Remote Higher Education Policy Fellow (Graduate Student)

HCM STRATEGISTS, LLC; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

HCM Strategists is seeking the Fall/Winter 2026 Higher Education Policy Fellow for a fully remote, graduate-level research role. The fellowship supports a national 50-state study on education-to-workforce alignment, including data gathering, analysis, and stakeholder interview preparation.

The ideal candidate is enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate program (master’s or Ph.D.) in public policy, higher education, economics, or political science, with strong research skills and the

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a graduate program (master’s or Ph.D.) in public policy, higher education, economics, political science, or related field.
• Strong interest in higher education policy.
• Strong research and data analysis skills; ability to interpret and synthesize quantitative and qualitative information.
• Familiarity with deciphering legislative and budget documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to translate complex topics for different audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Must be based in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Gathering data and conducting research to support a national 50-state scan of education-to-workforce alignment.
• Performing data collection, analysis, and synthesis to support policy insights and recommendations.
• Supporting the research process by preparing for and documenting stakeholder interviews.
• Contributing to the development of client deliverables, including reports, memos, slide decks, and briefs.
• Attending and summarizing virtual interviews with key partners and stakeholders.
• Attending internal project meetings and client-facing calls.

Skills

Graduate enrollment

Higher education policy interest

Research and data analysis

Legislative and budget documents

Written and verbal communication

Task management

Based in United States

Education

Master's or PhD candidate/grad

Job description

HCM Strategists is seeking the Fall/Winter 2026 Higher Education Policy Fellow for a fully remote, graduate-level research role. The fellowship supports a national 50-state study on education-to-workforce alignment, including data gathering, analysis, and stakeholder interview preparation.

The ideal candidate is enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate program (master’s or Ph.D.) in public policy, higher education, economics, or political science, with strong research skills and the