Senior Policy Analyst

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contribution

Vacation & holidays

Health insurance

Dental & vision

Professional development

Disability insurance

Job summary

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

You will manage projects and grants, produce policy reports and presentations, and work with SHEEO member agencies and national partners to advance effective policy and

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in higher education, public policy, or related field (or Master’s with significant experience).
• Minimum five years in a comparable role.
• Experience managing multi-state initiatives and grants.
• Ability to translate analysis into policy products (briefs, presentations, tools).
• Knowledge of state policy in higher education areas (attainment, student success, data systems).
• Strong analytical and communication skills; attention to detail.
• Experience with state agencies or policy organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and grants from planning through execution, ensuring milestones and deadlines.
• Provide technical assistance to SHEEO members, guiding policy development and implementation best practices.
• Develop briefs, reports, presentations, and tools translating analysis into actionable insights for state leaders.
• Conduct analysis and research on state higher education data and policy to inform projects and priorities.
• Represent SHEEO at meetings and 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 to inform SHEEO priorities.

Skills

Policy analysis

Project management

Technical assistance

Written briefs

Stakeholder engagement

Data interpretation

Education

PhD/EdD in higher education or public policy

Master’s degree with relevant experience

Job description

Location

Either Washington, D.C., or Boulder, CO (hybrid model), or fully remote for candidates living outside those areas

About the Organization

The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) serves the chief executives of statewide governing, policy, and coordinating boards of postsecondary education and their staffs. Founded in 1954, SHEEO promotes an environment that values higher education and its role in ensuring the equitable education of all Americans, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic factors. Together with its members, SHEEO aims to achieve this vision by equipping state higher education executive officers and their staffs with the tools to effectively advance the value of higher education, promoting public policies and academic practices that enable all Americans to achieve success in the 21st century, and serving as an advocate for state higher education leadership.

SHEEO is particularly interested in providing equal employment opportunities. Read more about SHEEO on our website: https://sheeo.org

About the Position

SHEEO is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to lead projects and provide technical assistance to states on key higher education policy priorities. This role focuses on translating 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 work closely with SHEEO member agencies and national partners to advance effective higher education policy and improve student outcomes.

This role combines project management, technical assistance, and policy analysis across a range of issue areas that may include college attainment, student success, data systems, workforce development, and higher education finance. The Senior Policy Analyst will coordinate multi‑state initiatives; develop briefs, tools, and presentations; facilitate peer learning and convenings; collaborate with partners; and contribute to member support activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in higher education, public policy, or a related field; a master’s degree with significant relevant experience 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, including 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, including briefs, presentations, or tools for policymakers and practitioners.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state policy in areas such as educational attainment, student success, state data systems, workforce alignment, or postsecondary finance.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills, with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Experience working with state agencies, higher education systems, national policy organizations, or philanthropic partners is strongly preferred.

Travel

With offices in two locations and members across the nation, the Senior Policy Analyst will travel periodically to events and meetings.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience, with an anticipated range of $85,000–$95,000.

SHEEO is committed to supporting the physical, emotional, and financial well‑being of our staff and their families. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• A 10% contribution to employees' retirement plans.
• 22 days of annual vacation, 11 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and office closure from December 25 through January 1.
• Subsidized health insurance (SHEEO covers 85% of plan premiums).
• Dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and disability insurance plans.
• Professional development support, including funding for conferences, meetings, and short-term courses aligned with employees' responsibilities.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of October 2, 2026.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; SHEEO is unable to sponsor work authorization.

Finalists will be asked to provide three to five professional references. SHEEO will not contact references without the candidate’s prior permission.

SHEEO is committed to providing equal employment opportunities.