Operations Research Analysts jobs

Position Title

Research Analyst

Classification
Full Time – Exempt

Salary

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

Position available

Immediately / This position will be in-office in Boulder, CO

**Please include a cover letter with your application

The Position

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 and body of work in areas of demographic trends, workforce development, and affordability, among others.
Under the direction of the Director of Evidence and Strategic Initiatives, assist 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 (i.e., U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics, 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 a variety of 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.

In collaboration with the Director of Evidence and Strategic Initiatives and the Vice President, Policy Analysis and Research, and the Information Technology department, implement continual improvements to the Unit’s and WICHE’s capacity to effectively use data resources.

Other duties as assigned.

Position Specifications

Required:

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 qualitative research methods, such as interviews and focus groups.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, and at least one common statistical platform, such as R, SPSS, or STATA including the ability to manage large datasets and to create code in those applications to explore, prepare and analyze data with replicable procedures.

Familiarity with SQL and relational databases.

Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and cordial working relationships.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to deliver compelling presentations on complex topics to diverse audiences.

Ability to think creatively, produce accurate and timely written reports, and speak to and write clearly for policy audiences such as legislators, governors’ staff, and state agency officials.

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision within a team structure.

Knowledge of and interest in higher education and public policies relating to it.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrated competence with essential data security practices.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in a field appropriate to the research and analysis of public policy, such as political science, higher education, public policy, sociology, or economics.

Experience working in a policy-setting context, especially at the state level, such as through work with a state legislature; a state agency; or a non-profit organization that analyzes, advocates, or otherwise deals with state policy.

Experience designing/redesigning comprehensive organization solutions/applications for data management.

Advanced data visualization knowledge and proficiency, for example, Tableau or Microsoft BI.

Experience with quantitative and qualitative research design.

Experience in a postsecondary education setting such as a college or university, or a higher education research setting.

Travel
Limited travel may be required, depending on specific project requirements and interest; an estimate of 4-8 trips per year is likely.

About the Policy Analysis and Research Unit
WICHE’s Policy Analysis and Research unit offers various resources to support better-informed decision-making, principally at the state level. Topics for its numerous research projects and collaborations include postsecondary completion, closing attainment gaps, adult learners, and multistate data-sharing to support educational planning and workforce development. The unit’s staff members serve as subject-matter experts on higher education issues including finance, state and federal financial aid, articulation and transfer, strategic planning, and student demographics. Publications, including the WICHE Insights series, explore a range of significant policy issues. Unit staff members undertake long-term grant-funded projects, collaborate with regional and national partners, and provide short-term technical assistance to WICHE members.

About WICHE

Since 1953, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has been strengthening higher education, workforce development, and behavioral health throughout the region. As an interstate compact, WICHE partners with states, territories, and postsecondary institutions to share knowledge, create resources, and develop innovative solutions that address some of our society’s most pressing needs. From promoting high-quality, affordable postsecondary education to helping states get the most from their technology investments and addressing behavioral health challenges, WICHE improves lives across the West through innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy.

Benefits
WICHE offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical insurance with generous employer contribution to health savings account (H.S.A.), dental, life, and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care); 403(b) retirement plan with employer match of 200% on employee contributions up to 5% after six full months of employment; and paid vacation, sick and personal time as well as paid family leave.

This role may involve the use of generative AI to support research, drafting, or analysis. We require employees to follow our AI Use Policy, which includes transparency about AI‑assisted work, careful review of generated content, and strict adherence to privacy and security standards.

WICHE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status

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