Institute for Higher Education Policy

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to building a more equitable and just society through higher education. Through research, advocacy, policy development, and field engagement, IHEP drives systemic change in higher education to advance equitable outcomes and generational impact for communities historically marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity, or income.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP seeks an Associate Director of Research and Policy to help lead its quantitative research portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President of Research, the Associate Director will help build and implement IHEP’s research agenda focused on postsecondary value, data and transparency, strong outcome for all students, need-based financial aid, equitable admissions, and evidence-based completion.

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we operate fully remotely on a day-to-day basis. We come together, in-person in D.C., three to four times a year to connect, build cohesion, and bond as a full staff. We welcome remote applicants for this position with the understanding that this role will require regular in-person attendance at meetings in the D.C. area in addition to some national travel.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Support the Vice President of Research in directing IHEP’s research portfolio.
  • Conceptualize, design, and manage research projects to advance IHEP’s research agenda. This includes working closely with research analysts and other members of the research, policy, and communications/government affairs teams to oversee and conduct research and data analyses and develop briefs, reports, and other public content. These projects include quantitative and qualitative research, literature and policy scans, data analyses, convenings, and partner engagement.
  • Coordinate with the Vice President of Research on developing and implementing IHEP’s research agenda and long-term research strategy and goals.
  • Help allocate personnel and other resources and provide oversight of budgets, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Identify, curate, and share concrete lessons learned from research and policy analyses to inform IHEP’s policy positioning and policy development around postsecondary issues.
  • Stay abreast of rapidly evolving postsecondary education issues among federal and state policymakers, within higher education policy and research communities, and in the media.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for IHEP on postsecondary issues and serve as a key ambassador for IHEP in relevant coalitions.
• As part of the Management Team (MT) and in partnership with organizational leadership, support the conceptualization, design, and development of proposals to secure funding for IHEP’s research agenda.
• Collaborate closely with other MT members on the Research Team to ensure streamlined operations, build morale, maintain communications across projects and teams, and encourage an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Foster and maintain IHEP’s relationships with partnering organizations, funders, and other researchers.
• Publicly advance IHEP’s postsecondary research and advocacy agenda through public speaking engagements, including presenting at conferences.
• Other duties, as requested. 

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES, and SKILLS:

An ideal candidate will have a proven combination of the following qualifications, experiences, and skills:

• Strong quantitative research experience, including experience using Stata.
• Experience analyzing postsecondary data, such as IPEDS, NPSAS, and BPS.
• A passion for promoting postsecondary access and success for all students, regardless of race, background, or circumstance. 
• At least six years of work experience in a similar role with progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Strong analytic, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and remain flexible and adaptable, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment. 
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills, especially for describing complex and data-rich subject matter in clear and concise ways.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through and push projects to completion amidst competing responsibilities. Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to changing priorities in such a way that contributes to a project or team’s success.
• Self-motivated and eager contributor to a team who shares in the accolades of successes.
• Desire to continuously improve skills and develop professionally.
• Values and contributes to a respectful work environment with an openness and inclusion to all viewpoints.

 WORKING at IHEP:

IHEP recognizes that a talented and inclusive workforce of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences 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. The wide array of perspectives promotes innovation and business success, further supporting the organization’s mission.

IHEP values a healthy work-life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package with generous paid time off; health, dental, and vision benefits; 401K matching; life and disability insurance; flexible work arrangements; and other benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience. The starting salary range for the position is $100,000-$113,000.

Employees must reside and work within the United States. IHEP is not able to sponsor work authorization; therefore, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

HOW to APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and apply through this site. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline to apply by June 7, 2026.

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

IHEP participates in E-Verify and confirms all employees are authorized to work in the United States through a Form I-9. For more about your right to work, see this information from the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Dep