Remote Higher Ed Policy Lead

State-Higher-Education-Executive-Officers-Association-; Washington, Boulder (District of Columbia, CO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan contribution (10%)

Vacation and holidays

Subsidized health insurance

Professional development support

Job summary

State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to lead projects and provide technical assistance to states on higher education policy priorities. The role translates policy, data, and research into practical strategies for state decision-making and implementation.

The Senior Policy Analyst will manage projects and grants, produce policy reports and presentations, and collaborate with SHEEO member agencies and national partners to advance

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in higher education, public policy, or a related field; master’s 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, 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 for policymakers and practitioners.
• Strong knowledge of state policy in areas like attainment, student success, data systems, workforce alignment, or postsecondary finance.
• Experience working with state agencies, higher education systems, or philanthropic partners preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and grants from planning through execution, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met.
• Provide technical assistance to SHEEO members with guidance on policy development and implementation.
• Develop briefs, reports, presentations, and tools translating analysis into actionable insights for state leaders.
• Conduct analysis of state higher education data and policy to inform projects and priorities.
• Represent SHEEO at meetings and contribute to planning and execution of convenings.
• Build and sustain relationships with member agencies and partner organizations.
• Identify opportunities for new projects and funding partnerships.
• Monitor trends in public higher education and contribute to strategic priorities.

Skills

Project management

Policy analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Technical assistance

Policy translation

Education

Doctoral degree in higher education/public policy

Master’s degree with significant relevant experience

Job description

State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to lead projects and provide technical assistance to states on higher education policy priorities. The role translates policy, data, and research into practical strategies for state decision-making and implementation.

The Senior Policy Analyst will manage projects and grants, produce policy reports and presentations, and collaborate with SHEEO member agencies and national partners to advance