[Hiring] Specialist, Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research @Foundation for California Community Colleges

Role Description

We are seeking a Specialist to join the Foundation in its mission of benefitting, supporting, and enhancing the California Community Colleges—the largest and most diverse system of higher education in the nation. The Specialist-Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research will contribute to advancing student success and equity in higher education. This role involves strategic planning and implementation of multiple initiatives that drive state- and system-wide goals, while fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. The position is primarily remote with some travel required.

• Support the project team lead by assisting in the development and execution of project plans, including tracking deliverables, milestones, and outcomes.
• Develop clear and compelling policy briefs, reports, presentations, and communication materials that translate complex research, policy analysis, and project conclusions into actionable insights and recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Support the design and execution of research to improve student success.
• Collaborate closely with senior team members to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including supporting data collection activities (e.g., interviews, focus groups, case studies), conducting data analysis using publicly available data, conducting secondary research and synthesizing findings from higher education research and policy.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with FoundationCCC partners, the Chancellor’s Office, and other higher education, government, and nonprofit partners.
• Stay attuned to federal, state and system office policy development efforts by attending Chancellor’s Office events, Board of Governors meetings, legislative hearings and briefings, and other relevant meetings, virtually or in-person.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of related work experience in stakeholder engagement, policy development, research, or project management.
• Experience working within higher education systems and structures, including working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience conducting secondary, applied research, writing in-depth reports in a professional setting, and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Experience in higher education reform, systems change, or nonprofit/public sector environments is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional, and audience-appropriate reports, briefs, and presentations.
• Highly organized, self-starting, and able to work independently while managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Strategic and creative thinker, adaptable in fast-paced environments, able to problem-solve and respond swiftly to emerging needs.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, generous PTO, holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Wellness offerings.
• CalPERS retirement program and optional 403(b) and 457 Retirement plans.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.