Secondary Education and College Policy Analyst
POSITION TITLE: Secondary Education and College Policy Analyst – Full-time (Exempt)
DEPARTMENT: Education
REPORTS TO: Director of Higher Educational Policy
STARTING SALARY: $62,000, plus commensurate with experience
DATE: June 2023
The mission of the Latino Policy Forum is to build the power, influence, and leadership of the Latino community through collective action to transform public policies that ensure the well-being of its community and society as a whole. Through advocacy and analysis, the Forum builds a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community. By catalyzing policy change, the Forum works to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and strengthen community leadership.
The vision of the Forum’s education team is to ensure that Latinos and English Learners have equitable educational opportunities across the education spectrum leading to economic prosperity. The goal is to increase college readiness and improve college completion rates for Latinos in Illinois. The education team engages in this work by convening the community and key stakeholders, using legislative advocacy, and engaging in strategic research, policy, and practice partnerships.
Under the direction of the Director of Higher Educational Policy, the Secondary Education and College Policy Analyst will contribute to the coordination and implementation of the Forum’s higher education agenda with specific attention to the goals of advancing quality educational opportunities, programming, and access for Latino students. This position requires a great deal of flexibility, drive, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. It provides a valuable opportunity to be immersed in and influence educational improvement as it relates to Latino students, their families, and communities across the state of Illinois.
Major Responsibilities
- Develop and assist the implementation of policy proposals and advocacy strategies to advance the organization’s higher education agenda.
- Design, conduct, and coordinate the production of internal and external communications, including policy briefs, policy analysis, fact sheets, press releases, and meeting reports in collaboration with the Director of Higher Educational Policy.
- Assist in the interpretation and dissemination of data, research, and analysis to inform the team’s agenda.
- Support the Director of Higher Educational Policy with Legislative Advocacy:
- Travel to Springfield, as needed, during the legislative session (Jan-May) to advance the Forum’s policy agenda with elected officials, government staffers, state agency officials, and other relevant decision-makers.
- Draft and present oral and written testimony to various units of government on behalf of the Forum
- Recruit and assist the Forum’s partners in submitting oral or written testimony to various units of government on behalf of the Forum.
- Advance the Forum’s policy agenda with various stakeholder groups and advisory bodies.
- Monitor and report on the status of emerging higher education policy initiatives and reforms at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Prepare/manage/deliver reports regarding higher education issues and concerns.
- Conduct presentations on behalf of the Forum on specific higher education issues at events, meetings, conferences, and/or workshops.
- Ensure effective relationships are maintained with agency, institutional, and community partners.
- Design and conduct various workshops and presentations for various stakeholders.
- Assists with logistical aspects of convening educational experts.
- Assists with the administrative duties of the Education Team.
Qualifications
- BA required, master’s degree preferred.
- Strong, demonstrable research, writing, editing, analytical, and oral presentation skills.
- Some knowledge of and/or experience with college readiness, access, and completion.
- Experience with public speaking and making presentations to the public.
- Well-organized, self-starter, adaptable in challenging situations; able to manage multiple tasks and respond to diverse individuals/communities’ needs.
- Ability to work collaboratively to support team goals and agenda.
- Bilingual Spanish-English required (written and spoken).
Requirements
- Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Must be able to use own vehicle in the course of work.
- Must be able to travel within Illinois.
Exceptional candidates will have:
- Bilingual -Spanish/English (written and spoken).
- Quorum, Salesforce, Adobe Suite.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with reasonable accommodations. Work is generally done sitting, talking, hearing, and typing. Visual acuity to use a keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
Work Environment
Work is regularly performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. Due to the pandemic, this position is on a temporary hybrid schedule. The Forum will continue to monitor guidance from government and health officials and the need for hybrid arrangements.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary is $62,000, plus commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; 403(b)retirement plan with a company match; flexible spending account; PTO – vacation, personal, sick, and most holidays; flexible work schedules; professional development opportunities; partial cell phone reimbursement; transit benefit program
To Apply
Send a resume, one-page writing sample and cover letter to Resumes@latinopolicyforum.org, subject line: “Secondary Education and College Policy Analyst.” Applicants missing any required documents will not be considered. No calls please.
Deadline to apply: July 7, 2023
The Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. POC are highly encouraged to apply