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Postsecondary Education Policy (PEP) Analyst - Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Silver Spring, MD

Posted: Friday, September 30, 2016


 AUCD is seeking a Postsecondary Education Policy (PEP) Analyst, to coordinate and conduct activities related to state and federal policies impacting postsecondary education for youth with disabilities with a focus on youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The PEP Analyst will work on policy issues and provide analysis of the impact of federal legislation, state legislation, and regulations related to postsecondary education and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The PEP Analyst will be a member of the the AUCD staff and work in conjunction with the National Coordinating Center at Think College (ICI/UMASS Boston). The Analyst will develop and maintain working relationships with Members of Congress, the Administration and their staff, the NCC staff and affiliates, and postsecondary education programs throughout the country. The PEP Analyst works in coalition with nonprofit professional and advocacy organizations for the purpose of developing and coordinating advocacy efforts. The PEP Analyst reports to the Associate Executive Director for Research and Policy and is a vital team player in carrying out the strategic priorities and mission of the organization. The successful candidate will be self-motivated as well as possess a solid record of demonstrating great organizational skills and acute attention to detail.

AUCD promotes and supports a national network of interdisciplinary centers on disabilities. Its member centers represent every US state and territory and include 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), 52 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Programs and 15 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC). Together, these organizations advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families and communities, in support of independence, productivity, and satisfying quality of life.

The AUCD office is located in downtown Silver Spring, MD, one block from the red line Silver Spring Metro station.

Job Responsibilities:  AUCD seeks an experienced policy analyst with a proven track-record of analyzing data and in communicating complex policy issues to a variety of constituencies. The successful candidate will:

  • Research, analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex policy issues clearly;
  • Demonstrate exemplary writing, research, and analytical skills as the job requires the individual to produce high-quality written briefs and reports appropriate for a variety of formats and audiences;
  • Create fact sheets, research and practice briefs, policy summaries, and other written products for the NCC, postsecondary education programs, and state advocates;
  • Support working groups of postsecondary education staff members from throughout the country who are interested in and work on PSE policy at the state and federal levels;
  • Develop web-based resources for NCC PSE and AUCD to communicate the scope of PSE for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
  • Coordinate in-person and online professional meetings and conferences for PSE staff from programs throughout the country;
  • Be able to meet tight deadlines while balancing multiple responsibilities and meeting high expectations for quality;
  • Research and analyze education data for policy briefs;
  • Develop text for publications and other text media;
  • Manage and host online meetings via web-based platforms (e.g. GotoMeeting, Zoom, Adobe connect).
  • Communicate with constituent audiences (including members of the media, personnel in state education agency offices, legislators and their staff);
  • Maintain regular communication with remote partners and document activities and progress via online project management system;
  • Helps senior AUCD staff prepare for high-level briefings;
  • Advocate for federal postsecondary, adult education and workforce policies that promote access to marketable credentials and labor market success for adults with disabilities, including the development of multiple pathways to postsecondary credentials and careers in growth areas of the economy;
  • Demonstrate effectiveness in legislative advocacy as applied to the issues and concerns related to adults with disabilities;
  • Track and analyze related legislative and regulatory developments;
  • Conduct research, analysis, synthesis, and reporting on research and state and local developments to support this advocacy; and
  • Speak to a wide variety of audiences, including national, state and local policymakers and practitioners on substantive areas of work.

Qualifications and skills:

  • A bachelor's degree in a field related to public policy, health, education, social services or law is required.
  • Graduate degree in public policy/administration or other relevant field is preferred.
  • Experience of at least 3-5 years in related work.
  • Advocacy experience, especially at the federal level.
  • Excellent research, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills.
  • Experience using online platforms for communication and project management.
  • The capacity to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Experience with postsecondary education for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities is desirable.
  • This position requires the ability to prioritize and multitask as well as recognize problems and respond with a sense of urgency, use good judgment and make thoughtful decisions.
  • Experience working with and supporting people with disabilities a plus.
  • Familiarity preferred with the capacity and activities of the national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND); and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC); and direct experience in working with children and adults with disabilities and their families.
  • Knowledge of the federal legislative and executive regulatory processes.
  • Knowledge of current developments in the field of disability policy, education, health and social services legislation as related to the work of AUCD Centers and programs.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience using electronic tools for information exchange and consensus building.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent time management with a strong aptitude to manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously.

Benefits
Salary based on education and experience; generous health, dental, disability, life insurance and retirement benefits; and three weeks' vacation plus sick and personal days and paid holidays. Opportunity to exercise creativity and initiative in a national disability nonprofit organization.

Procedures
By email only, submit a 1) letter of interest, 2) resume of relevant experience, 3) a writing sample and 4) names and contact information of three references to:  Michael Gamel-McCormick at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted and reviewed immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

Information on AUCD:  www.aucd.org


AUCD is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons from diverse cultural backgrounds and persons with disabilities
are strongly encouraged to apply.