Policy Analyst (K-12 Education)

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps Governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s Government Relations group assists in ensuring the voice of Governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with Governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.

Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POLICY ANALYST (K-12 EDUCATION)

The Center for Best Practices Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors and other state executive branch leaders on a range of K-12 education policy issues, including addressing students’ academic needs and well-being, strengthening the educator workforce, and improving state education governance and finance systems. This position will report to the Program Director overseeing K-12 Education. The team member will be expected to be full-time in Washington, DC.

Other important responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include:

• Organize and facilitate state learning opportunities including virtual, in-person, and hybrid events such as workshops, seminars, meetings, and presentations;
• Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other events for Governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on state program and policy issues;
• Provide state technical assistance for multiple program and policy issues;
• Provide ‘best practice’ information and consultative support to Governors and their senior advisors in response to requests for assistance;
• Develop blog posts, white papers, issue briefs, presentations, and memos on policy issues and best practices of relevance to Governors and senior state policymakers;
• Build and maintain relationships with high-level policymakers and key stakeholders;
• Be committed to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors;
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Deputy Director or Director, Center for Best Practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree preferably in public policy or related field. One to three years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the K-12 education policy portfolio, including substantive knowledge and experience working on a wide range of state policy approaches to addressing K-12 education. Ideal candidates will have general knowledge of K-12 education policy issues that may include addressing students’ academic needs and well-being; strengthening the educator workforce; and improving state education governance and finance systems.

Knowledge and expertise could include helping Governors, their staff and their executive branch appointees design and implement evidence-based policies focused on achieving specific outcomes. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or in non-profit organizations is preferred. Candidates with commensurate lived experience will also be considered.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Have foundational content knowledge in federal and state policy in the issue area;
• Support multiple technical assistance projects;
• Manage competing project deadlines and responsibilities;
• Execute written communication and synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
• Work independently, set priorities and problem-solve multiple issues at the same time;
• Support and organize events with the support of the Events team;
• Support multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
• Have strong customer-service orientation and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers;
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner;
• Communicate effectively in verbal forms, with emphasis on ability to communicate with policy-making audiences;
• Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues;
• Travel, as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed. Please include:

• Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
• A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company)

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000 annually. The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the lowest to the highest salary for this position. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s Governors daily, and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, to include healthcare and more, designed to support the needs of NGA employees.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.