Latino Policy Analyst

General Summary

The Latino Policy Analyst (LPA) will work with the Gastón Institute’s Director, Associate Director and/or Principal Investigators to conduct statewide research and policy analysis focusing on the status of Latino communities, with a special focus on developing recommendations for policies, programs and best practices at the local and state levels that support the advancement of the Latino community in Massachusetts. The LPA will collect and analyze primary data across the state;

and will analyze secondary data collected by federal agencies, state agencies, community-based organizations, human services providers, academic and professional journals, professional organizations and foundations. The LPA will write and prepare policy/issue briefs, research summaries and literature reviews; and will serve as the lead facilitator for the “Latino Public Policy Advisory Group” at the Gastón Institute. The LPA will also support the development of grant proposals for the group’s research agenda.

The LPA will also work closely with community-based organizations to identify Latino needs and emerging trends, and areas for coordination and collaboration that support policy-based initiatives for the Latino community in MA.

• Conduct statewide research focused on the status of Latinos in Massachusetts and nationally, with a special focus on identifying and developing recommendations for policies, programs and best practices at the local and state levels that advance educational and economic mobility and the closing of persistent health, income and wealth disparities in the Latino community;
• Conduct and analyze primary qualitative and quantitative data for Latinos across Massachusetts; analyze secondary data collected by federal and state agencies, community-based organizations, human services providers, academic and professional journals, professional organizations and foundations to provide a comprehensive picture of the experiences of Latinos in Massachusetts;
• Write, prepare, and release policy/issue briefs; research summaries; research reports; and literature reviews on issues affecting the Latino communities in Massachusetts;
• Serve as the lead facilitator for the development of the “Latino Public Policy Advisory Group” at the Gaston Institute, that will collaborate on policy and advocacy initiatives with local partner organizations, including the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN), Amplify Latinx (ALX), the Commission on the Status of Latinos & Latinas in Massachusetts, and with policymakers, including those affiliated with the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus;
• Facilitate regular meetings with the Latino Public Policy Advisory Group and educate its members on the emerging Latino issues and areas for coordination and collaboration;
• Analyze and synthesize data, emerging trends, and existing literature to inform project design and for inclusion in policy briefs, reports, scholarly articles, and grant proposals;
• Provide direction and supervision of work-study and graduate students; provide work-study and graduate students with research training and opportunities for skills development surrounding public policy;
• Develop and implement an applied research and policy analysis program focused on the intersection between community development and health, education, criminal justice reform, and other areas of interest of the institute in coordination with the Latino Public Policy Advisory Group;
• In collaboration with Latino Public Policy Advisory Group partners, establish research and advocacy priorities, develop strategic plans to advance policies and legislative work on key emerging Latino issues; prepare white papers, legislative testimonies, policy memos, and editorials for media outlets;
• Communicate with the media and stakeholders about the Latino Public Policy agenda on behalf of the Gastón Institute and the Latino Public Policy Advisory Group partners;
• Support the development of grant proposals for the Institute and the Latino Public Policy Advisory Group’s research agenda;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Political…