Policy & Research Analyst
By Andrea Roethke
Founded in 2016, EdAllies is a Minnesota-based education advocacy nonprofit that partners with schools, families, and communities to ensure that every young Minnesotan has access to a rigorous and engaging education. We advance policies that put underserved students first, remove barriers facing successful schools and programs, and foster an inclusive conversation about what’s possible for students.
POSITION
EdAllies is seeking a Policy & Research Analyst to provide research, analysis, and policy support to strategically advance our advocacy campaigns. The Policy & Research Analyst will ensure our public outreach and advocacy efforts are informed and grounded in data, best practices, and local and national research, while also directly supporting legislative efforts to ensure timely, informed action on key issues and playing a lead role on certain policy advocacy campaigns. The Policy & Research Analyst will develop a portfolio of compelling educational materials, such as fact sheets, blogs, issue briefs, and reports to inform decision-makers and empower advocates. The Policy & Research Analyst will bring a mix of project-management, analysis, and communication skills—as well as a passion for student-centered education policy.
This position is based out of EdAllies’ Minneapolis office. EdAllies offers a hybrid work setting, with employees working 1-2 days in-person and flexibility to work remotely at other times.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Providing research support for EdAllies’ advocacy functions, including policy analysis, identification of best practices, data analysis to inform our work, and creation of written materials such as issue briefs, blogs, one-pagers, and fact sheets;
- Supporting legislative efforts by analyzing impact of policy proposals, interpreting research and data for policymakers, and bringing a nimble approach to support other needs;
- Providing real-time support to EdAllies’ policy team to deliver quick, accurate answers to emerging policy questions;
- Advancing EdAllies as a partner to parents, educators, and other stakeholders by serving as an accessible resource on education policy questions and participating in coalition work;
- Developing and managing policy reports and research projects from design and analysis to presentation and communication of findings, effectively using quantitative and qualitative resources;
- Collaborating closely with the team to develop policy and communications strategies;
- Researching and developing expertise on emerging policy initiatives, including teacher quality and diversity, college and career readiness, literacy, and equitable school funding;
- Leading efforts to use data to tell stories about the Minnesota early learning/K-12 landscape from an asset-based, equity lens;
- Curating EdAllies monthly Research Rundown, highlighting key reports that can inform local policy;
- Maintaining an understanding of national and local education policy and research to inform team’s work and incorporate best practices in policy analysis, research, and impact; and,
- Diligently advancing the needs of Minnesota students and engaging community partners to further that mission.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should possess a strong commitment to EdAllies’ mission, and to education equity more broadly. The ideal candidate has:
- Experience with policy analysis, including the ability to synthesize data and research, draw informed, accurate conclusions, and make actionable policy recommendations;
- Comfort with policy advocacy and eagerness to engage in work at the legislature;
- Strong writing skills, with ability to convey accurate, persuasive messages to a general audience;
- Comfort presenting to groups, facilitating coalitions and collaborative work, operating across lines of difference, and developing relationships with diverse stakeholders;
- Working knowledge of education policy, research, and practice;
- The ability to work nimbly in response to evolving external needs, including skills to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, and to work both independently and collaboratively;
- Interest in teacher preparation, data and accountability, college and career readiness, parent choice, school discipline, education finance, literacy, and other key education policy topics;
- A commitment to integrity (doing what’s right, even when it is uncomfortable), transparency, candor, and collaboration;
- Relevant education or training in policy analysis, education policy, or a related field;
- 2+ years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and/or education; and,
- Commitment to operating with EdAllies’ core values of equity, inventiveness, humility, honesty, and courage.
COMPENSATION
The position pays an annual salary of $57,00-$70,000, based on qualifications and experience. Candidates with more than five years of relevant experience may be eligible for hiring at the senior analyst level, with a range of $62,000-$75,000.
EdAllies provides a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, disability, life, and vision insurance premiums paid in full for employees and significantly subsidized for families; 401(k) matched up to 5% with immediate vesting; 21 days of annual PTO; 9 paid holidays plus a paid winter break and 2 floating days; flexible bereavement leave; parental leave with 8 weeks fully paid; school activities and student service release time; and more.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should send the following to Andrea Roethke, Managing Director of Strategy & Operations, at aroethke@edalliesmn.org, with “Policy & Research Analyst” in the subject line:
- a cover letter;
- your résumé; and
- a work sample that demonstrates policy analysis and writing skills.
Deadline: Interviews will begin on a rolling basis. We encourage applicants to submit their materials by December 11, 2022, but will consider all applications submitted until the position is filled. Note that there may be a delayed response to inquiries submitted during our annual winter closure the last week of the year.
START DATE
While we are eager to fill the role, we are open to exploring flexible onboarding timelines for candidates with the right mix of skills and experience. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.
EdAllies is an equal opportunity employer, with a commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace. From hiring to internal practice, we work to promote a culture that is welcoming and free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination.