Midwest Policy Fellow

The Organization

The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional association with nearly 500 member organizations across the US that help students prepare for, apply to, and succeed in their postsecondary pursuits. NCAN believes everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status – should have the opportunity to complete affordable, high-quality education after high school. We are a small, collaborative team of experienced professionals who work in a fast-paced environment and provide opportunities for team members to use their talents to their fullest extent.

The Opportunity

NCAN is seeking a part-time Policy Fellow to join our team. We are looking for a motivated graduate student or recent graduate with strong writing skills and an interest in higher education policy and advocacy, state higher education funding, and college access and attainment initiatives.

This fellowship is a paid position.

Available Position and Responsibilities

The Policy Fellow will assist NCAN members in Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio, in ongoing efforts to advocate for state-level policies and funding to increase the affordability of higher education and improve students’ postsecondary outcomes. The Fellow will work within NCAN’s policy team and alongside our Midwest members to expand their reach and impact, affect policy change, and improve college affordability and completion outcomes for students in the Midwest. General responsibilities include:

• Researching and analyzing policies and practices designed to improve college affordability and attainment for students from low-income families. Topics may include state grant program design, funding formulas and strategies, college cost transparency approaches, FAFSA completion, dual enrollment, direct admissions and other topics, and will be specific to each state.
• Writing policy briefs, memos, fact sheets, one pagers, op-eds, social media posts and more to describe policy options, educate key stakeholders about different approaches, and build support for evidence-based options.
• Supporting NCAN members in Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio, as they bolster their policy research and advocacy capabilities by facilitating coordination and consensus-building.
• Assisting with the dissemination of key information and resources through various communications channels to inform and strengthen NCAN members’ policy advocacy.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidates have:

• An understanding of the policy landscape affecting college affordability, enrollment, persistence, and completion outcomes, and particularly, the barriers faced by first-generation collegegoers and students from families with low incomes, and state policy solutions to address those barriers.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual environment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A proactive approach to solving problems.
• The ability to multitask, prioritize and be flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to communicate complex topics simply, but accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Some connection to the Midwest is a plus, particularly to Michigan, Minnesota, or Ohio.

Candidates must be pursuing or have recently completed a graduate-level degree in public policy, politics, higher education, or a related field. Applicants who are first-generation college goers, and/or have participated in or worked for NCAN-member organizations, are encouraged to apply.

Employment and Compensation

• This position is for one year, ideally starting in mid-September, with the option to extend to a second year.
• The fellowship is part-time (approximately 20 hours per week for 50 weeks/year)
• Compensation is $20/hour
• This is a remote fellowship opportunity. We will coordinate with fellows to determine a fixed weekly work schedule.
• Some travel to MI, MN, or OH may be required.

How to Apply

Program Fellow candidates should submit:

• A resume
• A cover letter detailing your interest in and fit for the position