Senior Policy Analyst, Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways

Bipartisan Policy Center•Washington, DC

2d•$85,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), a Washington, DC-based think tank, seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to support its Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways portfolio within the Human Capital Program. The team educates policymakers and other leaders about labor market conditions, develops bipartisan strategies that put the needs of people and employers first, and helps connect people to opportunity. Its work focuses on building postsecondary pathways aligned with employer demand, recognizing existing skills and skill gaps, and matching learners to good jobs. The team works with federal, state, and local policymakers, higher education institutions, employers, workforce boards, philanthropic partners, and other strategic allies. It advances its work through research, convenings, and education for policymakers and other leaders. The role will primarily help build and develop the team’s workforce and postsecondary pathways work, with an emphasis on postsecondary education, while supporting projects across the broader Human Capital portfolio as needed. The successful candidate will understand the traditional postsecondary system—including two- and four-year institutions, federal student aid, accreditation, and state higher education governance—and emerging models such as short-term and stackable credentials, competency-based education, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships. The role requires quantitative and analytical ability, plus judgment and communication skills to translate complex data into clear, actionable, bipartisan policy recommendations. The Senior Policy Analyst will work closely with the director and team members, manage projects, and coordinate with the broader Human Capital team and shared service teams, especially Communications and BPC Action. The position is hybrid, with staff in the office Tuesday through Thursday and the option to work from home Monday and Friday. The anticipated hiring range is $85,000 to $100,000. Applicants should submit a resume, writing sample, and cover letter.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and five or more years of relevant experience in higher education, workforce, or social policy, or a relevant advanced degree and four or more years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of the traditional postsecondary education landscape, including two- and four-year institutions, federal student aid, and higher education policy.
Understanding of labor market needs, skills gaps, and how education and workforce systems collaborate to connect individuals with employment opportunities.
Strong quantitative and research skills, including experience analyzing and interpreting complex datasets to inform policy recommendations.
Experience analyzing federal or state legislation, regulations, or program funding and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research and policy issues into clear, accessible materials for diverse audiences.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver high-quality work.
Collaborative approach to working with colleagues and stakeholders across teams and functional areas.
Authorization to work in the United States; BPC does not sponsor employment visas.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in public policy, education policy, economics, or a related field.
In-depth knowledge of federal higher education policy, including the Higher Education Act, accreditation, institutional accountability, and federal student aid programs.
Familiarity with emerging and nontraditional postsecondary education models, including short-term and stackable credentials, competency-based education, apprenticeships, work-based learning, career and technical education, and dual enrollment.
Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its relationship to workforce development and postsecondary education.
Experience working with large-scale education, workforce, or labor market datasets, such as IPEDS, College Scorecard, NPSAS, state longitudinal data systems, or job postings and skills data.
Experience working with employers, industry associations, workforce boards, higher education institutions, or training providers to align educational programs with labor market demand.
Experience using data visualization tools, such as Datawrapper, to communicate research findings and policy insights.

Responsibilities

Lead research and analysis on workforce and postsecondary pathways policy, including traditional higher education issues such as student aid, affordability, and completion, as well as emerging models that link education and training to the labor market.
Educate policymakers and other stakeholders on labor market conditions, in-demand skills, and gaps between education and training program outcomes and employer needs.
Draft reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, explainers, articles, and memos for policymakers and other external audiences.
Identify and analyze innovative state, institutional, and employer-led approaches that align postsecondary programs to demand, recognize prior learning and existing skills, and improve student services; coordinate and draft work with state officials, institutions, employers, and partners.
Analyze postsecondary access, completion, employment, and earnings outcomes data to assess credential value, and develop talking points and materials for Hill and media audiences.
Build and maintain relationships with congressional staff, executive branch officials, higher education institutions, employers, workforce leaders, and philanthropic partners.
Help plan and execute meetings, roundtables, and convenings for the Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways portfolio.
Work with the Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways director to support funder proposals, reports, and correspondence.
Track federal and state legislative and regulatory developments relevant to higher education, student aid, workforce development, and apprenticeship policy.

Benefits

Medical coverage through CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield with a choice of three plans; one plan is HSA eligible with an annual BPC contribution. All plans cover in-network preventive care at 100% and include prescription drugs.
Dental and vision coverage through MetLife, including no-cost options for employees and their families.
403(b) retirement savings with employer matching contributions of up to 7% of salary, plus an additional 2% non-elective employer contribution, both available after 90 days of employment.
Paid time off: 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays, and a paid end-of-year break.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually after one year of employment.
Professional development funds up to $2,000 after six months of employment.
Commuter benefits up to $130 per month in Metro benefits.
Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and disability insurance.
Flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and parking.
Access to Spring Health and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and wellness support.