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 Public Higher Education System

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 BHE is staffed by its executive agency, the Department of Higher Education (DHE), which is run by Commissioner Noe Ortega. 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.

Position Overview

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.

Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions

Policy Research & Analysis:

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.

Data Collection & Reporting:

Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on various aspects of higher education (e.g., enrollment trends, funding levels, graduation rates, affordability, workforce alignment). Prepare reports and policy briefs to communicate findings effectively to policymakers, educational leaders, and the public.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Serve as a liaison to various higher education stakeholders, including government officials, universities, community colleges, advocacy organizations, and student groups. Organize and attend meetings, webinars, and conferences to foster collaboration and gather insights.

Policy Development & Advocacy:

Assist in the development of policy recommendations aimed at improving the accessibility, affordability, and quality of higher education in Massachusetts. Participate in advocacy efforts to promote policy changes at the state level.

Communication & Presentation:

Prepare policy briefs, fact sheets, presentations, and other written materials that distill complex policy issues into clear and actionable information for diverse audiences, including policymakers, institutional leaders, and the public.

Public Policy Strategy Support:

Work with senior staff to support the development of the organization’s public policy strategy, aligning research and analysis with the organization's broader goals. Contribute to strategic planning and initiative development on key issues affecting higher education in Massachusetts.

Competencies/Skills and Abilities

Ability to plan, organize, and track work using core project-management principles, including defining scope, milestones, and deliverables aligned with agency priorities.

Demonstrated skill in managing tasks and timelines in a structured, transparent way, with comfort coordinating across teams to keep projects on track.

Familiarity with common project-management tools and digital work platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, Smartsheet, MS365 tools) and the ability to adopt new tools as needed.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical data into clear, concise policy recommendations.

Familiarity with Massachusetts’ higher education landscape, including public and private institutions, state agencies, and relevant state legislation.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) required. Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) preferred.

Aspires to lead by and practice DHE Values and Behaviors and commits to embody them through continued learning and personal growth.

Experience working with diverse teams and leveraging their unique perspectives to achieve positive outcomes.

Demonstrated experience in creating an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued.

Engage in a collaborative workplace climate.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and synthesize complex data and policy issues.

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Knowledge of state legislative processes and familiarity with public policy advocacy techniques.

Strong attention to detail, self-motivated, and proactive.

Passionate about higher education and advancing public policy that promotes equity and student success.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in policy analysis, government relations, or education advocacy is highly preferred.

Knowledge of Massachusetts higher education funding models, student financial aid programs, and workforce development initiatives.

Familiarity with data analytic tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, Tableau).

Experience working in state or local government or a policy think tank.

Reporting and Location

One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts

In-state hybrid work (minimum two days a week in office)

In-state travel to campus and partner organizations

Out-of-state travel to attend national conferences and events

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following with their application\:

Resume

Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position

A writing sample (e.g., policy brief, research report, memorandum, or similar work)

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Taina.Noelsaint@mass.gov

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

** Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position, in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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