Policy Analyst

Job Description - Policy Analyst (260000WB)

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged.

We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

The Massachusetts System of Public Higher Education ("System") enrolls approximately 260,000 students in credit‑bearing programs annually. The System consists of 15 community colleges, 9 state universities, and 5 University of Massachusetts ("UMass") campuses. The Board of Higher Education (BHE) has coordination and oversight responsibilities for the entire System, and the BHE, together with each institution’s respective Board of Trustees, expects all students, faculty, and staff to be held to exacting standards in the performance of their roles and responsibilities.

The BHE is the Commonwealth’s higher education authority with coordinating and regulatory responsibility for all public and private higher education institutions operating in the Commonwealth that are authorized to grant degrees. The BHE is staffed by the Department of Higher Education (DHE), which is run by a Commissioner who serves as the executive and administrative head of the department. Together, the BHE and DHE are the leading voice and advocate for postsecondary education in the Commonwealth.

In addition, the BHE and DHE’s authority includes administering state financial aid and federal grant programs; managing and responding to consumer complaints; conducting financial assessments of institutions; managing employee relations and benefits for public higher education employees; managing collective bargaining contracts with state university and community colleges employees; and approving degree‑granting authority for all public and most private higher education institutions operating within the Commonwealth.

Currently, 80 private institutions of higher education operate in the Commonwealth and are authorized to grant degrees.

The Department of Higher Education is committed to the Values of Equity, Accountability, Community, Empowerment, Intentionality, and Teamwork, and seeks applicants who value the full diversity of Massachusetts students and who share a sensitivity to and understanding of the academic, socio‑economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of the populations served. We employ a hybrid hoteling work model with a fixed weekly team day schedule.

The Higher Education Policy Analyst will play a critical role in supporting the development, analysis, and advocacy of policies impacting higher education in Massachusetts. The role involves conducting research, preparing policy briefs, providing data analysis, and collaborating with stakeholders across the public, private, and non‑profit sectors to inform and influence state‑level higher education policy decisions in furtherance of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and Healey‑Driscoll administration’s goals.

This position is ideal for a detail‑oriented, data‑driven individual passionate about higher education issues, public policy, and improving outcomes for students across the state. The successful candidate will work closely with state government agencies, institutions of higher education, advocacy organizations, and policymakers to support efforts to enhance access, affordability, quality, and equity in Massachusetts higher education.

Conduct in‑depth research on state and federal higher education policies, trends, and best practices. Analyze data and assess the impacts of existing and proposed policies on Massachusetts students, institutions, and communities.

Collect and…