Senior State Higher-Ed Policy & Research Lead

American Association of University Professors; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) seeks a Senior State Policy Analyst to lead state higher education policy monitoring, reporting, and strategy from our Washington, DC office, hybrid work basis. Reporting to the Political Director, you will craft flagship state policy reports and regular public opinion briefs for national and state stakeholders.

The role requires deep policy expertise, superb communication, and the ability to build trust across campus chapters, state

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in state higher education policy analysis, state government relations, legislative research, or policy advocacy.
• Strong familiarity with the labor movement; direct experience with AAUP/AFT/AFL-CIO preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, political tact, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven track record in publishing major policy reports, public opinion analyses, or survey research publications.
• Knowledge of survey research interpretation and legislative data synthesis.
• Commitment to the principles of academic freedom, faculty tenure, shared governance, and collective bargaining.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Education credentials as listed: Master’s or Ph.D. in relevant fields; Bachelor’s degree required.

Responsibilities

• Policy research and reporting including Annual State Policy Trends Report.
• Author regular Public Opinion Reports synthesizing national and state survey data, public trust metrics, and attitudes toward academic freedom and funding.
• Data synthesis and macro-trend analysis across states to identify national patterns and messaging opportunities.
• Dissemination and public engagement: present findings to AAUP leadership, AFT state federations, legislative caucuses, media, and partners.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Report publishing

Data & survey literacy

Communication skills

Policy strategy

Education

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Education Policy/Public Policy/Political Science

Bachelor’s degree required

Experience in social research/statistics

Job description

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) seeks a Senior State Policy Analyst to lead state higher education policy monitoring, reporting, and strategy from our Washington, DC office, hybrid work basis. Reporting to the Political Director, you will craft flagship state policy reports and regular public opinion briefs for national and state stakeholders.

The role requires deep policy expertise, superb communication, and the ability to build trust across campus chapters, state