1
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT POSITION:
Policy Analyst, Education Policy Project
LOCATION:
Washington, DC
CONTACT:
Darcy Eischens
OPEN:
April 4, 2014
CLOSING:
Until filled
SALARY:
Commensurate with experience
SUMMARY
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR)
—
the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States
—
works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas
—
assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families. Founded in 1968, NCLR is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Washington, DC, serving all Hispanic subgroups in all regions of the country. It has state and regional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and San Antonio.
BACKGROUND
NCLR is seeking a Policy Analyst to join its Education Policy Project, which aims to increase the school readiness and achievement of Latino students through policy and program solutions. Housed in the Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation (ORAL)
, NCLR’s highly respected
policy analysis and civic engagement division, the Education Policy Project has a track record of policy change, advancing work at all phases of the policy process including development, legislative debate, and regulatory action. As a leading advocate on education policy encompassing the perspectives of Latinos and English language learners, NCLR has led or worked in coalition with organizations on legislation such as the reauthorization of Head Start and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), among others.
2 The Policy Analyst is based in
NCLR’s
Washington, DC, office and will be engaged in work spanning the education pipeline, examining critical issues in early childhood, K
–
12, and higher education, including but not limited to analysis of the ESEA waivers, preparing for the eventual reauthorization of ESEA and the Higher Education Act (HEA), implementation of college and career-ready standards, and teacher preparation and effectiveness. The Policy Analyst will build a comprehensive understanding of P
–
20 education issues and serve as an expert on assigned education policy areas. The Policy Analyst will monitor proposals pending before Congress, analyze their impact, provide feedback, and propose alternative policy options that will benefit the Latino and English language learner communities. The position will report to the Associate Director
of the Education Policy Project and work closely with colleagues in NCLR’s Educat
ion programs component.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitor federal, state, and local P
–
20 education policies, respond to time-sensitive requests, and deploy specialized knowledge in key education reform areas that impact the Latino and English language learner communities.
Prepare data and policy analysis for internal use and p
rovide technical assistance to NCLR’s
civic engagement team for advocacy and campaign efforts.
Develop and write reports, briefs, concept papers, PowerPoint presentations, memos, and other content to disseminate research and policy analysis to key policy and institutional audiences.
Support original and secondary research and analysis to identify and disseminate relevant and reliable information on Latino education for policymaker audiences.
Carry out communications activities to build support for NCLR education priorities and attend meetings to provide regular, timely updates to organizational networks and partners.
Organize and execute policy forums, roundtables, and events to inform and elevate
NCLR’s
education policy work.
Provide support to NCLR leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree plus
2
–
4 years of experience or a master
’
s degree required
Demonstrated understanding of current education reform issues and their impact on the Latino and English language learner communities
Knowledge of federal and state education policies
Demonstrated ability to analyze, synthesize, communicate, and mobilize around complex education policy issues
Exemplary written skills and evidence of ability to present complex information clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences
Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills and experience, including conducting legislative/policy analysis, environmental scans, literature reviews, data analysis, field documentation, and rapid response
Outstanding project management and public speaking skills