Senior Policy Analyst, Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways

Bipartisan Policy Center; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for

Retirement savings: 403(b) employer +

Job summary

The Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, DC is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to lead research on workforce and postsecondary pathways, with emphasis on education policy and labor market alignment.

The role demands strong quantitative skills, experience with higher education policy, and the ability to translate complex data into bipartisan policy recommendations. The position offers a hybrid schedule with a DC office and remote work options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five or more years of relevant experience in higher education, workforce, or social policy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the traditional postsecondary landscape, including two- and four-year institutions and federal student aid.
• Strong quantitative and research skills to inform policy recommendations.
• Experience analyzing federal or state legislation, regulations, or program funding and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and analysis on workforce and postsecondary pathways policy, spanning traditional higher education issues and emerging models.
• Educate policymakers and stakeholders on labor market conditions, in-demand skills, and gaps between education and employer needs.
• Draft reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, explainers, articles, and memos for policymakers and external audiences.
• Identify and analyze innovative approaches that align postsecondary programs to demand and improve service to students.
• Analyze credential-related outcomes data to assess value and develop talking points for Hill and media audiences.
• Build and maintain relationships with congressional staff, officials, institutions, and employers.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Policy communication

Project management

Collaboration across teams

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

5+ years in higher education, workforce, or social policy

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Datawrapper

Job description

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Senior Policy Analyst, Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways

Human Capital Full Time Professional Washington, DC, US

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a Washington, DC-based think tank that brings together leaders from across the political spectrum to develop and advance practical, bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing Americans. Through policy development and advocacy, BPC and its advocacy affiliate, BPC Action, work to turn ideas into meaningful results in Washington and beyond.

Our work spans some of the nation’s most consequential domestic policy issues, with a focus on lowering the everyday cost of living for families, expanding opportunity, strengthening the American economy, and improving the effectiveness of government.

Shape the future of education and workforce policy. Build pathways to opportunity.

BPC seeks a dynamic Senior Policy Analyst to support its Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways portfolio within the Human Capital Program. The Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways team educates policymakers and other leaders about labor market conditions, develops bipartisan strategies that put the needs of people and employers first, and helps navigate people to opportunity. With an emphasis on postsecondary education, the team works to build pathways that align to employer demand, recognize the skills people already have and the gaps they need to close, and match learners to good jobs. Central to this work is a healthy learning ecosystem in which colleges, universities, and training providers push the envelope on how best to serve their customer: the student. We work closely with diverse stakeholders, including federal, state, and local policymakers, institutions of higher education, employers, workforce boards, philanthropic partners, and other strategic allies, to advance our research and analysis nationwide. To drive this work, the team leverages three levers of change: research, including data-driven analysis of labor market and postsecondary outcomes; convening, bringing together policymakers, institutions, employers, and other stakeholders to develop shared solutions; and education, equipping lawmakers and other leaders with the context, technical assistance, and on-the-ground insight they need to act.

This Senior Policy Analyst role will primarily support the building out and development of the team’s workforce and postsecondary pathways work, with a particular emphasis on postsecondary education, while also supporting projects across the broader Human Capital portfolio as needed. The ideal candidate understands the traditional postsecondary system, including two- and four-year institutions, federal student aid, accreditation, and state higher education governance, and is equally invested in how that system must evolve to meet the needs of today's learners and employers. They will bring a clear grasp of emerging and nontraditional models, such as short-term and stackable credentials, competency-based education, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships, and a focus on connecting education to good jobs and economic mobility. The individual will also bring strong quantitative and analytical skills and the judgment and communication skills needed to translate complex data into clear, actionable, bipartisan policy recommendations. This person will work closely with the director and team members, managing projects, and communicating and coordinating with the broader Human Capital team and shared service teams, especially our Communications team and BPC Action.

Responsibilities:

• Lead research and analysis on workforce and postsecondary pathways policy, spanning traditional higher education issues such as student aid, affordability, and completion, as well as emerging models that link education and training to the labor market
• Help educate policymakers and other stakeholders on labor market conditions, in-demand skills, and gaps between what education and training programs deliver and what employers need
• Draft reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, explainers, articles, and memos for policymakers and other external audiences
• Identify and analyze innovative state, institutional, and employer-led approaches that align postsecondary programs to demand, recognize prior learning and existing skills, and improve how institutions serve students, including drafting and coordination with state officials, institutions, employers, and partners
• Analyze postsecondary access, completion, and employment and earnings outcomes data to assess the value of credentials, and develop talking points and materials for Hill and media audiences
• Build and maintain relationships with congressional staff, executive branch officials, institutions of higher education, employers, workforce leaders, and philanthropic partners
• Help plan and execute meetings, roundtables, and convenings related to the Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways portfolio
• Work with the Workforce and Postsecondary Pathways director to support funder proposals, reports, and correspondence
• Track federal and state legislative and regulatory developments relevant to higher education, student aid, workforce development, and apprenticeship policy

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and five or more years of relevant experience in higher education, workforce, or social policy, or a relevant advanced degree and four or more years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of the traditional postsecondary education landscape, including two- and four-year institutions, federal student aid, and higher education policy
• Understanding of labor market needs, skills gaps, and how education and workforce systems collaborate to connect individuals with employment opportunities
• Strong quantitative and research skills, including experience analyzing and interpreting complex datasets to inform policy recommendations
• Experience analyzing federal or state legislation, regulations, or program funding and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research and policy issues into clear, accessible materials for diverse audiences
• Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver high-quality work.
• Collaborative approach to working with colleagues and stakeholders across teams and functional areas
• Authorization to work in the United States -- BPC does not sponsor employment visas

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Master's degree in public policy, education policy, economics, or a related field
• In-depth knowledge of federal higher education policy, including the Higher Education Act, accreditation, institutional accountability, and federal student aid programs
• Familiarity with emerging and nontraditional postsecondary education models, including short-term and stackable credentials, competency-based education, apprenticeships, work-based learning, career and technical education, and dual enrollment
• Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its relationship to workforce development and postsecondary education
• Experience working with large-scale education, workforce, or labor market datasets, such as IPEDS, College Scorecard, NPSAS, state longitudinal data systems, or job postings and skills data
• Experience working with employers, industry associations, workforce boards, higher education institutions, or training providers to align educational programs with labor market demand
• Experience using data visualization tools, such as Datawrapper, to communicate research findings and policy insights

What We Offer:

BPC offers a highly competitive salary and provides generous benefits.

Compensation

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000. BPC considers a variety of factors when making compensation decisions, including relevant experience, skills, education, training, knowledge, internal equity, and organizational and business needs.

Medical Benefits

BPC offers medical coverage through CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield with a choice of three plans, one of which is HSA eligible with an annual BPC contribution. All medical plans cover in-network preventive care at 100% and include prescription drugs. Dental and Vision coverage through MetLife includes no-cost options for you and your family.

Additional benefits include:

• Retirement Savings: 403(b) employer matching contributions of up to 7% of salary, plus an additional 2% non-elective employer contribution (both available after 90 days of employment)
• Generous Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays, and a paid end-of-year break
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually after one year of employment
• Professional Development: Up to $2,000 after six months of employment
• Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):Health care, dependent care, and parking
• Mental Health & Wellness Support: Access to Spring Health and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Working at BPC

BPC operates on a hybrid schedule. Staff work in our DC office Tuesday through Thursday and can work remotely or in the office on Mondays and Fridays.

More About BPC and BPC Action

Founded in 2007, the Bipartisan Policy Center and its advocacy affiliate, BPC Action, are unique in their approach to solving the nation’s most pressing issues. BPC brings together diverse perspectives from across the political spectrum to develop practical policy solutions, while BPC Action works directly with legislators and policymakers to help turn those solutions into results.

What sets BPC apart is our ability to operate at the intersection of policy development and political advocacy. We build consensus across the aisle and work with leaders from both parties to advance meaningful reforms.

Ideas

BPC brings together respected policy experts, former congressional and administration officials, private-sector leaders, current and former policymakers, and other experts to develop solutions to America’s most pressing challenges.

Action

Policy development is only the beginning. BPC Action advances bipartisan solutions by providing political and technical assistance, identifying and supporting legislative champions, and leveraging relationships with policymakers to help move ideas through Congress.

Results

In 2025, BPC and BPC Action helped support the introduction of more than 120 bills in the House and Senate and helped advance more than 40 bills beyond committee. We engaged with more than half of all congressional offices, expanding our reach across both parties.

BPC is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.