Senior Policy Analyst 2026

Location: Either Washington D.C. or Boulder CO (hybrid) or fully remote for candidates living outside those areas.

Salary Range: $85000-$95000

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: .

About the position:

SHEEO is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to support research analysis and policy engagement related to state higher education policy. The Senior Policy Analyst will lead research projects produce policy reports and presentations and work closely with SHEEO member agencies and national partners to advance evidence-informed state policy.

This role combines policy analysis project management and member engagement across a range of issue areas that may include college attainment student success data systems workforce development and higher education finance. The Senior Policy Analyst will manage projects; develop publications and presentations; collaborate with partners; and contribute to SHEEO meetings conferences and member support activities.

The successful candidate will work closely with SHEEO member agencies and national partners to support states in advancing effective higher education policy and improving student outcomes.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct analysis and research on state higher education public policy to inform decision-making and support effective public policy.
• Develop briefs reports presentations and other products that translate analysis and research into accessible insights for state higher education leaders.
• Provide technical assistance to SHEEO members on a wide range of policy and practice issues.
• Manage projects and grants ensuring milestones are achieved and deadlines are met.
• Represent SHEEO at state regional and national meetings and events and contribute to planning and execution of convenings.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with SHEEO member agencies and partner organizations.
• Identify new opportunities for new projects and funding partnerships.
• Monitor emerging trends in public higher education and contribute to SHEEOs strategic priorities.

Qualifications Skills and Experience

We are looking for a combination of the following:

• A masters degree in higher education public policy or related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in policy analysis research or a comparable role.
• Demonstrated knowledge or analytical expertise in areas such as educational attainment student success state data systems workforce alignment or postsecondary finance.
• Experience analyzing state policy administrative data or education systems and translating complex findings into clear insights for policymakers and practitioners.
• Experience managing projects or supporting collaborative initiatives including coordinating timelines meetings or policy convenings.
• Experience preparing policy briefs research reports presentations or other policy publications.
• Strong analytical critical thinking and problem-solving skills with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Experience working with state agencies higher education systems national policy organizations or philanthropic partners is strongly preferred.

Travel:

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

Salary and Benefits:

The salary for this position will be commensurate with the candidates education and experience with an anticipated range of $85000-$95000.

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 flexible spending accounts 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 April 3 2026.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; SHEEO is unable to sponsor work authorization.

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.