Assistant Director of Policy

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to building a more equitable and just society through higher education. Through research, advocacy, policy development, and field engagement, IHEP drives systemic change in higher education to advance equitable outcomes and generational impact for communities historically marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity or income.

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

IHEP seeks an Assistant Director of Policy to conduct and manage policy analysis and development to advance IHEP’s policy priorities, which include data and transparency, strong outcomes for all students, evidence-based completion, need-based aid, and equitable admissions. This position will report to the Vice President (VP) of Policy, closely coordinate with IHEP’s research, government affairs, and communications teams, and engage with partners across the field of higher education policy.

Due to the nature of this position, and specifically the need to connect in-person with policymakers and members of the higher education community, this position must be based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Outside of these in-person meetings, IHEP operates fully remotely on a day-to-day basis. We come together, in-person in D.C., for one week three to four times a year to connect, build cohesion, and bond as a full staff.  This position may require some travel outside the D.C. area.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Conduct and manage policy analysis and policy development to advance IHEP’s policy priorities, including:
  • Monitor for and analyze the impact of existing, new, and proposed policies from the U.S. Department of Education, Congress, other research and policy organizations in the field, and (as applicable) other federal agencies, states, and institutions.
  • Develop evidence-driven policy recommendations to advance IHEP’s policy priorities, coordinating closely with the VP of Policy, Research team, and Communications and Government Affairs team.
  • Develop written materials to present IHEP’s policy recommendations and analyses of other policies or proposals. These materials may include policy briefs, one-pagers, blog posts, and draft legislative or regulatory text.
  • Stay abreast of rapidly evolving postsecondary education issues within higher education policy communities, in the media, and among federal and state policymakers, and be prepared to respond to time-sensitive requests from media and policymakers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for IHEP on selected policy issues, serve as a key ambassador for IHEP in relevant coalitions, and advance IHEP’s policy priorities through public speaking engagements.   
• Cultivate and deepen relationships with partners in the field to maximize IHEP’s effectiveness and advance our policy priorities.
• Actively promote and ensure strong collaboration between the policy and research teams, including facilitating open communication between teams and creating opportunities for dialogue and feedback.
• As part of the Management Team (MT) and in partnership with organizational leadership, support the conceptualization, design, and development of grant proposals; secure funding; and complete projects to advance IHEP’s policy priorities.   
• Collaborate closely with other MT members to ensure streamlined operations, build staff morale, maintain communications across projects, and encourage an inclusive and collaborative work environment.   
• Build and maintain IHEP’s relationships with funders.  
• Other duties, as requested.   

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES, and SKILLS: 

IHEP seeks a candidate who is passionate about promoting postsecondary access and success for all students, regardless of race, background, or circumstance and knowledgeable about higher education policy. 

An ideal candidate will have at least five years of work experience building and proving a combination of the following qualifications, experiences, and skills: 

• Experience with higher education policy issues, policy mechanisms, and advocacy strategies, particularly at the federal level.
• Strong policy analysis skills, including the ability to synthesize and assess the impact of legislative and regulatory text, as well as other policy proposals and guidance.
• Ability to develop evidence-driven policy recommendations.
• Strong analytic, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.  
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills, especially for synthesizing and presenting policy recommendations in a clear and compelling way.
• Strong attention to detail.  
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and remain flexible and adaptable, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment.    
• Demonstrated commitment to building and maintaining a healthy, respectful, and inclusive organizational culture.  
• Knowledge of and passion for issues related to postsecondary data and transparency, college affordability, college access and completion, and/or postsecondary value.
• Self-motivated and eager contributor to a team who shares in the accolades of successes.  
• Desire to continuously grow and learn.   

WORKING at IHEP: 

IHEP recognizes that a talented inclusive workforce of people with diverse backgrounds and experience benefits individuals, partners, and IHEP as a whole. We recognize that all employees bring their own capabilities, experiences, and characteristics to their work. IHEP believes in treating all individuals with respect and dignity and strives to achieve a supportive environment in which all employees reach their maximum potential. The wide array of perspectives promotes innovation and business success, further supporting the organization’s mission. 

IHEP values a healthy work-life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package with generous paid time off; health, dental, and vision benefits; 401K matching; life and disability insurance; flexible work arrangements; and other benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $113,000.

IHEP is not able to sponsor work permits. Therefore, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

HOW to APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply through this site by submitting a cover letter and resume. We will review applications on a rolling basis, but have a priority deadline to apply by July 27, 2025. 

IHEP participates in E-Verify and confirms all employees are authorized to work in the United States through a Form I-9. For more about your right to work, see this information from the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Department of Justice. 

The Institute for Higher Education Policy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages inclusion and experiential diversity in all facets of the organization’s work.