Higher Education Manager

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of Americas most persistent and pressing problems as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change and bipartisan policy reforms AV works to improve the lives of American families strengthen communities and promote economic opportunity.

Position Overview

AV advances policies that promote quality value and accountability for student outcomes across both traditional higher education and other career pathways from high school to the workforce. That means elevating high-performing institutions and programs directing taxpayer money toward evidence-based solutions protecting students from ineffective and predatory programs and focusing the education and workforce systems on results (e.g. stronger earnings) over inputs (e.g. enrollment).

AVs Higher Education initiative prioritizes both improving student outcomes especially for those students who have traditionally been underserved and ensuring public dollars are spent effectively and efficiently. We work with teams of experts from inside and outside government and across disciplines to improve the return on investment of higher education for both students and taxpayers through research evidence testing innovative pilot programs litigation policy change and advocacy.

We are seeking a manager to participate in the development and execution of AVs strategy to advance high-quality education. The manager will collaborate closely with the team on substantive policy-oriented projects; gain experience developing philanthropic strategies and managing high-impact philanthropic projects; and learn to advance evidence-based policy recommendations at the federal and state levels. The manager will also serve as the primary liaison from the team to internal teams including Grants Legal and Finance. The position will be based in our Washington D.C. office and will report to the Director of Education Chief of Staff.

Core Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of AVs Higher Education strategy by analyzing and synthesizing relevant research and policy developments at the federal and state levels and translating insights into actionable philanthropic opportunities

Coordinate policy-oriented projects from concept through execution managing timelines deliverables and inputs across internal teams and external partners to ensure work stays on track and aligned with strategic goals

Develop and maintain expertise on higher education related topics policies and best practices with a focus on accountability value and return on investment

Develop clear and concise written materials for diverse audiences including but not limited to executives (AVs Board Education leadership team) and internal and external nontechnical audiences in collaboration with team members

Manage the full life cycle of philanthropic projects and grants including identifying and developing charitable investments preparing grant recommendations for AVs Board overseeing implementation and tracking progress against milestones and outcomes

Monitor grant performance and portfolio-level progress; synthesize lessons learned across investments to inform strategic priorities course corrections and the design of future initiatives

Actively contribute to team meetings regarding projects including suggesting ideas and brainstorming; and participate in meetings with government officials researchers practitioners funders and other stakeholders

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience

4-6 years of relevant work experience in positions involving research policy analysis consulting or government initiatives relating to education policy including part-time work or internships; work experience may be substituted by formal education equivalent to graduate school-level training

Demonstrated understanding of or interest in higher education policy at the federal or state level

Strong policy analysis critical thinking learning and adaptive problem-solving skills including willingness to explore new approaches

Excellent quantitative and analytical skills with demonstrated experience synthesizing and assessing insights from data

Exceptional listening and communication skills including the ability to absorb analyze and convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner verbally and in writing

Strong strategy development project management and organizational skills

The salary range for this role will be $105000-$140000.

Benefits Overview

AV is committed to providing a robust and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our current benefits package includes 100% paid employee premiums for medical dental vision basic life and short- and long-term disability insurance; 20 days of paid time off 16 paid holidays (including a winter break from December 24 to January 1) a hybrid policy that includes four days in office and one flexible day for remote work and a summer schedule with alternating Fridays off beginning on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day; paid parental leave; a 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match profit-share contribution and immediate vesting; pre-tax transit benefits; a professional development stipend; a charitable giving stipend; and an employee assistance addition a relocation bonus is available for candidates who will move to one of AVs three office locations for a position.

Our Culture and Core Values

Our culture seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas that will help AV achieve lasting impact. Our culture and the core values that support it should create an environment that spurs our team to think outside the box feel comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is possible and signal confidence in our teams ability to make change happen through our philanthropic efforts. Although not an exhaustive list below youll find examples of Arnold Ventures work culture.

We are adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity

We are intellectually curious open-minded objective humble collegial and receptive to feedback

We are action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects

We are able to interact confidently and collaboratively with team members and navigate relationships with external experts government leaders advocates and individuals

AVs values reflect who we are as an organization help us accelerate our strategic goals strengthen our resolve anchor us to our mission and guide our decision-making. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the AV team to make a difference.

Respect for Ourselves & Others

Audacious Action

Collaborative Engagement

Depth of Thought

Clear Communication

AV is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We are seeking applicants from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and perspectives. Candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race color religion national origin age sex gender identity or expression marital status sexual orientation disability military/ veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.