Position: Senior Policy Analyst
Salary: $85,000 – $95,000 Annually
Location: Either Washington, D.C., or Boulder, CO (hybrid model), or fully remote for candidates living outside those areas
About the Position
SHEEO is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to lead projects and provide technical assistance to states on key higher education policy priorities. This role focuses on translating policy, data, and research into practical strategies for state decision-making and implementation. The Senior Policy Analyst will manage projects and grants, produce policy reports and presentations, and work closely with SHEEO member agencies and national partners to advance effective higher education policy and improve student outcomes.
This role combines project management, technical assistance, and policy analysis across a range of issue areas that may include college attainment, student success, data systems, workforce development, and higher education finance. The Senior Policy Analyst will coordinate multi-state initiatives; develop briefs, tools, and presentations; facilitate peer learning and convenings; collaborate with partners; and contribute to member support activities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage projects and grants, from planning through execution, ensuring milestones are achieved and deadlines are met.
- Provide technical assistance to SHEEO members, offering practical guidance on policy development and best practices for implementation.
- Develop briefs, reports, presentations, and tools that translate analysis and research into actionable insights for state higher education leaders.
- Conduct analysis and research on state higher education data and policy to inform projects, technical assistance, and organizational priorities.
- Represent SHEEO at state, regional, and national meetings and events, and contribute to planning, agenda development, and execution of convenings.
- Build and sustain collaborative relationships with SHEEO member agencies and partner organizations.
- Identify opportunities for new projects and funding partnerships.
- Monitor trends in public higher education and contribute to SHEEO’s strategic priorities.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
We are looking for a combination of the following:
- A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in higher education, public policy, or a related field; a master’s degree with significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a doctoral degree.
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable role.
- Experience managing projects or multi-state initiatives, including coordinating timelines, stakeholders, deliverables, and convenings.
- Experience providing technical assistance or direct support to states, institutions, or partner organizations.
- Ability to translate complex information into clear, usable products, including briefs, presentations, or tools for policymakers and practitioners.
- Demonstrated knowledge of state policy in areas such as educational attainment, student success, state data systems, workforce alignment, or postsecondary finance.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and attention to detail.
- Experience working with state agencies, higher education systems, national policy organizations, or philanthropic partners is strongly preferred.
Travel
With offices in two locations and members across the nation, the Senior Policy Analyst will travel periodically to events and meetings.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of October 2, 2026.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; SHEEO is unable to sponsor work authorization.
Please apply through this site and include:
- A cover letter.
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
Finalists will be asked to provide three to five professional references. SHEEO will not contact references without the candidate’s prior permission.
The deadline to apply for this position has passed.