Policy Analyst (K-12 Education)

at  National Governors Association

TITLE: Policy Analyst (K-12 Education)
ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association
LOCATION: Washington, DC (onsite)
DURATION: Full Time
POSITION STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate
REPORTS TO: Program Director (K-12 Education)

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public policy, education policy, or a related field. One to three years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the K-12 education portfolio, including substantive knowledge and experience working on issues related to teacher and principal recruitment and retention; student mental health and well-being; academic supports, including literacy, math, and chronic absenteeism; standards, assessments, and accountability; and governance and school finance.
Knowledge and expertise could include helping Governors, their staff and their executive branch appointees design and implement evidence-based policies focused on achieving specific outcomes. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or in non-profit organizations is preferred. Candidates with commensurate lived experience will also be considered.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Have foundational content knowledge in federal and state policy in the issue area;
• Support multiple technical assistance projects;
• Manage competing project deadlines and responsibilities
• Execute written communication and synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
• Work independently, set priorities and problem-solve multiple issues at the same time;
• Support and organize events with the support of the Events team;
• Support multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
• Have strong customer-service orientation and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers;
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner;
• Communicate effectively in verbal forms, with emphasis on ability to communicate with policy-making audiences;
• Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues;
• Have knowledge and understanding of MS Office suite; and
• Travel, as necessary.

The Center for Best Practices Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors and other state executive branch leaders on a range of issues related to K-12 education, including teacher and principal recruitment and retention; student mental health and well-being; academic supports; governance and school finance; and standards, assessments, and accountability. This position will report to the Program Director overseeing K-12 education policy issues. This member of the team will be expected to be full-time in Washington, DC.

• Other important responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include:
• Organize and facilitate state learning opportunities, including virtual, in-person, and hybrid events such as workshops, seminars, meetings, and presentations;
• Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other events for Governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on state program and policy issues;
• Provide state technical assistance for multiple program and policy issues;
• Provide ‘best practice’ information and consultative support to Governors and their senior advisors in response to requests for assistance;
• Develop blog posts, white papers, issue briefs, presentations, and memos on policy issues and best practices of relevance to Governors and senior state policymakers;
• Build and maintain relationships with high-level policymakers and key stakeholders;
• Be committed to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors;
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Deputy Director or Director, Center for Best Practices.