Reports to: Vice President of Policy & Impact
Job Summary:
The LANL Foundation Policy Analyst is a full-time, exempt position that supports our Mission and Vision by conducting research, analyzing policy and fiscal issues, helping make policy and budgetary recommendations, and advocating in support of the Foundation’s legislative priorities related to education. Candidates must possess superior writing and verbal communication skills. Ideal candidate is self-driven, creative, and has strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work well on a team and build relationships with community members, government officials, and partner organizations. Knowledge of education law, state statute and regulations, and topics including charter schools, school boards, Tribal, Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, and state education governance are heavily preferred. Under the supervision of the vice president of Policy & Impact the successful candidate will work closely with the executive team, community partners, and stakeholders to inform policy development, provide strategic insights, and advance initiatives that improve public education. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence meaningful change in a collaborative, community-focused environment. A successful candidate enjoys having a variety of tasks and projects to manage.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
- Conduct research and compile, interpret and analyze data regarding local, state, Tribal and federal education policies and issues;
- Prepare and present research findings in briefing materials, talking points, PowerPoint slides, memos, position papers, studies and reports;
- Analyze the effects of policy decisions, legislation, and fiscal measures on educational outcomes;
- Assist in crafting and finalizing public statements, op-eds, newsletters, social media posts, and other communication materials to articulate policy positions and educate the public and stakeholders;
- Contribute to grant proposals and funding applications related to policy work and research initiatives;
- Advocate for and lobby in support of the Foundation’s legislative goals and priorities, including registering as a state lobbyist;
- Plan, prepare, coordinate and execute policy-related meetings, workshops and events;
- Maintain relationships and coordinate with Tribal, state, federal and local government policymakers and staff as well as school districts, community leaders, non-profit organizations and other education stakeholders to ensure their voices are represented as we develop and implement policy recommendations, including proposing statutory and policy changes;
- Participate in coalitions and committees to support collective organizing and advocacy and expand the organization’s policy influence;
- Monitor and assist with advocacy and lobbying efforts during the legislative session and with interim legislative committees;
- Track and assess local, state, and national legislative activity relevant to the Foundation’s mission and provide regular updates to the executive team, board, and key partners on policy changes and emerging issues; and,
- Respond to requests and perform other duties as assigned by the vice president of Policy & Impact.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Advanced degree in public policy, law, economics, finance, education, or public administration is required.
- At least 2 years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or a related field required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and experience with data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata) required.
- Must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, initiate and manage projects independently, and balance multiple projects at once.
- Must possess excellent oral communication skills, superior writing, and editing skills including the ability to present findings to diverse audiences.
- Strong research and analytical skills required, with the ability to analyze and interpret education data, conduct research, and evaluate education programs and synthesize complex information into clear, concise and actionable policy and budget recommendations.
- Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values and experience working with underserved communities, rural populations, and in the non-profit sector are required.
- Must be emotionally intelligent, skilled in conflict management and self-aware.
- Must have strong personal ethics, integrity, maturity and sound judgment.
- A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required.
- Should be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with legislators, associates, and the public and handle confidential matters in a trustworthy manner.
- Ideal candidate is self-driven, creative, and has strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work well on a team and build relationships with community members, government officials, and partner organizations.
- Knowledge of education law, state statute and regulations, and topics including charter schools, school boards, and state education governance heavily preferred.
- Sense of humor desired.
- Some performance tasks will be required for applicants selected to interview for this position.
Compensation:
The salary range for this position is $73,450 – $113,000 commensurate with education and experience. Generous benefits package includes health, education, dental, vision, disability, and life insurances, retirement, vacation and sick leave. The LANL Foundation is a friendly and team-oriented environment with flexible hours and a hybrid workplace model. The LANL Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply:
Email letter of interest and résumé by January 7, 2024 to jobs@lanlfoundation.org including “Policy Analyst” in the subject line.
Start date: Early February, 2025