Senior Higher Ed Policy Lead (Remote/Hybrid)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contribution

Vacation and holidays

Health insurance (85% premiums subsid)

Dental and vision

Flexible spending accounts

Life and disability insurance

Professional development support

Job summary

The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to lead projects, provide technical assistance to states, and translate policy, data, and research into practical strategies for state decision-makers. This role combines project management, outreach, and policy analysis across higher education issues to support member agencies.

Travel to events is expected; the position emphasizes collaboration with national partners to advance policies that improve

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in higher education, public policy, or a related field; a master's degree with significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable role.
• Experience managing projects or multi-state initiatives, coordinating timelines and stakeholders.
• Experience providing technical assistance to states, institutions, or partners.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear briefs, presentations, or tools for policymakers.
• Knowledge of state policy areas such as attainment, student success, data systems or finance.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Policy analysis

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Data interpretation

Communication

Education

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in higher education or public policy

Master's degree with significant relevant experience

Job description

The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to lead projects, provide technical assistance to states, and translate policy, data, and research into practical strategies for state decision-makers. This role combines project management, outreach, and policy analysis across higher education issues to support member agencies.

Travel to events is expected; the position emphasizes collaboration with national partners to advance policies that improve