Jobs

Policy Analyst
Research and Policy Analyst/Associate

Policy Analyst

Oakland, CA/ Washington, D.C.

Position Summary: The Institute seeks a Policy Analyst to conduct research and analysis and implement advocacy projects, with a primary focus on federal policies related to financial aid and student debt. The position involves significant contact with federal executive and legislative branch staff and national education experts and advocates. Project topics include federal student loan repayment policies and consumer protections for borrowers of non-federal (private) student loans. The position reports to the Institute's Vice President and works closely with staff across the organization. Specific roles and responsibilities include:

Research and Analysis, Issue Monitoring

Track and analyze regulatory, legislative, school and sector developments
Collect and analyze data to inform and support policy work
Write and/or conduct research for reports, memos and fact sheets

Networking and Advocacy

Help shape and execute strategies and tactics for pursuing policy goals

Communicate policy priorities and news to policy makers and stakeholders
Build and coordinate coalitions of support for key policy proposals

Lead, manage and/or organize meetings and conference calls

External Communications

Develop, fact-check and/or update public materials for accuracy and accessibility
Represent the organization at meetings and on calls (some travel required)
Respond to external inquiries

Core Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum of three years of direct experience with policy analysis and advocacy, preferably at the federal level. They must enjoy working in a creative, fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and deadlines. Other key qualifications include: excellent communication and writing skills; a demonstrated ability to synthesize policy and research information for different audiences; keen analytical skills and attention to detail; highly organized; and strong quantitative and data presentation skills. Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a related field preferred.

The Institute seeks and depends on employees who are:

strong team players as well as individual contributors
intellectually curious
detail-oriented
excellent communicators
creative problem-solvers
able to organize and manage competing priorities, tasks and deadlines
comfortable with ambiguity

flexible in response to change
responsible for the quality and timeliness of their work

The position ideally will be based in the Oakland office, but candidates based in Washington, DC will also be considered. Full benefits provided; compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to admin [at] ticas [dot] org. No phone calls please. This position will remain open until filled.

Research and Policy Associate/Analyst

Position Summary: This position conducts research, policy and data analysis, and advocacy to improve college access, affordability, and success for California college students, particularly at the community colleges.

Key Responsibilities:

Research and analyze issues of college affordability and develop policy solutions
Organize and advocate for policies and practices that make community college more affordable for all students
Draft reports and other documents to communicate findings and recommendations
Make presentations, participate in meetings and attend conferences
Develop and maintain contacts with colleagues in financial aid, student services, and higher education research and policy through phone and email communication, visits to campuses, and attending meetings and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications:

BA required, MA in related field strongly preferred, plus a minimum of three years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills and experience
Excellent analysis and synthesis skills
Excellent interpersonal communication and writing skills, including a demonstrated ability to describe complex information to varied audiences
Experience and skill in leading projects
Knowledge of higher education and financial aid strongly preferred

Interested applicants should submit cover letters andresumes to admin [at] ticas [dot] org. This position will remain open until filled.

The Organization: Based in Oakland, CA, the Institute for College Access & Success is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to making higher education more available and affordable for people of all backgrounds. It is a widely respected source of expertise on financial aid, student debt and related issues, and is an influential advocate for reform at the federal, state and college levels. For more information, see www.ticas.org and www.projectonstudentdebt.org.