Policy Analyst
- Employer
- WICHE
- Location
- Boulder, Colorado (US)
- Salary
- $64,000 - $75,000
- Date posted
- Jan 16, 2025
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- Position Type
- Jobs Outside Academe, Non-Profit / Association
- Employment Level
- Mid-Level
- Employment Type
- Full Time
The Position
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s Policy, Analysis and Research Unit is seeking a thoughtful and dedicated individual to help drive the organization’s efforts in key areas supporting postsecondary access and success in the West. The Policy Analyst will contribute to diverse areas of WICHE’s work, with an initial focus on efforts to scale the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) in the region and also contributing to WICHE’s efforts to support effective strategies to increase college completion and other key organizational initiatives. The Policy Analyst will work with a dynamic team supporting innovative work and dedicated leaders across our diverse region that are helping improve student outcomes. This position is primarily funded through external grants.
Organizational Responsibility
Under the supervision of the Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, the policy analyst will focus on implementation of a grant program focused on scaling the use of OER throughout the WICHE region. Additionally, the policy analyst will support efforts to identify and implement effective strategies to increase college completion in the region with an opportunity to contribute in other policy areas and to other WICHE initiatives. A successful applicant will have strong knowledge of and expertise in state postsecondary policy, OER, and be familiar with other key policy and practice issues in higher education.
Duties and Responsibilities
Synthesizing and communicating complex policy topics for a variety of audiences through written briefs, presentations, and other platforms. Designing and facilitating effective meetings, workshops, and network activities on relevant higher education topics. Responding to inquiries from a variety of constituents, such as other WICHE staff, state agency officials, legislators and their staff members, governors’ staff members, and the media. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regional OER efforts and relevant research. Providing technical assistance throughout the WICHE region. Identifying opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other organizations focused on OER and developing working relationships in support of broader WICHE goals. Conducting and coordinating qualitative and quantitative policy-related research efforts. Assisting in the preparation of grant proposals and responding to grant requirements. Preparing and delivering presentations on complex topics to a variety of audiences.
Position Specifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate to the analysis of public policy, such as public policy, political science, higher education, sociology, or economics and/or four years of relevant professional work experience or equivalent. 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. Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methodology, particularly as they relate to policy development and analysis. General familiarity with and interest in higher education and public policies relating to it. Demonstrated expertise in and familiarity with OER policies and practices and existing research on the topic. Demonstrated competency in generating effective presentations. Demonstrated project management skills, including exceptional attention to detail and the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet tight deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and cordial working relationships. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision within a team structure.
Preferred:
- Master’s Degree in a field appropriate to the research and analysis of public policy, such as political science, higher education, public policy, sociology, or economics.
- Experience working in a policy-setting context at the state or regional level, such as with a state legislature; a state agency; or a non-profit organization that analyzes, advocates, or otherwise deals with state policy.
- Knowledge of higher education state structures and policy issues, including an ability to understand and work with state statutes and other state-level policies.
- Demonstrated successful track record in developing grant proposals.
Travel
Moderate to significant travel may be required, depending on specific project requirements and interest, an estimate of 5-15 trips per year is likely. Travel throughout the WICHE region is expected, including to the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.
About the Policy Analysis and Research Unit
WICHE’s Policy Analysis and Research unit offers various resources to support better-informed decision-making, principally at the state level. Topics for its numerous research projects and collaborations include postsecondary completion, closing attainment gaps, adult learners, and multistate data-sharing to support educational planning and workforce development. The unit’s staff members serve as subject-matter experts on higher education issues including finance, state and federal financial aid, articulation and transfer, strategic planning, and student demographics. Publications, including the WICHE Insights series, explore a range of significant policy issues. Unit staff members undertake long-term grant-funded projects, collaborate with regional and national partners, and provide short-term technical assistance to WICHE members.
About WICHE
Since 1953, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has been strengthening higher education, workforce development, and behavioral health throughout the region. As an interstate compact, WICHE partners with states, territories, and postsecondary institutions to share knowledge, create resources, and develop innovative solutions that address some of our society’s most pressing needs. From promoting high-quality, affordable postsecondary education to helping states get the most from their technology investments and addressing behavioral health challenges, WICHE improves lives across the West through innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy.
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