Senior Policy Analyst

About the organization:

The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) serves the chief executives of statewide governing, policy, and coordinating boards of postsecondary education and their staffs. Founded in 1954, SHEEO promotes an environment that values higher education and its role in ensuring the equitable education of all Americans, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic factors. Together with its members, SHEEO aims to achieve this vision by equipping state higher education executive officers and their staffs with the tools to effectively advance the value of higher education, promoting public policies and academic practices that enable all Americans to achieve success in the 21st century, and serving as an advocate for state higher education leadership.

SHEEO is particularly interested in providing equal employment opportunities. Read more about SHEEO on our website: https://sheeo.org.

About the position:

SHEEO is looking for a Senior Policy Analyst to conduct policy analysis, research, and to provide project management on initiatives related to state higher education public policy. Your work will center around a variety of topic areas that may include college attainment, student success, data systems, workforce development, or higher education finance. The Senior Policy Analyst will manage projects; prepare publications, presentations, and learning experiences; collaborate with partners; and join all SHEEO staff in yearly conference planning activities and supporting our members across the country. 

The successful candidate will play a vital role in contributing to SHEEO’s vision of expanding higher education opportunities, developing SHEEO agency members’ priorities, helping states achieve their higher education goals, and improving student outcomes. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage projects and grants by providing administrative, logistical, and organizational support to ensure milestones are achieved and deadlines are met.
• Conduct analysis and research on state higher education public policy to inform decision-making and advance effective public policy.
• Develop reports, papers, and presentations that translate analysis and research into accessible insights for key stakeholders.
• Represent SHEEO at, and assist in planning and conducting, state, regional, and national meetings and events.
• Provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise on state higher education policy and practice.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with SHEEO member agencies and partner organizations.
• Research new opportunities for funding projects and building relationships with potential funders.
• Respond to information requests and provide technical assistance to SHEEO members on a wide range of policy and practice issues.  
• Stay informed on emerging trends and developments in public higher education to anticipate challenges and inform SHEEO’s strategic priorities.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

We’re looking for a combination of the following:

• A master’s degree in higher education, public policy, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable role.
• Demonstrated knowledge or analytical expertise in areas such as educational attainment, student success, state data systems, workforce alignment, or postsecondary finance.
• Familiarity or direct experience with SHEEO agencies, partner organizations, or philanthropic foundations.
• Strong analytical, critical, and strategic thinking skills, with proven ability in problem-solving, follow-through, and sound decision-making. 
• A passion for advancing educational and economic opportunity through state postsecondary policy.

Travel:

With offices in two locations and members across the nation, the Senior Policy Analyst will travel periodically to events and meetings.

Location: 

Either Washington, D.C., or Boulder, CO, in a hybrid model, or fully remote for candidates living outside those geographical areas.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary for this position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience, with an anticipated range of $80,000-$90,000.

SHEEO is committed to supporting the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of our staff and their families. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• A 10% contribution to employees’ retirement plans.
• 22 days of annual vacation, 11 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and office closure from December 25 through January 1.
• Subsidized health insurance (SHEEO covers 85% of plan costs). 
• Dental, vision, life and disability insurance.
• Professional development support, including funding for conferences, meetings, and short-term courses aligned with employees’ responsibilities.  

Application Process:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of September 26, 2025.

SHEEO is not able to sponsor work permits. Therefore, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Please apply through this site and include the following:

• A cover letter.
• A resume or curriculum vitae.
• Three to five references (SHEEO will not contact references without first checking with the applicant).

SHEEO is committed to providing equal employment opportunities.