Policy Manager

The Partnership for College Completion (PCC) seeks a purpose- and evidence-driven Policy Manager with project management experience to be an instrumental part of the organization’s Data and Research Team. The ideal candidate for this role will be a self-starter with a proven ability to work across the organization to take projects from the idea phase all the way through to launch. They will have a mind for policy, able to identify and assess the costs and benefits of any potential action and help us make important strategic decisions. This individual will be driven by a passion to advance equity in Illinois higher education and to be a crucial member of a high performing team at a key moment of opportunity, growth, and change in our organizational history.

About PCC

PCC is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 to champion policies and practices that increase college completion and eliminate degree completion disparities for low-income, first generation, and students of color in Illinois – particularly Black and Latinx students. PCC is the only organization in Illinois dedicated to providing leadership for a systems-level approach to support college completion and eliminate institutional inequities by race and income in higher education outcomes. Since its founding, the organization has played a central role in initiating a new, urgent conversation on higher education equity in the state.

PCC envisions a state where equitable opportunities to access and complete a college education lead to greater degree attainment, racial equity, and socioeconomic mobility for Illinoisans. With our steadfast focus on system-level reform and institutional change, PCC executes a unique three-part strategy in pursuit of its goals:

• Supporting colleges and universities directly in their institutional equity change efforts
• Advocating for effective local, state, and national policy and legislation
• Conducting and elevating data and research to increase awareness and public dialogue on present challenges and future solutions for advancing higher education equity

Summary Statement of Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Director of Research and Policy, PCC’s Policy Manager will be a key asset in leading research projects from start to launch, utilizing research and data to decide what policies PCC should prioritize, and building relationships with key stakeholders. This individual will be a key asset in the Research and Data Team’s work, writing and helping to oversee the calendar, production, and launch of reports, organizing groups around policy topics, engaging with researchers, and speaking on issues that impact equitable college access and completion. The Partnership is located in Chicago, with the expectation that the Policy Manager will come into the office in accordance with the hybrid schedule we maintain.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze research on issues and policies that can improve college access, affordability, and accountability.
• Help manage and execute the list of PCC projects and initiatives that further PCC’s impact toward its mission.
• Manage a portfolio of the department’s research projects, and collaborate with external partners in conducting research on our behalf.
• Represent the Partnership at various events and meetings and with various stakeholder groups, and help write remarks and speak at conferences, events, and to groups when relevant.
• Prepare internal and external facing legislative updates and reports, briefs, and memos.
• Help plan and coordinate policy-related meetings, events, and report launches.
• Help write legislative language, action alerts and communications.
• Help measure the impact of implemented policies, analyzing performance data and stakeholder feedback to identify areas for improvement
• Maintain relationships with a broad array of stakeholders including community-based organizations, higher education leaders, elected officials, business leaders, and subject matter experts locally and nationally.
• Help analyze data and provide content for reports, fact sheets, issue briefs, legislative testimony, presentations, and other materials that can serve as a resource for policymakers, college and university leaders, fellow nonprofit and advocacy organizations, and other partners.
• Support the development and execution of other strategic initiatives of the Partnership as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Dispositions

• Strong commitment to and alignment with PCC’s mission and familiarity with the priority areas of the organization.
• Commitment to PCC Core Beliefs:
  • Higher Education is a Fundamental Right for All Who Seek It – Our country will never realize the promise of equal opportunity for all without focusing on equity in higher education.
  • Systems are Flawed – Our systems are getting the results that they were designed to achieve and result in large gaps in degree completion that must be closed with urgency.
  • All Students Can Succeed – When given the right opportunities, tools, and supports all students can achieve.
  • Solutions and Resources Exist to Address Disparities – There is ample evidence that focusing time and resources on closing equity gaps in higher education works.
  • The Pursuit of Equity is a Marathon – Invest opportunities to ensure that your mental, physical, and emotional health are a priority.
• Experience managing multiple projects from start to their launch simultaneously, coordinating work from within and outside our organization.
• Research, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to tailor writing for a variety of audiences.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly discuss policies with external audiences.
• Ability to synthesize complex research findings into clear, compelling and accessible terms.
• Excellent problem solving and time management skills; must be experienced at meeting deadlines.
• Understanding of federal and/or state-level education policy, or demonstrated ability to learn.
• Ability to make, understand, and communicate charts, graphs, and relevant publications for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues internally and across partner organizations.
• Ability to engage with diverse communities and constituencies at multiple levels.
• Possess a track record of success as demonstrated by superior academic and professional achievement.
• Willingness to learn and adapt amid new and shifting priorities with a ‘can-do,’ solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Development-oriented mindset; be reflective, self-aware, open and responsive to feedback, and driven to learn from setbacks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in public policy, education, social sciences, business, economics, or related field
• Master’s degree in public policy, education, social sciences, business, economics, or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of related professional experience
• Experience contributing to complex projects requiring significant cross-functional collaboration
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to create and present information clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences.
• Strong commitment to and alignment with PCC’s mission
• Understanding of barriers faced by students, particularly low-income and first generation students, and students of color in pursuit of college degrees

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for the Policy Manager is $60,000 – $70,000 commensurate with experience, along with a generous benefits plan that includes health/dental; 403B plan with a generous company match (up to 5%); short and long-term disability; holiday, vacation, and sick accrual; flexible, hybrid work schedule; paid parental leave; access to professional and wellness opportunities; a number of other elective and competitive benefits such as vision insurance.

Commitment to Diversity

The Partnership for College Completion is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to building a diverse team and to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, individuals from low-income households, LGBTQ+ persons, differently-abled people, and others that hold identities that represent the significant diversity of college students in Illinois. People from these and other historically marginalized backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

Virtual and In-Office Workplace

PCC currently maintains a flexible, hybrid work environment.

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccination and corresponding documentation must be provided by all employees in advance of their start date.

Please send a resume and cover letter, with the subject line “Policy Manager” to apply@partnershipfcc.org. Resumes will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

PCC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on sex, race, color, ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.