Senior Government Policy and Data Analyst

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Job description

Position Summary:

The American Council on Education (ACE) is seeking a Senior Government Policy and Data Analyst in the Department of Government and Public Affairs (DGPA).

ACE is a higher education, non-profit organization with almost 1,700 member institutions and educational organizations. ACE's mission is to provide leadership and a unified voice on key higher education issues through advocacy, research, and program initiatives. ACE programs include several leadership programs for college and university administrators and faculty. (For more information on ACE: .)

The Senior Government Policy and Data Analyst is a key contributor to an evolving policy portfolio within ACE's Department of Government and Public Affairs (DGPA) and will join a dynamic team that advocates on and influences national policy on higher education. The Senior Government Policy and Data Analyst works under the supervision of the Director, in close coordination with the DGPA SVP and the DGPA team and independently as a contributor of policy analysis in support of ongoing advocacy work by ACE. While the position is focused on conducting research and data analysis on key higher education policy issues, an understanding of how this research can be used to make data-driven policy decision is also critical. While primarily responsible for providing research support to the division, the incumbent in this position has an understanding of government relations and how to support advocacy activities through data analysis.

Essential Job Duties or Tasks:

• Utilizes higher education databases, such as those developed by the National Center for Education Statistics and program administration files maintained by the Department of Education to analyze the impact of various policy proposals and create briefing material and other advocacy products independently and in collaboration with the DGPA team.

• Analyzes legislation, regulations and administrative actions and track government and other key research to support ACE's efforts to shape federal policy on a range of issues impacting higher education. This includes meeting with Congressional, Administration staff, college and university leaders, association and think tank staff, and other stakeholders.

• Utilizes a working knowledge of national survey datasets, including the US Census' decennial census, monthly Current Population Surveys, American Community Survey, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' indices to produce data, reports and products for internal and external audiences.

• Responsiblefor policy and quantitative analysis to support ACE's government relations function, including the production of issue briefs, external presentations, and data for inclusion in advocacy materials.

• Carries out research regarding legislation and policy proposals and prepare summaries and briefings that can be shared with external audiences. In addition, may also contribute to the production of advocacy materials to be used by the DGPA staff.

• Authors and contributes to the production of reports, briefs, white papers, memos, and other products intended for policy audiences (including, but not limited to, congressional offices, federal agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups) and higher education leaders.

• Conducts literature and policy scans of legislation and legislative proposals and employs quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods analysis of such.

• Responds to time-sensitive and highly visible higher education policy data inquiries from stakeholders such as member institutions, media, and legislative staff.

• Works as a collaborative team member within DGPA and with other Council offices to identify, collect and analyze appropriate data, develop processes, and provide other data support as necessary.


• Works with external collaborators including faculty members, other researchers, and other higher education associations to create community resources to use in advocacy activities.


• Works independently and with the DGPA team to synthesize and present research findings to college presidents, federal policy makers, associations, and other stakeholders in the higher education policy community.

• Represents DGPA in community meetings, particularly with policy researchers from outside organizations (such as associations, think tanks and agency working groups).

Education/Experience/Specialized Knowledge and Competency Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in higher education, education policy, public policy or a related field, with an emphasis on data analysis, and five years or more of previous employment experience in policy research and analysis.


• Advanced degree may be substituted for work experience if applicable.


• Experience with postsecondary datasets and tools.

Strongly Preferred:

• Master's degree in higher education, education policy, public policy or a related field, with an emphasis on data analysis and research.


• Experience with NCES, IPEDS, NPSAS, ELS, Census, PowerStats, Qualtrics and Data Ferret.


• Experience with postsecondary education policy and demonstrated experience in quantitative research.


• Ability to listen critically, ask questions, and transform ideas into action steps.


• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.


• Ability to present publicly on issues of importance to the organization.


• Experience contributing to a team.


• Experience interfacing and communicating with policy and institutional audiences.


• Evidence of strong writing, communication, and time management skills.

***For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.***

**Please note that this position is located in Washington, DC. Due to the current pandemic, the American Council on Education is currently in a remote status, and you may experience a slower response time to your inquiry for a job opportunity, and the interview process will be conducted remotely. We appreciate your patience as we adjust to these dynamic circumstances. Our status is subject to change based on guidance surrounding COVID-19.**

The American Council on Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, matriculation, familial status, genetic information, source of income, place of residence or business, status as a victim of an intra-family offense, credit information, protected veteran status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)