Research Associate

 About TICAS

The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) is a national nonprofit based in Oakland, CA, and Washington, DC. We are a trusted source of research, design, and advocacy for student-centered public policies that promote affordability, accountability, and racial equity in higher education. Our staff combines expertise in research and data, laws and regulations, change management, and the policymaking process.  

We nurture close relationships with policymakers, providing specific recommendations and help them navigate legal, budgetary, and political hurdles. We build momentum for new policies by building diverse coalitions of advocates and constituents and by driving media coverage. We pride ourselves on the impact of our work and are known for our reliable research, carefully designed policy recommendations, and partnerships with policymakers and advocates. For more information, please visit the website: www.ticas.org 

TICAS operates as a hybrid office; all staff have the option to work remotely on a full-time basis, and there are no expectations for regularly scheduled in-person work at an office location. Travel to TICAS retreats or team meetings will be required a few times a year.   

Job purpose 

TICAS is seeking a Research Associate to play a key role on our research team. The research team, led by TICAS’ Director of Research, leads our analytical work to make original contributions to the national debate over higher education policy and to shape and advance student-centered policies, nationally and in California, Michigan, and New York. The Research Associate will conduct research and perform data analysis on issues related to college access, affordability, accountability, and student success, with the goal of informing federal and state policy. 

We are looking for a team player with a commitment to promoting equity in higher education, strong quantitative analysis skills, experience with postsecondary datasets, an impeccable attention to detail, and an ability to communicate research findings clearly. 

Key duties and responsibilities 

• Conduct quantitative analyses in response to systemic and emerging trends in college access and completion, affordability, accountability, and student basic needs. 
• Distill and transform analyses into publishable products, using tables, charts, and other data visualization techniques. 
• Ensure data quality and accuracy in advocacy, policy, and research materials across the organization. 
• Maintain current knowledge of higher education issues, data sources, and web tools. 
• Engage with policymakers, coalition partners, and other stakeholders to highlight research findings. 

Skills and Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in higher education, public policy, statistics, or related field, plus a minimum of 6 months related professional experience. 
• Ability to manipulate, probe, and clean datasets to conceptualize and execute research projects. This includes mastery of relevant software, such as Microsoft Excel and Stata. 
• Familiarity with higher education policy focus areas, including college access and completion, affordability, accountability, and student basic needs. 
• Experience using and analyzing postsecondary datasets (e.g., IPEDS, College Scorecard, NPSAS, BPS, etc.). 
• Clear verbal and written communication skills; able to share ideas in a succinct and convincing manner with non-academic audiences and build clear arguments rooted in equity. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and appropriately prioritize both short- and long-term projects. 
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement. 
• Keen ability to listen, build productive and positive relationships, and partner with diverse employees and TICAS stakeholders.  
• Familiarity with data visualization software (e.g., Tableau) preferred. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

TICAS is committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. TICAS fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, culture, and experience. 

TICAS strongly encourages applicants from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Comprehensive health plan, plus dental and vision coverage (100% paid for employee coverage, plus an additional 50-75% TICAS contribution for all other dependents depending on plan)   
• FSA and Dependent Care  
• Remote and hybrid work flexibility  
• 44-50 days of annual paid time off based on tenure, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave  
• 40 days of paid parental leave for new parents  
• Retirement plans with employer contributions   
• Professional Development opportunities, including memberships  
• Summer Fridays  
• Employee assistance plan  

 Application Process: Candidates should submit a brief cover letter (no more than one page) and resume  

In your cover letter (no more than one page), please include: 

• Why you are passionate about TICAS’ mission 
• How you believe you are the right fit for this position