commonwealth foundation policy analyst

Policy Analyst

Do you have a passion for school choice and ensuring all kids receive an excellent education? Are you skilled at research and policy analysis in a fast-moving environment, with an ability to effectively communicate complex ideas in compelling ways? If you’re looking for an opportunity to apply your skills and talent to make a positive contribution and help others flourish, this might be the role for you. The Commonwealth Foundation is seeking a Policy Analyst focused on K-12 education. This role will be responsible for conducting and leading research and analysis, developing effective products to advance our ideas and persuade key audiences, and working across our teams to achieve policy victories.

The Policy Analyst is a remote position, with a strong preference for candidates located within two hours driving distance of our offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct and oversee research on education reform policies, working with policy analysts and outside fellows, to produce publications and analysis that support our policy goals.
  • Maintain intellectual expertise in education by staying current on local, state, and federal policy developments, media coverage, and legislation.
  • Produce rapid research and analysis to identify and seize opportunities, working with our policy, communications, and government affairs capabilities to publicly position Commonwealth as the leading voice on school choice and education policy.
  • Track trends related to educational opportunity and compile data on student enrollment, outcomes, and demand in educational choice programs, including development and management of a comprehensive database.
  • Respond to storytelling needs for communications with media, supporters, activists, and colleagues and provide ad hoc research in response to additional inquiries.
  • Cultivate coalition relationships to identify opportunities for CF to fund research or partner with allies to provide timely analysis, and to communicate updates to a robust network of school leaders and allies ready to share stories and information to fuel legislative change.
  • Assist the Director of Policy Analysis and other staff in handling Right to Know requests in support of specific policy research.
  • Regularly update executives and staff on the status of key projects in conjunction with allied groups, including school leaders and parents.
  • Represent CF in public speaking, meetings with parent advocates, school choice leaders, and in regular media appearances.
  • And other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in education policy research, advocacy, or related fields.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including experience with Microsoft Office suite of products and statistical / data analysis software.
  • Proven track record of success conducting and overseeing policy research, development of public-facing analysis, reports, op-eds and other related products.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy issues in a clear and compelling manner.
  • Comfort navigating ambiguity, with the ability to work effectively – both independently and collaboratively – in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
  • Some knowledge of the Pennsylvania policy and media landscape preferred.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills.
  • A strong commitment to individual freedom, personal responsibility, and economic prosperity.

The Organization

The Commonwealth Foundation is among the most effective and influential state-based think tanks in the country. With a top-notch team of policy analysts and communication experts, CF transforms free-market ideas into public policies, so all Pennsylvanians can flourish. Our work is driven by our core values of:

  • Integrity,
  • Treating everyone with dignity,
  • Stewardship of our investors’ time and treasure, and
  • Pursuing productive solutions to problems.

Benefits

  • Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance with an 80 percent employer contribution.
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Reimbursements for needed mobile technology and home office supplies.
  • 4% company contributions towards retirement plan

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should complete the online application HERE.