Research Analyst

Position Title: Research Analyst

Classification: Full Time – Exempt

Salary: $64,000 - $75,000 annually, based on experience

Location: Boulder, CO (In-Office)

Position Overview: The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s Policy Analysis and Research unit is seeking a thoughtful and dedicated individual to help drive the organization’s efforts in key areas supporting postsecondary access and success in the West. The research analyst will support the unit’s work in collecting, managing, analyzing, and presenting quantitative and qualitative data. This includes ongoing periodic data publications and products, research projects and initiatives, analytical tool development, and technical assistance related to state higher education and workforce development policies and practices.

The research analyst is responsible for continually improving the clarity and relevance of the data products and research conducted by and for the unit and its principal audiences.

Organizational Responsibility: Under the supervision of the Director of Evidence and Strategic Initiatives, the research analyst will focus on developing data publications and products related to postsecondary affordability, access, and success. The research analyst will support the unit’s data, research, and project management activities, including longstanding work on demographics and projections of high school graduates, research on higher education affordability, and other efforts.

A successful applicant will have a deep knowledge of postsecondary data, expertise in analyzing and presenting data for relevant audiences, and be familiar with key higher education issues.

• Acting as a key research analyst for the Policy Analysis and Research Unit, conducting research and analysis that supports the unit and the organization’s focus in areas of demographic trends, workforce development, and affordability.
• Assisting under the direction of the Director of Evidence and Strategic Initiatives in the continued development and usage of the Policy Analysis and Research Database to support WICHE’s mission, including the collection and analysis of education and workforce data from multiple sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other federal data sources.
• Preparing research and policy reports and other written material, including WICHE Insights and other reports and website content.
• Making presentations to a variety of audiences, including public policymakers, state and institutional higher education officials, members of the research and scholarly communities, and others through various formats (e.g., in-person, multimedia, webinars).
• Responding to inquiries from constituents and stakeholders, which may include WICHE Commissioners, state agency officials, legislators and their staff members, governors’ staff members, institutional leaders and staff, and the media.
• Collaborating with the Director, Vice President of Policy Analysis and Research, and the Information Technology department to implement continual improvements to the Unit’s and WICHE’s capacity to effectively use data resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate to the analysis of public policy, such as public policy, political science, higher education, sociology, or economics and/or four years of relevant professional work experience or equivalent.
• Experience in managing large amounts of quantitative data accurately and efficiently using spreadsheets and database applications.
• Demonstrated competency in generating effective presentations of data, including charts, graphs, maps, and other visual representations, including the presentation of data through interactive tools (Tableau, Power BI, etc.).
• Knowledge of relevant key data sources, including those managed by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (especially IPEDS, CCD, PSS, and various longitudinal sample surveys); the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Labor data sources; and state student and longitudinal data systems.
• Experience with…