Director, Policy & Research

Virginia Economic Devel Partnership • Richmond, VA

7d

About The Position

The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) is seeking a Director, Policy & Research to lead its research portfolio and advance the Commonwealth’s understanding of how education, workforce systems, and labor market needs intersect. This position serves as the office’s principal authority on data analysis, policy interpretation, and research strategy.

Requirements

• Strong writing and presentation skills with a record of producing analytical reports or decision support materials for senior audiences
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement projects; negotiate and resolve problems; and formulate and communicate recommendations
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Organized and adaptable with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Background in state government, higher education administration, workforce development, or economic development preferred
• Proficiency with at least one statistical or programming language such as R, Python, SQL, SAS, or Stata
• Familiarity with Tableau or similar data visualization platforms preferred
• 7+ years of experience working in education policy, workforce development, labor economics, or public policy research
• Experience working with statewide datasets related to higher education, K-12, workforce programs, credentials, or labor market intelligence
• Experience collaborating with policymakers, agency leaders, or multi-agency teams on research or policy initiatives
• Experience supervising staff and managing workflows
• Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.
• A valid Virginia driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

• Background in state government, higher education administration, workforce development, or economic development preferred
• Familiarity with Tableau or similar data visualization platforms preferred

Responsibilities

• Conduct and oversee advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis, including labor market modeling, program alignment assessment, and workforce pathway evaluation
• Identify emerging trends that inform policy development and statewide strategy
• Set team priorities, allocate staff resources, and manage timelines aligned with the research agenda
• Ensure efficient workflows, project transparency, and consistent communication across the research team
• Identify new and innovative datasets that improve the strength, clarity, and utility of insights for statewide decisionmakers
• Manage integration of datasets across higher education, K-12, workforce programs, credentials, and labor market intelligence systems
• Represent VOEE in meetings with policymakers, legislative staff, agency leaders, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and business organizations
• Build and maintain partnerships that support statewide education and workforce alignment
• Contribute to the development and refinement of VOEE’s strategic direction and organizational practices
• Help advance VOEE’s role as a statewide leader in education and workforce analytics

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed