Research Intern; Summer

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to building a more equitable and just society through higher education. Through research, advocacy, policy development, and field engagement, IHEP drives systemic change in higher education to advance equitable outcomes and generational impact for communities historically marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity or income.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP is seeking a research intern to join our team remotely for the 2026 summer semester (May/June – August/September 2026). The research team focuses on federal, state, and institutional policies related to racial and socioeconomic equity; postsecondary data and transparency; college access, affordability, success, and value; and projects that further the practical application of promising practices that drive postsecondary attainment, particularly for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students and students from low-income backgrounds.

In this role, interns are likely to participate in team and staff meetings, perform literature reviews, participate in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, summarize information from postsecondary-themed events, external meetings, and/or new research studies, support the development of research and policy reports, blogs as well as advocacy materials/efforts on topics such as postsecondary data, college completion and affordability, and support the preparation of convenings.

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we operate fully remotely on a day-to-day basis and welcome remote applicants for this position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Summarize findings from relevant higher education reports, news, and publications to be shared in a biweekly data-focused newsletter.
• Support IHEP’s research team with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis of policy- and practice-relevant postsecondary education issues, including conducting literature reviews, legislation, and policy scans, writing blog posts, and performing data analyses.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, memos, and other content to inform the work of the research team.
• Support the research team in preparing responses to time-sensitive requests from media and policymakers.
• Attend select external meetings and events and identify/report back on key takeaways aligned with IHEP focus areas.
• Support with planning and logistics for convenings.
• Collaborate with and provide assistance to other departments and staff as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
We are looking for a combination of the following skills and experience.

• Availability to work close to full-time, between 30-40 hours a week, through the summer.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Prior experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, data collection, and higher education data sets preferred.
• Experience with project management preferred.
• A keen interest in public policy, postsecondary education research and advocacy, and the commitment to work in an equity-minded organization.
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a dynamic group of partners and consultants.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

WORKING at IHEP:

IHEP recognizes that a talented and inclusive workforce of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences benefits individuals, partners, and IHEP as a whole. We recognize that all employees bring their own capabilities, experiences, and characteristics to their work. IHEP believes in treating all individuals with respect and dignity and strives to achieve a supportive environment in which all employees reach their maximum potential.

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