Senior Policy Analyst (Higher Education)

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

EdTrust-West seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to join a passionate staff who are committed to fulfilling a mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families.

The Senior Policy Analyst serves as a primary higher education policy content expert within the policy team and across EdTrustWest higher education policy issues, contributing to the development of policy recommendations at the state and local levels to advance educational equity. The Senior Policy Analyst leads projects with minimal oversight and collaborates with internal teams to inform their work with research-based recommendations. This position also requires relationship building with researchers, funders, and partners outside EdTrust.

EdTrust is comprised of fierce advocates for the high academic achievement of all students — pre-kindergarten through college, particularly those of color or living in poverty. Through research and advocacy, EdTrust’s goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that affect millions of young people across the U.S. — especially students of color and those from low income families. We work alongside educators, policymakers, parents, and community and business leaders across the country to advocate transforming schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well. Lessons learned in these efforts, together with unflinching data analyses, help shape our state and national policy agendas.

This role, available immediately, is based in our Oakland, CA office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. The Senior Policy Analyst reports to the Director of Higher Education Policy.

ABOUT THE SENIOR POLICY ANALYST ROLE

Major responsibilities of the Senior Policy Analyst include:

• Develop and conduct policy analyses and literature reviews to stay abreast of current research and trends in remedying disparities in opportunity to learn and improve student outcomes with a specific focus on higher education access and success.
• Manage and lead multiple projects that identify promising policies for advancing educational equity  
• Serve as a spokesperson for EdTrust-West by sharing and elevating analyses and policy recommendations publicly with various audiences--including the media, advocates, and policymakers -- that inform and align with EdTrust-West’s policy priorities of eliminating educational disparities and enhancing student outcomes 
• Elevate EdTrustWest’s policy priorities by developing key relationships and representing the organization in meetings with external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
• Produce reports, briefs, blogs, and other resources to further inform policymakers, educators, journalists, and other public audiences of EdTrustWest’s policy agenda 
• Collaborate internally across EdTrust to support fundraising and grants management, strategic communications, as well as offering any relevant assistance to other teams 
• Manage grants to ensure all aspects of funding requirements are met 
• Respond to rapid response inquiries about policy and/or data analyses from staff, as well as work with the higher education team to respond to policymakers, advocates, the media, and the public 

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• Commitment to “Walking the Talk,” which means operating with an understanding that systemic and institutionalized racism significantly affect communities of color and the historical impact of privilege and power on American systems
• Strong project management (including time management) skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in addition to presentation skills
• Teamwork skills and an eagerness for collaboration
• Problem-solving ability
• Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback
• Commitment to continuous learning

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field
• At least four years of experience in analyzing and advocating on governmental and institutional policies affecting students
• Significant familiarity with education policy in California, particularly on issues of education equity, with special expertise in issues related to postsecondary access and success such as strengthening pathways to and through postsecondary education, dual enrollment pathways, and A-G access
• Demonstrated experience developing bill or policy recommendations based on data and research

COMPENSATION

This position falls in Level C of our salary structure for our California office, which has a hiring range of $77,660 to $97,070. Offers will be commensurate with skills, experience, and internal equity.  

EdTrust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% matching opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan. 

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To apply: Please submit an updated resume and cover letter to ADP by the deadline of July 15, 2025.