The Hunt Institute
Durham, NC
The Hunt Institute’s mission is to secure America’s future through quality public education. Since its establishment in 2001, the organization has emerged as a recognized and credible leader in the movement to transform American public education and a go-to source for reliable, objective, and timely information. The Institute works at the intersection of policy and politics, supporting state and national officials and empowering them to drive education reform. Its mandate is to inspire and equip elected officials and senior policymakers to make informed decisions that improve the lives of all children. The Institute’s primary audience is governors, legislators, and other elected and state-level policymakers.
The Hunt Institute seeks a policy analyst or senior policy analyst (PA) to join the Policy & Program Team (title and designation will be determined based on selected candidate’s relevant experience ). The PA maintains an expert understanding of education policy issues and readily translates them into publications and curriculum for high-level state policymakers. S/he conducts research and analysis on relevant policy issues and writes policy briefs, primers, and case studies for dissemination to the Institute’s policymaker audiences. S/he plans and executes agendas for policymaker convenings. The PA collaborates with both the Director and Associate Director of Policy & Program to build relationships with key constituents in the Institute’s networks (such as North Carolina).
The PA reports to the Director of Policy & Program (DPP).
Principal Functions
Education Policy Analysis, Tracking, and Networking
The PA serves as the subject matter expert on assigned education policy areas in internal strategic planning sessions, partner meetings, meetings with policymakers, and during the development of publications and events. S/he prepares and communicates timely analyses in meetings, presentations, and in written documents. S/he contributes to and attends conferences and meetings, including meetings of various national professional associations, advocacy organizations, and policy research organizations.
Curriculum Development and Project Management
The PA serves as the lead project manager for policymaker convenings, such as the Holshouser Legislators Retreat ; project management includes designing and executing agendas, identifying and preparing speakers, developing materials, and managing the project timeline. The PA will work in coordination with the Associate Director of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows (or her designee) on event logistics. As needed, the PA supports the development of curriculum for the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows around areas of content expertise.
Publications and Content
The PA authors policy briefs, primers, case studies, state-specific policy summaries, signature publications, such as re: VISION and coNCepts, and other innovative content. S/he synthesizes information from a variety of sources into concise, nonpartisan documents that reflect the current political and education policy context. The PA also contributes to the institute’s blog, The Intersection, as appropriate.
Evaluation and Strategic Planning
The PA participates in long-term planning for the institute’s work with policymakers. S/he supports ongoing program improvement by developing methods to capture participant feedback and makes recommendations for potential follow-up activities for policymakers.
Qualifications
The position requires a bachelor’s degree in public policy, education, public administration, or related field; master’s degree in public policy preferred. Candidates should possess at least 3 years of relevant experience; candidates with at least 7 years of directly relevant experience may be considered for senior policy analyst position.
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:
- Deep knowledge of state and national K-12 education policy—knowledge of the landscape in North Carolina a plus;
- Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences;
- Commitment to maintaining political balance ;
- Proven ability to effectively scan the education landscape and determine issues of relevance and impact;
- Strong organizational and project planning skills, as well as good attention to detail;
- Passion for the Institute’s mission and impact;
- Ability to be responsive in a deadline-driven environment; and
- Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
Required experience:
Years of relevant experience: 3 years
Required education:
Bachelor's