Policy Research Analyst

Temple University's Hope Center for Student Basic Needs is searching for a Policy & Research Analyst!

Salary Grade: T26

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000

A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant's education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:

Full medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays

3 Personal Days

Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE

A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Position Summary:

The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University is seeking a Policy & Research Analyst to join our team. As a national, mission-driven research center, we take seriously the importance of research, engaging communication, and advocacy to advance solutions to address students' access to food, housing, transportation, childcare, and other essential needs throughout higher education in the United States. Our diverse team is committed to communities that demand affordable, accessible, high-quality education from high school through higher education and beyond. Addressing students' basic needs is a social determinant of health. We seek teammates who are not only committed to our mission and addressing structural inequities in higher education but are also capable and comfortable with working in a fast-paced, remote work environment with colleagues and partners across the country.

This role bridges applied research and public policy, translating data into actionable solutions at the federal, state, local, and institutional levels. The position reports to the Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy and will become a key member of a three-person policy and advocacy team. The Policy & Research Analyst will maintain a comprehensive understanding of the higher education policy landscape, analyze and communicate about newly available federal, state, and institutional data and research findings affecting student basic needs and college affordability, and contribute to the overall development and advancement of The Hope Center's policy initiatives and priorities.

While the position will be mostly focused on federal policy impacting students' basic needs and college affordability, the candidate will also help to expand the Center's capacity to track state policy trends, practices, and data. It will be conducted in a remote setting, with occasional travel and in-person required, particularly to Washington, DC, but also to various locations within the United States for conferences and events. Candidate must live in the United States. May require occasional weekend and evening working hours during particularly busy periods in federal policymaking.

The position is ideal for an early-to-mid career analyst or policy specialist with an interest in higher education and experience with graduate-level statistics or equivalent skills to interpret quantitative research.

Required Education and Experience:

* Master's degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, public administration, political science, education, or another related field

* Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in policy analysis, research analysis, legislative affairs, or related fields

* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered (e.g. 4-5 years relevant professional experience)

Required Skills and Abilities:

* Experience with basic analysis of higher education policy and data

* Ability to analyze and interpret academic research findings for non-technical audiences

* Ability to review and interpret descriptive statistics, and conduct related analyses, from large datasets (e.g. means, medians, percentages, and crosstabs)

* Proficiency in distilling and summarizing federal or state-level policy for non-technical audiences

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and virtual communication platforms (e.g., Zoom or Microsoft Teams)

* Strong attention to detail

Preferred Education and Experience:

* Strong interest in higher education and/or anti-poverty policy research

* Experience working on topics related to the Center's work on student basic needs, college affordability, public benefits, or financial aid

* Experience with higher education or student datasets and research

* Familiarity and comfort with analyzing complex survey data or large datasets (e.g., U.S. Department of Education data including the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, Beginning Postsecondary Study, or Baccalaureate & Beyond, U.S. Census data, Federal Reserve data, or credit panel data), such as applying survey weights to produce representative estimates

* Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and independently

* Commitment to The Hope Center's Mission

* Strong interpersonal skills and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact with diverse populations

* Strong writing skills and demonstrated ability to present analysis in an accessible manner

* Maturity, professionalism, integrity, and excellent judgment

* Open to feedback and professional development

* Capable of "managing up" to ensure deadlines and internal priorities are met and addressed

* Respect for confidential information

* Demonstrated success working in a remote or hybrid work environment and/or with remote colleagues

Essential Duties:

* Data analysis, review, and interpretation of existing federal, state, and institutional datasets, surveys, and research about students in higher education using basic statistical methods

* Communicating and translating research findings in an accessible format to non-technical audiences, including practitioners and policymakers

* Tracking and analyzing legislative and agency actions affecting student basic needs, college affordability, and financial aid

* Coordinating responses to policy issues, developments, and requests from external partners

* Drafting memos, briefs, blog posts, conference proposals, and external communications about the impact of policy actions, and the implications of new data findings, on students

* Engaging with partners and funders at internal and external meetings and events

* Contributing to the growth of networks and partnerships by representing The Hope Center and the policy team

* Collaborating with other staff, including the research and practice teams, to analyze The Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey

* Support grant proposal and reporting activities

This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote), the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Department.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

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