Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist

New England Board of Higher EducationBoston, MAPosition Title: Policy Analyst and Engagement SpecialistDepartment: Policy & ResearchReports To: Director of Policy & ResearchSalary Range: $60,000 - $75,000GENERAL SUMMARY:The Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist ("Analyst") supports the Policy and Research unit's goal to be a trusted source of postsecondary data, labor market analysis, and policy insight across the New England region. This role conducts quantitative and qualitative research on emerging policy and workforce issues and translates findings into clear, actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The Analyst builds and maintains relationships with postsecondary leaders, government partners, and employers to inform and advance policy priorities across the region. The role also supports the development and dissemination of policy reports and briefs and contributes to grant-funded initiatives through project coordination and program management, as needed.NEBHE BACKGROUND:Established in 1955 by six visionary New England governors, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) is a regional compact that works across New England to help leaders assess, develop, and implement education practices and policies of regional significance; promote regional cooperation that encourages efficient sharing of education resources; and strengthen the relationship between higher education and the regional economy. Based in downtown Boston, NEBHE is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:Policy Analysis and ResearchConduct quantitative and qualitative research on postsecondary education policy issues affecting the regionConduct policy research and analysis to assess the implications of legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments.Monitor legislation and policy developments (federal and state) across New England statesTranslate complex data and research findings into clear, actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholdersUtilize real time labor and market data (job postings analytics, employment data, skills demand and gap analysis, occupational and wage forecasting and employment trends) to inform analysis, publications, policy design, and engagement strategiesUses data insights to assess economic and workforce impacts of policy changesCollect, manage, and analyze data using relevant datasets and toolsDevelop policy briefs, fact sheets, research reports, white papers, data dashboards, and presentationsRespond to inquiries and requests for data and research support from stakeholdersStakeholder Engagement and ConveningBuild and maintain relationships with state lawmakers, postsecondary education leaders, and regional partners across New EnglandConvene and facilitate meetings, committees, working groups, and policy forums to foster collaboration and advance shared prioritiesServe as a liaison between NEBHE and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of policy initiatives and research findingsCoordinate stakeholder meetings, briefings, and engagement activitiesCommunicate with stakeholders to understand their needs and emerging priorities to inform the organization's policy agendaRepresent NEBHE at policy related meetings, conferences, briefings, forums, and public eventsSupport and implement policy engagement strategies aligned with organizational goalsProject ManagementSupport the implementation of grant-funded initiatives, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and deliverables Coordinate cross-functional project teams and external partners to ensure timely execution of initiativesDevelop and maintain project plans, timelines, and documentationMonitor project progress and prepare updates for internal and external audiencesContribute to continuous improvement of project management processes and workflowsQUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS: Required Bachelor's degree in political science, education, public policy, economics, or a related field; AND three (3) years of professional research experience in an educational or public policy environment; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceDemonstrated understanding of public policy processes, state and federal government structures, and stakeholder engagement practicesPrior experience maintaining relationships with and convening policymakersStrong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, accessible contentStrong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly with audiences such as legislators, governors, policy staff, and state agency officialsFamiliarity with quantitative and qualitative research methodology, particularly as they relate to policy analysis, program evaluation, and survey researchDemonstrated competency in generating effective presentations of data including charts, graphs, maps, dashboards, and other visual representations of research findingsDemonstrated project management skills, including exceptional attention to detail and the ability to juggle competing priorities and meet tight deadlinesAbility to manage multiple priorities and coordinate engagement activities across stakeholdersDemonstrated experience combining policy analysis with policy engagement activities.Preferred Master's or doctoral degree in public policy, political science, higher education, education, economics, or a related field Demonstrated topical expertise in postsecondary education policy with a focus on the New England regionExperience supporting or participating in policy engagement with government or external stakeholders. Familiarity with coalition based or multi sector policy engagement initiatives.Experience using Lightcast Analyst or comparable labor market intelligence platforms and the ability to interpret real time job posting and skills dataExperience with statistical (e.g., R, SPSS, STATA) and data visualization software (e.g., Power BI)Experience working with open-source, public data sources such as IPEDS, U.S. Census, and LegiscanEQUAL OPPORTUNITY & FAIR CHANCE EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.We are also committed to fair chance hiring and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, including those who have been previously incarcerated, consistent with applicable laws.BENEFITS:Medical and dental insuranceLife and disability insurancePaid holidays and vacationRetirement plan Flexible work environment WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Normal office environment, not subject to extremes in temperature, noise, odors, etc.May spend extended periods at a computerAbility to travel and stay overnight in and outside of New England and for multiple nightsCONTACT:Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume or CV on LinkedIn or via an email to careers@ using the subject line "NEBHE Policy Analyst."

Created: 2026-05-09