The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to promoting postsecondary access to and success for all students, regardless of race, background, or circumstance. Based in Washington, D.C., IHEP provides timely, evidence-based, student-centered, equity-focused research to inform policy decisions and address our nation’s most pressing education challenges.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP’s Communications and External Affairs (Comms/XA) team connects our research with people across the country, including policymakers at the federal, state, and institutional levels, who have the power to shape higher education. We craft and disseminate compelling messages through strategic use of IHEP channels, including our website, social media, and multimedia; partner and coalition engagement; advocacy and policymaker engagement; and media outreach, including traditional press engagement and editorial content development.  

IHEP is seeking a Government Affairs Associate to support our policy and advocacy goals around increasing racial and socioeconomic equity and mobility via higher education. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and External Affairs, this position will be an integral member of a small and supportive Comms/XA team and will regularly collaborate with staff across the organization.

Due to the nature of this position, and specifically the need to connect in-person with policymakers, members of the higher education community, and impacted people, this position must be based in the D.C. metropolitan area; however, IHEP has shifted to a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home if your day does not require in-person meetings. This position may require some travel outside the D.C. area.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary responsibilities in managing the day-to-day functions of IHEP’s government affairs portfolio include, but are not limited to the following:

• Processing, tracking, and informing bill endorsement requests, sign-on letter requests, and coordinated advocacy actions with partners in the field.
• Serve as point person for and, build and maintain strategic relationships with:
  • Policymakers, including Congressional staff, Department of Education staff, and state lawmakers to communicate IHEP’s positions and maximize IHEP’s policy influence.
  • Partnering organizations and others in the field to drive IHEP’s advocacy priorities.
  • Coalition partners.
• Coordinate with members of IHEP’s Research Team (RT) to respond rapidly to policymaker requests, such as providing statistics, policy research, or recommendations on draft legislation.
• Monitor and analyze developments in postsecondary education legislative and regulatory activity, including the implementation of state and federal laws and institutional policies.
• Research and prepare memos that convey the impact of these policy proposals and help IHEP strategize responses, organizational positions, and counter-proposals, as appropriate.
• In consultation with the Leadership Team, RT, and IHEP’s policy consultants, inform IHEP’s advocacy agenda and strategic goals.
• Prepare senior leadership for high-profile speaking engagements, including but not limited to drafting oral and written testimony.
• Draft advocacy-related communications products and collateral, including public statements, letters and public comments, one-pagers, and appropriations requests.
• Collaborate with RT to develop research-informed federal, system, and state policy recommendations as part of larger research projects. 
• Assist in aligning IHEP’s government affairs strategy with a larger communications and messaging strategy.
• Engage in effective project management, including responsibility for content and logistic development, management of timeline and activities, communications with internal and external project participants, etc.
• In collaboration with the Comms/XA team, establish metrics and regularly evaluate the results and impacts of our government affairs activity.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to various large-scale, grant-funded projects involving multiple organizational/institutional partners.
• Support IHEP’s Operations team to track and contribute to grants, including expenses, deliverables, grant reports, and budget modifications.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

We are looking for a combination of the following qualifications and experiences:

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two to three years of work experience in role related to government relations, public policy, education policy, or another relevant field.
• Knowledge of and experience with federal and state higher education policy issues, including college affordability, postsecondary data systems, college access, college completion, and postsecondary outcomes preferred. Existing relationships with higher education policymakers and advocacy organizations a plus.
• Strong commitment to social justice and promoting racial and socioeconomic equity through higher education policy.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with a non-partisan, student-focused, data-informed, and equity-centered voice.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a small team environment where collaboration, teamwork, creativity and flexibility are valued.
• Ability to balance multiple competing priorities and operate on short timelines, when needed.
• 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 diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce 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. At IHEP, diversity encompasses differences including, but not limited to, those of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, religion, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family responsibilities, experience, and education. The wide array of perspectives that results from such diversity 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, 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 $65,000-$75,000. We will consider applicants with more experience for a more senior role with a starting salary range between $75,000-$85,000.  

For the safety and wellbeing of our staff, IHEP requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with a primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Modern, or J&J/Janssen) as a condition of employment.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and apply here.

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