Research Analyst

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to building a more equitable and just society through higher education. Through research, advocacy, policy development, and field engagement, IHEP drives systemic change in higher education to advance equitable outcomes and generational impact for communities historically marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity or income.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP is seeking a Research Analyst to provide project coordination to support the preparation of publications, presentations, learning experiences, convenings, and coalition-building activities; and conduct research and analysis to further IHEP’s research and advocacy agendas. The research team focuses on federal, state, and institutional policies related to racial and socioeconomic equity; postsecondary data and transparency; college access, affordability, success, and value; and projects that further the practical application of promising practices that drive postsecondary attainment, particularly for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students and students from low-income backgrounds.

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we operate fully remotely on a day-to-day basis. We come together, in-person in D.C., three to four times a year to connect, build cohesion, and bond as a full staff. We welcome remote applicants for this position with the understanding that this role will require regular in-person attendance at meetings in the D.C. area in addition to some national travel.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Engage in effective project management, which may include responsibility for content and logistic development, management of timelines and activities, communications with internal and external stakeholders, and budget management.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research and analysis of policy- and practice-relevant postsecondary education issues, including conducting literature and policy scans, reviewing and summarizing key takeaways of legislative and regulatory activity, compiling data from various sources, performing statistical analyses, identifying trends, and summarizing findings. Tasks may include supporting rapid responses to time-sensitive requests from media, policymakers, and partners.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to various grant-funded projects, including those involving multiple organizational and institutional partners, such as developing and documenting project processes, scheduling and otherwise coordinating internal and external meetings, event planning, and troubleshooting challenges.
• Draft and manage the production of reports, briefs, concept papers, PowerPoint presentations, memos, newsletters, and other content to disseminate research and analysis to key policy- and practice-audiences.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with external partners, such as practitioners, peer organizations, external researchers, institutional partners, state and system-level collaborators, vendors, and others.
• Work with IHEP’s Operations team to track and manage grants, including expenses, deliverables, grant reports, and budget modifications as well as processing invoices and contracts.
• Collaborate with and assist other departments and staff as required, including contributing to office needs as they arise.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES, and SKILLS:
An ideal candidate will have a proven combination of the following qualifications, experiences, and skills:

• A passion for promoting postsecondary access and success for all students, regardless of race, background, or circumstance. A passion for issues related to postsecondary data and transparency, college affordability, college access and completion, and/or college value required.
• Strong analytical, critical and strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with quantitative research is required, including ability to draw and clearly articulate conclusions from quantitative data analyses.
  • Knowledge of and experience with higher education policy and research is preferred, including experience using postsecondary data sets such as IPEDS, BPS, and NPSAS.
  • Knowledge of Stata, R, or similar language preferred.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and work under pressure, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment. 
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through and push projects to completion amidst competing responsibilities.
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to changing priorities in such a way that contributes to a project or team’s success.
• Self-motivated and eager contributor to a team who shares in the accolades of successes.
• Desire to continuously improve skills and develop professionally.
• Values and contributes to a respectful work environment with an openness and inclusion to all viewpoints.

WORKING at IHEP:

IHEP recognizes that a talented and inclusive workforce of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences benefits individuals, partners, and IHEP as a whole. We recognize that all employees bring their own capabilities, experiences, and characteristics to their work. IHEP believes in treating all individuals with respect and dignity and strives to achieve a supportive environment in which all employees reach their maximum potential. The wide array of perspectives promotes innovation and business success, further supporting the organization’s mission.

IHEP values a healthy work-life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package with generous paid time off; health, dental, and vision benefits; 401K matching; life and disability insurance; flexible work arrangements; and other benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience. The starting salary range for the position is $67,000-$77,000.

IHEP is not able to sponsor work authorization. Therefore, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship. Employees also must reside and work within the United States.

HOW to APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and apply through this site. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline to apply by May 25, 2026.

The Institute for Higher Education Policy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages inclusion and experiential diversity in all facets of the organization’s work.

IHEP participates in E-Verify and confirms all employees are authorized to work in the United States through a Form I-9. For more about your right to work, see this information from the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Department of Justice.