The Education Trust (EdTrust) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Policy Analyst to join its Higher Education Policy team. This full-time position is based in Washington, DC, and plays a central role in advancing EdTrust’s mission to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately impact students of color and those from low-income backgrounds.
About the Organization
EdTrust is a nationally recognized nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to dismantling racial and economic barriers embedded within the U.S. education system. The organization works to ensure all students—particularly those historically underserved—have access to high-quality education from early childhood through postsecondary attainment. Through research, policy development, advocacy, and coalition-building, EdTrust drives systemic change that improves educational outcomes.
The Opportunity
The Senior Analyst serves as a lead content expert on postsecondary education and workforce policy, contributing to research and analysis that informs EdTrust’s state and federal policy agendas. This individual will focus on policies aimed at increasing college access, affordability, completion, and the overall value of higher education, especially for students facing systemic barriers.
This is a dynamic role suited for an experienced professional with a deep understanding of equity-driven postsecondary policy. The Senior Analyst will manage projects with minimal oversight, collaborate across internal teams, and represent EdTrust with external stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, and peer organizations.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Analyst will:
- Conduct policy research, including both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and produce literature or legislative reviews focused on addressing disparities in higher education.
- Lead multiple projects that identify and promote effective postsecondary policies, with a focus on equity and improved student outcomes.
- Produce policy briefs, reports, blogs, model legislation, and other resources that communicate EdTrust’s policy positions to key audiences, including decision-makers, the media, and advocates.
- Represent EdTrust in external meetings, building strategic relationships with stakeholders to advance policy goals.
- Support fundraising and grant reporting through internal collaboration with development and communications teams.
- Provide rapid-response support for data and policy inquiries from internal staff, the media, or policymakers.
- Serve as a spokesperson to communicate EdTrust’s work and amplify its mission in public forums.
Ideal Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to EdTrust’s mission of advancing educational equity, particularly racial equity.
- A minimum of four years of experience in higher education policy research or analysis at the federal or state level.
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as public policy, education, economics, sociology, or applied statistics. An advanced degree is a plus.
- Expertise in topics such as college affordability, completion, workforce outcomes, and student success, with a strong grasp of federal and state higher education legislation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience translating complex research into accessible formats for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
- Familiarity with policy issues such as data transparency, accreditation, and accountability in higher education is preferred.
Organizational Values
The successful candidate will reflect EdTrust’s core values:
- Excellence for Impact – Consistently delivers high-quality work that advances strategic goals.
- Racial Equity – Demonstrates a deep understanding of structural racism and a commitment to anti-racist practices.
- Courage – Willing to take principled stands that challenge the status quo.
- Integrity – Acts with honesty, consistency, and accountability.
- Collaboration – Builds strong partnerships and promotes teamwork.
Compensation and Benefits
This role falls within Level C of EdTrust’s compensation structure, with a salary range of $69,336 to $86,670 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
EdTrust offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
- Generous contributions toward family coverage
- Paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and federal holidays
- Paid summer and winter office closures
- A 7% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Application Process
Qualified candidates should submit an updated resume and respond to short-answer application questions through the ADP system. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For further details and to apply please visit here.
EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
