Director for Postsecondary Education Policy

Department: Economic Policy

Position classification: Exempt, full time

Summary

The Postsecondary Education Policy Program at the Center for American Progress believes a quality and affordable postsecondary education is a key to rebuilding the middle class and advancing national competitiveness.

To provide every American with access to a quality, affordable postsecondary education, CAP advocates for a postsecondary education policy agenda that would strengthen public investment with accountability for results, use consumer information to safeguard public and private investment, and apply technology to create cost-effective ways to expand access to and the quality of postsecondary education.

CAP has an immediate opening for a Director for Postsecondary Education Policy. The right candidate will be a dynamic leader capable of driving an agenda to transform postsecondary education through the development of evidence-based policy, creative communications, and effective stakeholder engagement. The director will lead a strong team of experts to develop high-impact policy solutions within the agenda described above.

Job responsibilities:

• Set the postsecondary education program’s research agenda and policy platform.
• Provide direction and support in the formulation and dissemination of policy analysis and recommendations.
• Work with senior management, especially the Vice President for Economic Policy, to ensure that the postsecondary education agenda is integrated with CAP’s broader economic policy.
• Work collaboratively with all members of the policy team, external relations, communications, and senior management to help achieve consensus on key policy issues.
• Co-author and author policy papers, articles, op-eds, and other publications to advance policy objectives.
• Represent and convey CAP’s policy approach in discussions with a wide range of interlocutors including members of the administration, members of Congress and Hill staff, and stakeholder organizations.
• Assist in developing legislative and advocacy strategies for the program’s focus issues.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of public events as well as conventions, conferences, and other special events.

Job requirements:

• Strong management and organizational skills including being detailed-oriented and possessing good follow-through; effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple tasks; and demonstrated experience managing teams, including developing personal work plans and goals.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written, demonstrated effectiveness in persuasive writing skills, and commitment to editorial excellence.
• Strong work ethic: A disciplined, dedicated, self-starter who is able to work alone or within a team environment equally well.
• Job-related travel required.
• Knowledge of foundation fundraising and grant-writing and a willingness to work with the development team to obtain new sources of funding.
• Strong general technology skills–office software and database experience a plus.

Job qualifications:

• Advanced degree in higher education policy or related field.
• At least 10 years of professional experience at progressively senior levels in the field of higher education policy. The candidate should have a good understanding of the policy-making community in Washington and the implications of various advocacy and policy approaches.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, writing, and analytic ability.
• Comfort with working under pressure and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work on a team.

Additional Information

American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize our progressive agenda: The Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.

American Progress is an equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org.

For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaaction.org.

To apply, simply e-mail your Word resume and cover letter attachments to: jobs@americanprogress.org.

Or you may write to:
Center for American Progress
1333 H Street, NW, 10th Floor – Economic Policy Search
Washington, DC 20005

In your correspondence, please reference the exact title of the job you are applying for in the subject line. This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.

Thank you for your interest in American Progress.