Senior Policy Analyst

The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) serves state higher education executive officers and advances effective public policies and practices in postsecondary education. The Senior Policy Analyst will lead projects and grants, provide technical assistance to states, conduct policy and data analysis, and create reports, presentations, and tools to support state higher education decision-making and improve student outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Manage projects and grants, from planning through execution, ensuring milestones are achieved and deadlines are met
• Provide technical assistance to SHEEO members, offering practical guidance on policy development and best practices for implementation
• Develop briefs, reports, presentations, and tools that translate analysis and research into actionable insights for state higher education leaders
• Conduct analysis and research on state higher education data and policy to inform projects, technical assistance, and organizational priorities
• Represent SHEEO at state, regional, and national meetings and events, and contribute to planning, agenda development, and execution of convenings
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with SHEEO member agencies and partner organizations
• Identify opportunities for new projects and funding partnerships
• Monitor trends in public higher education and contribute to SHEEO’s strategic priorities

Requirements:

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in higher education, public policy, or a related field; a master's degree with significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a doctoral degree
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable role
• Experience managing projects or multi-state initiatives, including coordinating timelines, stakeholders, deliverables, and convenings
• Experience providing technical assistance or direct support to states, institutions, or partner organizations
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, usable products, including briefs, presentations, or tools for policymakers and practitioners
• Demonstrated knowledge of state policy in areas such as educational attainment, student success, state data systems, workforce alignment, or postsecondary finance
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and attention to detail
• With offices in two locations and members across the nation, the Senior Policy Analyst will travel periodically to events and meetings
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; SHEEO is unable to sponsor work authorization
• Experience working with state agencies, higher education systems, national policy organizations, or philanthropic partners is strongly preferred