
• Write and edit accessible op-eds, columns, briefs, and reports that translate complex policies and analyses into digestible information for a broad audience.
• Develop rapid-response materials, including talking points, social media content, and other messaging, on tight deadlines.
• Weekly tracking of federal, state, and local K-12-related legislative updates and news.
• Elicit and provide feedback on written materials.
• Assist in the coordination and planning of meetings, events, and issue-based coalition work.
• Develop rollout strategies for products to reach target audiences.
• Establish advocacy strategies supporting policy ideas being adopted and implemented.
• Build relationships with community-based organizations in alignment with the team’s community-informed policymaking structure.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• At least four years of relevant work experience for the Policy Analyst and at least five years of experience for the Senior Policy Analyst.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a social science discipline, public policy, or education is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Excellent writing skills and a track record of producing written products on a short timeline.
• General understanding of federal and state education policy, including knowledge of federal policymaking and legislative and budget processes.
• Ability to conceptualize problems and develop analyses and policy recommendations.
• Strong ability to manipulate and analyze data. Experience using statistical software such as Stata is a plus.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to initiate projects and balance multiple projects at once.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well on a team.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
• Experience building relationships and collaborating with grassroots and/or nonprofit organizations is a plus
• Experience engaging with state legislatures or Congress is a plus.

American Progress offers full and competitive benefits packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by IFPTE Local 70. The minimum salary for the Policy Analyst is $61,000 and the minimum salary for the Senior Policy Analyst is $68,000.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.

Apply Here: https://www.americanprogress.org/job/policy-analyst-senior-policy-analyst-k-12-education-policy/