Principal Policy Associate - Federal Higher Education Policy (Center on Education Data and Policy) at Urban Institute in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

Who we are:

At the nonprofit Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. Our employees are empowered to open minds, shape decisions and offer solutions. We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community. Our employees drive Urban’s mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation. Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes. 

The Center on Education Data and Policy (EDP) undertakes policy-relevant research on issues from prekindergarten through post-secondary education. We believe that education policy informed by hard data and rigorous research is crucial to realizing the education system’s potential to increase socioeconomic mobility and address growing inequality.

How you’ll contribute:

The Center on Education Data and Policy plays a critical role in providing data and original analysis for federal policymakers focused on improving the higher education system and its ability to serve students. Through independent, nonpartisan data and analysis, we help inform policymakers’ decisions on issues such as student aid, student loan repayment, and institutional accountability. We bring together in-depth research, in-house modeling capacity, quick-turnaround analysis, and strategic communications to inform federal policy debates.

To continue expanding our reach and impact, we are seeking a Principal Policy Associate who will play a leadership role on our federal higher education policy work, contributing to management, research, and outreach. The Principal Policy Associate will both lead their own projects and contribute to projects led by other researchers in EDP.

Responsibilities:

Management (30%)

• Refine EDP’s federal higher education policy strategy, with an eye toward maximizing impact and with input from center leadership and staff




• Manage work streams and budgets




• Partner with existing philanthropic funders and develop proposals for new external funding




• Supervise and mentor junior researchers

Policy Research (50%)

• Conceptualize policy research projects in coordination with federal policy stakeholders




• Lead and contribute to products on higher education policy, including reports, briefs, blogs, and data visualizations




• Maintain bandwidth to take on quick-turnaround opportunities to contribute to policy discussions when they arise




• Provide substantive input on colleagues’ work

Outreach (20%)

• Help ensure EDP’s work is relevant to Hill staff and other key stakeholders (such as the U.S. Department of Education and higher education advocacy groups)




• Speak at panel discussions, briefings for policymakers, and other public and private events




• Help to conceptualize engagement opportunities to connect key stakeholders with Urban researchers and Urban research




• Serve as a resource for journalists, Hill staff, and other stakeholders

What you’ll bring:

The successful candidate will:

• Have substantial experience in public policy or policy research, equivalent to postgraduate study in education, public policy, or a related discipline




• Have at least 10 years of experience working in higher education research or policy, including experience managing people and projects




• Have deep knowledge of federal higher education policy, such as the grant and loan programs in the Higher Education Act




• Be an adept communicator, as demonstrated by experience with public presentations and publications geared for a range of audiences




• Display strong interpersonal skills, and have experience collaborating successfully with a variety of internal and external stakeholders




• Be flexible, collaborative, and creative




• Believe in the power of independent data and analysis to drive policy and outcomes

Candidates whose background is primarily in research should demonstrate a deep knowledge of federal higher education policy, legislative processes, and key actors. Candidates whose background is primarily in public policy should demonstrate an understanding of research methods and the ability to manage and analyze data.

What you’ll experience:

Working in the Nation’s Capital, the epicenter of public policy among a network of policy experts, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative. You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters, and enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage. Competitive paid time off allowance, and eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan and reimbursable commuting expense program.   

The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.

The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.