Senior Analyst, Policy (K-12)
Oakland, CA
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY
The Education Trust—West (Ed Trust—West) seeks a Senior 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 Senior Analyst serves as a primary content expert within the policy team and across Ed Trust—West at-large, contributing to the development of policy recommendations at the state and local levels to advance educational equity. The Senior Analyst leads projects with minimal oversight and collaborates with internal teams to inform their work with research-based recommendations. This position also requires relationship-building with researchers, funders, and partners outside The Education Trust.
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 Senior Analyst, Policy reports to the Director of P-16 Education Policy.
ABOUT THE SENIOR POLICY ANALYST ROLE
Major responsibilities of the Senior Policy Analyst include:
- Develop and conduct policy analyses and literature reviews related to trends in remedying disparities in opportunity to learn and improving student outcomes with a specific focus on K-12 education policy issues, including but not limited to state funding adequacy & equity, educator diversity, and school climate
- Manage and implement multiple projects that identify promising policies for advancing educational equity in California K-12 education systems and schools
- Serve as a spokesperson for Ed Trust by sharing and elevating analyses and policy recommendations 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
- Elevate Ed Trust’s policy priorities by developing key relationships and representing the organization in external meetings with external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
- Produce reports, briefs, blogs, and other resources to further inform policymakers, educators, journalists, and other public audiences of Ed Trust’s agenda
- Collaborate internally across Ed Trust to support fundraising and grants management, strategic communications, as well as offering any relevant assistance to other teams
- Manage grants to ensure all aspects of funding requirements are met
- Respond to rapid response inquiries about policy and/or data analyses from staff, as well as work with the higher education team to respond to policymakers, advocates, the media, and the public
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
- Demonstrated experience developing bill or policy recommendations based in data and research
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
- At least four years of experience in analyzing research or legislative policies in education or a related field, preferably on topics of equity
- Significant familiarity with K-12 education policy
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this level position in California is between $73,560 and $110,340, and offers are commensurate with skills and experience. Typically, new hire salaries fall between the minimum and midpoint of the assigned salary range and for this role start at or near $80,000.
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., “Senior Policy Analyst _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). 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.