EdTrust - Senior Analyst, P-12 Policy

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

EdTrust–Tennessee seeks a Senior Analyst, P-12 Policy. The Senior Analyst will join a staff committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.  

The Senior Analyst for P-12 Policy serves as a primary content expert on Pre-K-12 education policy in Tennessee, contributing to the development of policy priorities at the state level to advance educational equity. This role conducts policy and research analysis and produces memos, briefs, blogs, data visualizations, and other resources to inform and advance our policy positions and influence legislation. The Senior 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, partners, students, and policymakers outside EdTrust-Tennessee.

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive. The EdTrust-Tennessee team has a strong track record of developing policy expertise and resources in P-12 education, focusing on key issues such as educator diversity, resource equity, school funding, school vouchers, and access to education data.

This role, available immediately, is based in our Nashville, Tennessee office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week per our current policy. The Senior Analyst reports to the Assistant Director of P-16 Policy and Research, and may supervise interns, fellows, or consultants.  

ABOUT THE SENIOR ANALYST ROLE

The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and conduct data analysis (may include quantitative and/or qualitative), policy analysis, and literature reviews related to trends in remedying disparities in opportunity to learn and improving student outcomes
• Collaborate with Assistant Directors of Policy and Research and Government Relations to identify and advance P-12 policy priorities and facilitate the development of organizational expertise in key policy issue areas through development of internal resources and learning opportunities for the EdTrust-Tennessee team, advocates, legislators, and others
• Produce reports, briefs, blogs, data tools, and other resources to further inform policymakers, educators, journalists, and other public audiences of EdTrust-Tennessee’s agenda
• Elevate EdTrust-Tennessee’s policy priorities by developing key relationships and representing the organization in external meetings with external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
• Manage and implement multiple projects that advance promising policies for advancing educational equity and which may require relationship management with consultants, contractors, and partners
• Serve as a spokesperson for EdTrust-Tennessee by sharing and elevating analyses and policy recommendations publicly with various audiences--including the media, advocates, and policymakers -- that inform and align with EdTrust-Tennessee’s policy priorities of eliminating educational disparities and enhancing student outcomes
• Convene and facilitate advisory groups that inform EdTrust-Tennessee’s strategic actions and research products, including topical advisory groups that include student members.
• Collaborate internally across EdTrust-Tennessee to support fundraising, grants management, and strategic communications
• Respond to rapid response inquiries about policy and/or data analyses from staff, as well as work with the team to respond to policymakers, advocates, the media, and the public
• Supervise policy fellows (budget-permitting) and provide them with feedback on their work

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with focus on racial equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment driven by EdTrust’s core organizational values: Excellence for Impact; Racial Equity; Courage; Integrity; and Collaboration
• A deep understanding of the key federal and state policy issues that affect low-income students and students of color in P-12 education
• Strong project management (including time management) skills, with the ability to manage work across multiple stakeholders and meet project milestones / deadlines
• Excellent analytic and communication skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrated capacity to set priorities; work on multiple detail-oriented tasks, often on a time-sensitive basis; and work effectively both individually and as part of a team
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to initiate, nurture, and grow relationships with a range of diverse stakeholders, including policy makers, researchers, students, partners, and funders
• Problem-solving ability and continuous learner
• Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback

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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 analyzing policy and developing policy recommendations in education or a related field, preferably on topics of equity
• Significant knowledge of education policy in Tennessee, particularly on issues of education equity
• Demonstrated experience developing policy recommendations based in data and research

COMPENSATION

Salary Range:$69,336.00 To $86,670.00 Annually

This position falls in Level C of our salary structure. New hire offers are rarely offered at the top of this range and are 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 spouses, domestic partners, and 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% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.  

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds

To apply: Please provide an updated resume and answer the short answer questions in the application.

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