Senior Policy Analyst Community College Team

New America is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst interested in supporting a dynamic body of work in workforce development policy focused on increasing educational, CTE, and work based learning opportunities, and economic mobility for the most vulnerable students. The analyst should be interested in pursuing a career in education and workforce development policy and will work with a team on several projects related to Community Colleges under New America's Center on Education and Labor (CELNA) with a special focus on apprenticeship, other forms of work based learning, and workforce programs at Community Colleges.

The senior analyst must be a strong researcher, writer, and project manager who is able to synthesize complex bodies of knowledge for policymakers and the public. An ideal candidate will be a flexible and detail-oriented team player who is willing to pitch in where needed and guide complex projects to completion on a set timeline. This person will be able to help shape how policymakers and the media understand the complex relationship between higher education policy—particularly related to Community Colleges and workforce development—and practice through the lens of racial equity. This position is based in the DC area and the analyst will be expected to be in the office two days a week.

New America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States. The Education Policy Program uses original research and policy analysis to solve the nation’s critical education problems, serving as a trusted source of objective analysis and innovative ideas for policymakers, educators, and the public at large. Within the Education Policy Program, the CELNA Community College Team works to advance racial and gender equity through community-engaged research, storytelling, convening, policy analysis and advocacy. We believe an equitable Community College ecosystem can advance educational access and completion, economic security, and personal fulfillment.

Responsibilities

• Project management: Manage complex projects across two teams, including:
  • Developing strategy that builds on the strength of the teams.
  • Ensuring high quality work is delivered on a set timeline.
  • Plan convenings and events in person and virtually to showcase the team’s work.
  • Assisting with administering grants and budgets.
  • Helping guide, develop, and mentor more junior staff.
• Analysis: Research and report on a wide array of state and federal policy issues related to apprenticeship, work based learning, and Community College workforce programs.
  • Conduct interviews with people in the field to inform research.
  • Plan and conduct research site visits.
  • Write case studies and reports, both as a lead author and as a supporting co-author.
  • Develop and write blog posts relevant to student parents, workforce development, and Community Colleges, including analyzing current events, news, and policy debates.
• Strategy: Identify and develop strategic opportunities for projects focused on work based learning, Community Colleges, workforce development policy, and practice, with a focus on racial equity. Facilitate learning opportunities among college staff, advocates, and researchers based on our work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with higher education and/or workforce development state and federal policy and practice, especially as it relates to underrepresented and underserved students and racial equity.
• Demonstrated interest in policy issues related to apprenticeship, workforce development, and Community Colleges.
• Ability to think strategically, identify relevant opportunities to advance policy and practice, and be entrepreneurial about helping the team achieve current and develop new goals.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Candidates should be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely for public audiences.
  • Ability to translate analyses into written products for both narrow and broad audiences.
  • Strong presentation skills. The ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences particularly in a virtual environment.
• An ability to effectively manage complex projects that include multiple stakeholders, including time and team management and the ability to communicate activities to a team, supervisor, and relevant external audiences.
  • An ability to work independently.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as a member of a collaborative team.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • An ability to design and execute a research plan and analyze the results of that research including identifying the key findings.
• Strong analytical skills, which could include: quantitative analytical skills; qualitative analytical skills such as the ability to conduct and analyze interviews and focus groups; ability to synthesize large amounts of information to inform problem solving; and/or experience analyzing higher education-related legislative, regulatory, administrative, or practice-related policies. Candidates should have an understanding of the importance of evidence-based policies and programs.
• Excellent work ethic matched by openness to feedback and collaboration.
• Inclined to think independently and challenge conventional wisdom in higher education and labor policy.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience related to career and technical education, workforce development, economic development, or higher education policy required.

At least 2 days/week in a physical office environment in Washington, DC.

Application Process:

Submit a resume and cover letter directed to Iris Palmer. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to applications received by February 15, 2024.

Starting salary range is $80,000 - $95,000. Excellent benefits.

No phone calls or emails, please.

New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination. This is a bargaining unit position.

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