Senior Policy Analyst, Higher Education

UnidosUS • Washington, DC

8h • $76,100 - $84,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

UnidosUS is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join its Education Policy Project, reporting to the Director for Education Policy. This role will serve as a subject-matter expert and partner in shaping and advancing federal and state advocacy agendas. The Senior Policy Analyst will help develop and drive a policy agenda focused on strengthening accountability and improving return on investment in higher education, particularly for Latino students and other historically underserved communities. The role will center on advancing policies that ensure postsecondary programs deliver real economic value, protect students from low-quality or predatory programs, and close gaps in post-college outcomes. The Senior Policy Analyst will promote federal and state policies that improve transparency, enforce accountability, and ensure students enroll in programs that lead to meaningful credentials, gainful employment, and long-term economic mobility. The ideal candidate brings familiarity with postsecondary data sets and a strong interest in using evidence to improve outcomes for Latino students.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3-5 years of policy experience in higher education.
• Strong knowledge base of higher education policy and experience with policy development and advocacy.
• Knowledge of and professional networks within relevant agencies, congressional offices, and/or stakeholder organizations.
• A proven track record of conducting rigorous policy analysis and translating findings into clear, actionable policy recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively across research, communications, and external partners in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Displayed commitment to social justice and UnidosUS’s mission.
• Flexibility for occasional travel(less than 10%).
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the Latino community.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience conducting quantitative analysis and familiarity using higher education datasets.
• Experience communicating policy ideas in public settings such as coalition meetings, congressional hearings and briefings, major conferences, and media interviews.
• Bilingual ability (English and Spanish), written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance UnidosUS’ higher education policy agenda while generating innovative project ideas and strategies.
• Lead analyses of emerging public policy issues and trends in higher education and produce policy documents, including issue briefs, regulatory comments, white papers, conference papers, and congressional testimony.
• Serve as an expert on higher education policy, with a focus on policy solutions related to accountability and improving the return on investment in postsecondary education.
• Represent UnidosUS in high-visibility forums, conferences, and meetings, including meetings with congressional staff, policymakers, issue experts, stakeholders, and the media.
• Organize and execute policy forums, roundtables, and events to inform and elevate UnidosUS’ higher education policy agenda.
• Lead and participate in coalitions of experts and advocates on higher education.
• Carry out communications activities to build support for UnidosUS’ education priorities; provide consistent, timely updates to Affiliates, partners, and funders.
• Manage their own projects from conception to completion, tracking deliverables, deadlines, and compliance requirements, and supporting clear reporting to funders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• UnidosUS follows CDC guidance and strongly encourages employees to stay up to date on vaccinations and practice a range of preventive measures to support their well-being and maintain a healthy work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior