The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the nation’s premier civil and human rights coalition, and The Leadership Conference Education Fund, the research and education arm of the civil and human rights coalition, seek applicants for a full-time position as a policy analyst. For more information about the organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

Description

The policy analyst will provide policy support for federal, state and local advocacy to achieve educational equity. The analyst will support advocacy around elementary and secondary education, higher education, and early childhood education including contributing to the development, passage and implementation of federal legislation, monitoring and analyzing state legislation, supporting state advocates’ policy advocacy, and pressing for robust enforcement of federal civil rights laws in schools. Current areas of work include implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act; college access and success; reducing exclusionary school discipline and eliminating racial disparities in school discipline; resource equity; and sustaining civil rights protections for students of color, students with disabilities, English learners, girls and young women, and LGBTQ youth.

The analyst will have the opportunity to work with national and local staff of leading civil rights and education advocacy organizations and will also share in the responsibility of representing the civil rights perspective on education policy matters in diverse settings from Washington, D.C., policy meetings to community-based information sessions and webinars. The analyst will also be an integral member of our vibrant, ambitious, passionate and dedicated internal education team and will collaborate with our communications and field staff to maximize our potential to advance educational equity. Some administrative responsibilities related to the education project are required and this job requires some travel.

Skills and Qualifications

The job requires a demonstrated commitment to civil and human rights for all persons in the United States; strong writing and public speaking skills; the ability to communicate complex policy ideas to diverse audiences; attention to detail and accuracy in communications; familiarity with the legislative process and federal education policy (including, e.g. the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Higher Education Act (HEA), school funding equity, or the Office for Civil Rights); demonstrated research ability using online sources; the ability to connect policy issues to core civil rights priorities; and experience tracking and analyzing federal or state legislation.

Successful candidates will be outgoing, assertive, flexible, collaborative and creative problem solvers who take initiative and enjoy contributing to robust policy and strategic discussions, are able to manage complex and changing workloads, and have demonstrated a commitment to educational equity.

Experience required: A minimum of three years’ experience in education advocacy, policy, or law; excellent research and writing skills; and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs are required. We also prefer candidates who have experience with legislation, as well as familiarity with federal education or other databases. Experience in schools or in community organizing are both highly valued.

Education required: Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in policy, education, or a related field a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research, track and analyze state legislation, federal legislation and federal regulations
• Respond to policy questions from national and state partners regarding both federal law and proposed state legislation
• Alongside education team members, present to state partners on federal policy issues and engage in state strategic conversations with the goal of empowering state partners to effectively advocate for educational equity
• Draft policy documents for broad and diverse audiences (including, e.g. summaries, letters, fact sheets, memos and talking points)
• Respond to quick research requests or other rapid response needs
• Contribute to strategic conversations in Washington, D.C., and in states based on knowledge of education policy, political dynamics and strategic considerations, and the civil rights community’s interests
• Publicly speak about the organization’s work and priorities in multiple settings
• Travel to convenings, meetings and conferences
• Provide administrative support for the education policy team
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Salary and Benefits

This is a mid-level position with a salary commensurate with experience and The Leadership Conference’s pay scale.

To Apply:

This position will be open until it is filled. Interested persons should apply ASAP to the address below and include the following:

• a resume of up to 2 pages in length,
• cover letter expressing interest and summarizing qualifications
• two writing samples (at least one advocacy-oriented, the other may be academic)

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
The Leadership Conference Education Fund
1620 L Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
ATTENTION: Policy Analyst-Education

or

personnel@civilrights.org with “Policy Analyst-Education” in the subject line

We are not able to handle telephone inquiries.

The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund are equal opportunity employers and seek applicants who will contribute to the diversity of our staff.