The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonpartisan nonprofit research and advocacy organization committed to promoting access and success in higher education for all students with a focus on students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and other historically marginalized populations. Based in Washington, D.C., IHEP develops innovative, equity-centric, policy- and practice-oriented research to guide policymakers and education leaders in developing high-impact policies that will address our nation’s most pressing education challenges.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP is seeking a research intern to join our team remotely for the spring semester (January – May 2024). 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 Pacific Islander (AAPI) students and students from low-income backgrounds. In this role, interns are likely to participate in team and staff meetings, perform literature reviews, participate in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, summarize information from postsecondary-themed events, external meetings, and/or new research studies, support the development of research and policy reports as well as advocacy materials/efforts on topics such as postsecondary data, college completion and affordability, and support the preparation of convenings.

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we have shifted to a hybrid environment that facilitates both virtual and in-person work. We welcome remote applicants for this position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support IHEP’s research team with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis of policy- and practice-relevant postsecondary education issues, including conducting literature, legislation, and policy scans, performing data analyses, and summarizing findings.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, memos, and other content to inform the work of the research team.
• Support the research team in preparing responses to time-sensitive requests from media and policymakers.
• Attend select external meetings and events and identify/report back on key takeaways aligned with IHEP focus areas.
• Support with planning and logistics for convenings.
• Collaborate with and provide assistance to other departments and staff as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

We are looking for a combination of the following skills and experience.

• Current graduate student pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in an education- or policy-related field.
• Availability to work a minimum of 20 hours per week through the spring (January-May, 2024).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Some prior experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis, data collection, and higher education data sets preferred.
• A keen interest in public policy, postsecondary education research and advocacy, and the commitment to work in an equity-minded organization.
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a dynamic group of partners and consultants.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

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.

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:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should apply through this website and provide:

1. a cover letter
2. a resume
3. a list of at least three references (including at least one direct supervisor)

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but have a priority deadline to apply by Oct 27, 2023.

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