Lead Policy Analyst

Great Minds•Dc, DC

5d•Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Policy, the Lead Policy Analyst will act as a senior-level individual contributor, operating as the team’s primary subject matter expert and analytical engine. This role will take ownership of Great Minds’ policy intelligence work by tracking and interpreting the federal, state, and local landscape to ensure the organization is well-positioned to engage and influence. The position will bring depth, initiative, and independent judgment to complex policy questions and will translate findings into strategies that meaningfully shape how Great Minds engages with policymakers, state agencies, and K–12 stakeholders.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in K–12 policy, applied research, or a closely related discipline, with a track record of owning and advancing substantive policy work
Proven ability to independently drive research projects from problem framing through strategic recommendation, with strong judgment about when to escalate and how to prioritize
Sophisticated command of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, with the ability to synthesize complex findings into accessible, compelling narratives for varied audiences
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and stakeholder demands, balancing ongoing policy monitoring with discrete research projects and time-sensitive requests from across the organization
Deep familiarity with state and local policy development processes, including legislative tracking and stakeholder engagement
Demonstrated experience converting a complex policy landscape into clear strategic priorities and actionable plans
Bachelor’s degree
A cover letter and resume are required to be considered for this position.
New employees will be required to successfully complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in public policy, education policy, or a related field

Responsibilities

Serve as the team’s primary analytical resource for K–12 policy trends—independently framing issues, synthesizing intelligence across federal, state, and local levels, and contributing substantively to Great Minds’ company-wide point of view on factors shaping the adoption and implementation of high-quality instructional materials.
Own the tracking and monitoring of state and local legislation and policy; identify and escalate emerging policy trends with clear analytical context and recommended implications for the organization.
Lead projects that examine how legislative mandates shape policy action at the local, regional, and state levels; develop findings that are rigorous, accessible, and directly connected to Great Minds’ strategic priorities.
Translate regional trend analysis into concrete recommendations that help shape the organization’s policy engagement strategy; identifying where and how Great Minds should invest, focus and build relationships.
Ensure internal stakeholders are equipped to understand and act on the policy environment by producing clear briefings, frameworks, and recommendations tailored to diverse audiences across the organization.
Represent Great Minds externally at policy conferences and sector events, strengthening the organization’s credibility and visibility among policymakers and K–12 influencers.