Senior Policy Analyst (Postsecondary Education)

TITLE: Senior Policy Analyst (Postsecondary Education)
ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association
LOCATION: Washington, DC
DURATION: Full Time
POSITION STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate
REPORTS TO: Program Director (Postsecondary Education)

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is a bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories, and commonwealths whose mission is to share best practices, speak with an informed voice on national policy and develop innovative solutions to improve citizens’ lives through state government and support the principles of federalism.  

Through NGA, Governors identify priority issues and deal with matters of public policy and governance at the state and national levels. Our policy and research arm, the NGA Center for Best Practices, helps Governors find collective answers to common issues and assists in developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges. Our Government Relations team ensures that Governors are a strong voice in Washington, DC. NGA also provides total consultative services, including management and technical assistance to both new and incumbent Governors, their senior executive staff, and their trusted advisors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR POLICY ANALYST (POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION)
NGA is looking to add a bright, resourceful, and organized Senior Policy Analyst to our Center for Best Practices team. The Senior Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors on a range of postsecondary education issues, including but not limited to credential pathways, work-based learning, lifelong learning systems, educational credentials and records, dual enrollment, improving access to higher education, and other efforts to assist learners in achieving key educational and employment outcomes. This position is vital for improving capacity for the delivery of education services in the states, and the Senior Policy Analyst will assist the Program Director in managing a variety of projects to carry out this work.

Other important responsibilities of the Senior Policy Analyst include:

• Lead the development of virtual, in-person, and hybrid events to include: workshops, seminars, meetings, and presentations. Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other events for governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on program and policy issues areas; 
• Provide ‘best practice’ and state technical assistance to governor’s policy advisors, other state policymakers, NGA committees, task forces, and other workgroups;  
• Establish and maintain relationships with key individuals and groups within and outside NGA to support successful program and policy issues;
• Maintain topical experience in state and federal program and policy issues; 
• Manage ongoing projects and new project development; including contributing to new project development, drafting grant proposals, engaging with partners and funders, working with sub-contracts and consultants, and ensuring the timely completion of deliverables;
• Gather and write reports, articles, issue briefs, case studies, guides, tools, and memoranda on program and policy issues and best practices of relevance to Governors and their policy staffs and other state policymakers; 
• Manage and update NGA websites and electronic portals related to relevant issue programs and utilize web-based communication vehicles; 
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Deputy Director, and Director, Center for Best Practices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, preferable in public policy, education, or related field. Five plus years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the postsecondary education portfolio, including expert knowledge and experience working on issues related to state , including exposure to private sector or federal postsecondary policymaking.

Knowledge and expertise could include experience with a spectrum of policies and programs  that help Governors and their staff design and implement policies focused on achieving positive outcomes. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or non-profit organizations is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to: 

• Have foundational content knowledge and experience related to federal and state policy in the issue area;
• Understand state policy and policymaking and the role of Governors in advancing specific policies; 
• Identify and track key issues of concern to Governors and develop initiatives to address those concerns; 
• Have strong research, analytical skills, including ability to synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations; 
• Manage multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
• Customer-service orientation with strong interpersonal skills, including the skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations, and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers, as well as enthusiasm for collaboration with colleagues;
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner; 
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in verbal forms, with particular emphasis on the ability to communicate with policymaking audiences; 
• Ability and willingness to work independently and take a proactive approach to problem-solving; 
• Conduct qualitative evaluations of projects and produce subsequent reports; 
• Prepare grant applications and reports on grant progress; 
• Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues; 
• Have knowledge and understanding of MS Office suite and web tools; and 
• Travel, as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company, and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed. Please include:

• Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
• A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company) 

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. 

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s Governors’ daily and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of NGA employees.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/D/F/V). NGA is committed to fostering an energetic, collaborative, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We promote diversity and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, or any other legally protected factor. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.