Education Policy Analyst

Under the general direction of the Director, Education Policy and Development, this position provides analysis, research and recommendations on critical education issues that impact California’s students, families, and communities.  This position focuses on a variety of research duties and communicates about issues in education that require familiarity with educational laws, rules, regulations, and trends. Duties center on analysis, various forms of oral and written communication, collaboration both within CSBA and across organizations, and grant-supported projects. Experience with boards and expertise in the study of factors related to English Language Learners is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyzes and synthesizes reliable research on complex issues in order to produce education policy white papers, policy briefs and advisories, manuals, news items, articles, and other publications as necessary, based on the issues and the needs of CSBA, written in a clear and concise manner.
• Prepares and delivers presentations on various education policy research and/or other CSBA publications.
• Assists in the development, collection, and analysis of data from surveys and focus groups.
• Monitors education policy trends, innovations, legislative issues, and changes in regulations.
• Maintains current understanding of education field, from state laws to local district politics.
• Identifies connections between issues, trends, and current events. 
• Prepares and presents advisory positions to the Executive Director and others.
• Participates in the short- and long-term strategy and direction for the department.
• Collaborates with CSBA staff to develop content for issue briefs, online discussions, webinars, and other multi-media presentations. 
• Carries out a variety of complex project work that may require collaboration with other CSBA departments.
• Facilitates and/or participates in internal CSBA Taskforce meetings, internal committees, online discussions, and webinars.
• Attends, participates, and represents CSBA on external committees, board meetings, commissions, councils, and advisory groups.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with philanthropic organizations.
• Contributes to the development of proposals and budgets for grant proposals; participates in the implementation of grant funded work. 
• Travels to various locations throughout the State of California. 
• Reads and demonstrates an understanding and adherence to CSBA values, policies, and practices. 
• Demonstrates respect, honesty, and professionalism at all times.
• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned.
• Represents CSBA at various outside educational stakeholder meetings
• Contributes to the CSBA Online Learning Center content development 

REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of:

School board, school district, and county board organization and work.
• California’s education system and overall education policy knowledge and practice. 
• Boards and how they function.
• Federal, state, and local government organizations. 
• Research methods and techniques; considerations in planning studies and investigations; and general principles, concepts, and terminology used in research. 
• Curriculum, school finance, and/or other state education issues. 
• Philanthropic foundations and relationship building.
• Best practices in data collection and analysis and survey development and deployment.

Ability to:

• Understand education policy research and analysis, and program research, analysis, and evaluation.
• Clearly and accurately summarize key points and connections in education and policy research articles and reports in order to write research policy papers, white papers, policy briefs, and other CSBA publications.
• Make clear and compelling presentations about key education practice and policy topics.
• Communicate ideas in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• Complete extensive written assignments.
• Present findings to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. 
• Analyze legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate meetings and events about complex education issues.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population. 
• Provide appropriate and useful feedback on colleagues’ writing. 
• Maintain high standards regarding content and form of written work.
• Provide a well-informed and balanced perspective on a range of education-related topics.
• Work both independently and in collaboration with colleagues to meet individual and team goals.
• Collaborate with external researchers and organizations on governance-related research about school or county boards.
• Balance multiple work responsibilities, tasks, and projects while keeping to appropriate timelines.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Facilitate group discussions and committee projects.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Masters degree or higher with major coursework in education leadership and/or policy analysis, public policy research and analysis, government, political science, or related field or equivalent education and/or experience in the area aligned with the study of the range of factors and conditions that contribute to student achievement and success and two (2) to five (5) years of experience in education policy research and analysis, significant experience with writing related to education policy and practice, experience with grant writing and/or with philanthropy, experience with meeting and workshop coordination, facilitation, and presentation. Experience with boards and expertise in the study of factors related to English Language Learners is required. 

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Employee works in a primarily sedentary office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines, instructions, and policies.
• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, and over the telephone; must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed in the execution of duties.
• Must be able to sit at computer for long periods of time and have the dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, and operate standard office equipment.
• Employee must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds, hand truck available to assist.
• Must be able to travel overnight on occasion throughout the state of California.
• Must have the dexterity and mobility to facilitate or present information to a group, access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, and operate standard facilitation equipment.
• Travel to various locations throughout the state of California.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to, obtain a valid California Driver’s license by time of appointment.