Policy & Research Analyst (Or Senior Analyst)

Organization

California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy is a nonpartisan policy and research organization focused on identifying solutions to the state’s most critical challenges at the intersection of higher education, equity, and the economy. Established in 2011, our mission is to help transform the state’s higher education system into an engine of economic opportunity that empowers all Californians, particularly those from underserved communities, to achieve their full potential.

California Competes benefits from the expertise of our highly respected, bipartisan Board of Directors, which comprises current and former public officials, business executives, and community leaders from across the state. Our diverse staff brings decades of experience in higher education and public policy.

We work statewide and travel across the country to research and advocate for a higher education system that provides opportunities for all Californians. For more information, please visit californiacompetes.org.

Position

Reporting to the Policy Director, the Policy & Research Analyst is responsible for supporting our policy agenda and assisting with research activities. Specific duties include:

POLICY

• Support the Policy Director’s implementation of the organization’s policy agenda, including executing actionable steps to advance the organization’s policy priorities
• As requested, assist the Policy Director’s engagement and ability to field requests from policymakers’ staff to provide technical assistance and serve as a resource
• Draft letters of support and attend policy coalition meetings
• Help prepare and, as needed, deliver testimony at legislative and other governing entities’ hearings
• Track legislation and analyze bills, budget proposals, and other policy proposals
• Work with the Policy Director on the planning, organization, and implementation of policy advocacy events, including the California Higher Education Policy Institutes that engage legislators and their staff on key higher education policy topics
• Assist with the development of policy recommendations based on the team’s research and analysis
• Draft summaries of policy activity and projects for the board of directors, funders, coalitions we lead, and other stakeholders

RESEARCH

• Assist with and independently conduct research analysis, including: Compiling background research, identifying and analyzing literature and primary source documents, and pulling and formatting citations
• Assist with interviews and focus groups
• Pull, clean, and analyze quantitative data
• Provide research meeting and event support, including logistics planning and scheduling, drafting agendas, preparing materials and PowerPoint slides, taking notes, and managing follow-up
• Support the crafting of clear, influential, written publications, such as reports, briefs, and blogs
• Assist in the planning and execution of webinars and other events related to research publications

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented self-starter who can handle several activities simultaneously. The successful candidate will demonstrate curiosity by asking questions and taking initiative around policy and research responsibilities. This candidate will feel comfortable working in an organization with high standards that centers equity, is fast-paced, and often has rapid-response requests.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience
• Outstanding analytical and writing skills
• Training and/or experience conducting research, such as qualitative interviews and focus groups, statistical analysis
• Passion for advancing equity and improving life outcomes for marginalized Californians
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills
• Keen attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy and rigor to the highest standards
• Creative and strategic thinker
• Recognizes ways that race and ethnicity, gender, and other identities intersect in postsecondary access and success
• Understands the historical context for racial inequity and its present-day implications, and is driven to make creative and concrete changes through advancing systemic change through strategic communications
• Growth mindset and commitment to demonstrating results and gathering feedback to inform experimentation, iteration, and improvement
• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to anticipate needs, prioritize, and juggle multiple projects at once
• Proficient in Google Docs and Sheets, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of California’s workforce and higher education systems
• Interest in California’s policy landscape and higher education system
• Interest in state politics and intergovernmental issues
• Interest in analyzing legislation, including budget proposals
• Interest in the interplay between policy-making and implementation

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

We are willing to consider a candidate for a senior analyst position with the following additional qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience
• Master’s degree in education, public policy, or related field (preferred)
• Knowledge of California’s workforce and/or higher education systems
• Ability to independently manage multiple work streams and projects
• Training and/or experience in public policy and/or administration
• Experience in California public policy and/or higher education

If you’re interested in the Senior Policy and Research Analyst role, please let us know, and we will provide the full job description.

Compensation

Policy and Research Analyst

• Hiring salary range: $70,000-$85,000, depending on experience
• Medical and dental benefits; voluntary 403(b) plan and vision benefits
• Non-exempt, full-time position

Senior Policy and Research Analyst

• Hiring salary range: $80,000-$90,000, depending on experience
• Medical and dental benefits; voluntary 403(b) plan and vision benefits
• Exempt, full-time position

Application Process

To apply, please fill out the application using BambooHR and include a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Review of applications begins March 6, 2025. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact hiring@californiacompetes.org.