The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to building a more equitable and just society through higher education. We push for systemic change in higher education to advance equitable outcomes and generational impact for communities historically marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity or income. We achieve this change through research, advocacy, policy development, and field engagement.

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ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP seeks a Director of Research and Policy to co-lead IHEP’s policy research portfolio, particularly research related to data collection, data use, and quantitative analysis. Reporting to the Vice President of Research and Policy, the Director will oversee IHEP’s quantitative research projects and help inform the strategic direction of IHEP’s research and policy agenda.

IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and operates fully remotely on a day-to-day basis; however, we come together, in-person in D.C., once a quarter to connect, build cohesion, and bond as a full staff. We welcome remote applicants for this position with the understanding that this role will require in-person attendance at meetings in the D.C. area and additional travel outside the D.C. area.

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Salary Range

$100,000 - $130,000

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead IHEP’s quantitative research portfolio, which includes research projects and policy advocacy at the federal, state, and institutional level.
• Conceptualize, design, and manage quantitative research projects to advance IHEP’s research and policy agenda. This includes working closely with research analysts and other members of the research and communications / government affairs teams to oversee research and develop briefs, reports, and other public content. These projects include data analyses, literature and policy scans, convenings, and partner engagement.
• Identify, curate, and share concrete lessons learned from research and policy analysis to inform IHEP’s policy positioning and policy development, as well as inform the strategic direction of IHEP’s research and policy agenda.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for IHEP and serve as a key ambassador for IHEP in relevant coalitions.
• Stay abreast of rapidly evolving postsecondary education issues among federal and state policymakers, within higher education policy and research communities, and in the media.
• Support the Vice President and collaborate with IHEP’s other Director of Research and Policy to direct IHEP’s overall research portfolio, including allocation of personnel and other resources, and oversight of budgets, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Supervise research analyst(s) and develop their capacity to engage in effective policy research, and project and budget management.
• As part of the Management Team (MT) and in partnership with organizational leadership, conceptualize, design, and develop proposals; secure funding; and complete new projects to advance IHEP’s research and policy agenda.
• Collaborate closely with other MT members on the Research Team to ensure streamlined operations, build morale, maintain communications across projects, and encourage an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Foster and maintain IHEP’s relationships with partnering organizations, funders, and other researchers.
• Publicly advance IHEP’s research and policy agenda through public speaking engagements.
• Other duties, as requested.

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QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES, and SKILLS:

IHEP seeks a candidate who is passionate about higher education as a vehicle for social mobility and racial justice; committed to data, rigor, and evidence-driven reform; and knowledgeable about higher education policy and research. An ideal candidate will have at least eight years of work experience building and proving a combination of the following qualifications, experiences, and skills:

• Strong experience with quantitative research, including familiarity with higher education data sources and proficiency with data tools such as Stata and Excel.
• Experience with policy mechanisms and advocacy strategies at the federal, state, and/or institutional level, as well as experience connecting research with policy goals and recommendations.
• Strong analytic, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing a diverse team of people in ways that both contribute to the larger organizational good and promote each individual’s professional growth.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and remain flexible and adaptable, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills, especially for describing data-rich subject matter in clear and concise ways.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through and push projects to completion amidst competing responsibilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and maintaining a healthy, respectful, and inclusive organizational culture that prioritizes diversity and equity.
• Knowledge of and passion for issues related to racial and socioeconomic equity and postsecondary data and transparency.
• Self-motivated and eager contributor to a team who shares in the accolades of successes.
• Desire to continuously grow and learn.