Policy Analyst (K-12)
Oakland, CA
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY
The Education Trust—West (Ed Trust—West) seeks a Policy Analyst (K-12) to join a passionate staff who are committed to fulfilling a mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families.
The Policy Analyst has expertise in researching, analyzing, and writing legislative policy that improves education equity, access, and outcomes. This position monitors and responds to state and local education policy activities and engages with policymakers, coalition partners, and researchers to support bill proposals and policy priorities in alignment with Ed Trust—West’s issue areas. The role also collaborates to develop and disseminate reports, briefs, or other materials advancing our policy priorities.
The Education Trust (Ed Trust) is comprised of fierce advocates for the high academic achievement of all students — pre-kindergarten through college, particularly those of color or living in poverty. Through research and advocacy, Ed Trust’s goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that affect millions of young people across the U.S. — especially students of color and those from low-income families. We work alongside educators, policymakers, parents, and community and business leaders across the country to advocate transforming schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well. Lessons learned in these efforts, together with unflinching data analyses, help shape our state and national policy agendas.
This role, available immediately, is based in our Oakland, CA office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. The Analyst, Policy reports to the Director of P-16 Education Policy.
ABOUT THE POLICY ANALYST ROLE
The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited to the following:
- Conduct research and data analysis (both quantitative and qualitative), bill or policy analysis, and literature reviews related to education, remedying disparities in opportunity to learn, and improving student outcomes with a specific focus on K-12 education policy issues, with a focus on supporting multilingual learners along with other areas of priority such as state funding adequacy & equity, educator diversity, and Ethnic Studies
- Manage and execute projects that identify and/or elevate promising policies to advance educational equity in California K-12 education systems and schools
- Share and elevate findings publicly with various audiences–including the media, advocates, and policymakers — that inform and align with Ed Trust’s policy priorities of eliminating educational disparities and enhancing student outcomes
- Build and cultivate external partnerships with policymakers, researchers, and advocates to advance and refine Ed Trust policy priorities
- Produce written statements, letters, reports, briefs, blogs, and other resources to further inform policymakers, educators, journalists, and other public audiences of Ed Trust’s agenda
- Collaborating internally across Ed Trust to support fundraising and grants management, strategic communications, as well as offering any relevant assistance to other teams
IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Shared belief in Ed Trust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity
- Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
- Commitment to “Walking the Talk,” which means operating with an understanding that systemic and institutionalized racism significantly affect communities of color and the historical impact of privilege and power on American systems
- Strong project management (including time management) skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in addition to presentation skills
- Teamwork skills and an eagerness for collaboration
- Problem-solving ability
- Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback
- Continuous learner
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field
- Familiarity with K-12 education policy
- Demonstrated experience developing bill or policy recommendations based in data and research
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this level position in California is between $62,900 and $94,340, and offers are commensurate with skills and experience. Typically, new hire salaries fall between the minimum and midpoint of the assigned salary range.
The Education Trust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% matching opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.
VACCINATION FOR COVID-19
At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g., “Policy Analyst (K-12) _Robinson.”
We invite you to consider your cover letter as an opportunity to:
- Tell a story that illuminates your interest in education equity and Ed Trust–West’s mission
- Share how your background and experience make you the right fit for this position
Please submit your application materials at Recruitment (adp.com) by the priority deadline of April 7, 2023. Applications will be accepted/reviewed until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.