Research Assistant/Associate Policy Analyst in Education Policy at Top Think Tank

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank dedicated to the study of national and international migration policies, seeks a Research Assistant/Associate Policy Analyst (title determined based on prior experience) to support its work on early childhood education and care (ECEC) and K-12 education policies. 

The primary functions of this position, based in Washington, DC with a hybrid work schedule, are to produce qualitative and quantitative analyses of ECEC and K-12 issues, policies, and programs affecting Dual Language Learners (DLLs), English Learners (ELs), and children from immigrant and refugee families. Areas of focus include strengthening access to high-quality early childhood services, promoting meaningful parent engagement, and analyzing policies that support the success of EL and immigrant students in K-12 public schools. Apply by October 28, with early applications encouraged.

About MPI and its National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy

MPI seeks to improve immigration and integration policies in the United States and globally through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions.

This position is housed in MPI’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy (NCIIP). Through policy research and analysis and technical assistance, NCIIP supports state and local community leaders, elected officials, researchers, state and local agency managers, and others in identifying and promoting policy solutions that support immigrant and refugee families.

MPI is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining staff at all levels who reflect the breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where we work. MPI is committed to making sure that staff members of all backgrounds work in an inclusive, equitable environment. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and write policy briefs and reports, background papers, and background memos for external and internal audiences, analyzing policy barriers and solutions affecting the well-being and outcomes of immigrant and refugee families with young children, as well as the academic success of EL and immigrant students in K-12 schools.
• Produce data visualizations and fact sheets for diverse audiences, including policymakers, government agency managers, and community stakeholders.
• Support NCIIP research and technical assistance efforts focused on strengthening policy and programming for immigrant and refugee families with young children and educational success for ELs and first- and second-generation immigrant students.
• Interact with external scholars, policymakers, and community stakeholders to coordinate program events and activities.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework and 2-4 years of experience involving schooling or social service provision for immigrant children and their families and/or research and policy analysis experience in the NGO, public policy, and/or government sectors; OR master’s degree with relevant coursework and 1-3 years of experience.
• Superior writing, editing, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand and synthesize complex policy provisions and their implications for service provision at the state and local levels.
• Ability to work independently and in a team and handle multiple assignments and projects.
• Commitment to NCIIP’s mission and general interest in immigrant integration issues.

Preferred

• Knowledge of federal and state policies relevant to ECEC and K-12 immigrant integration, including, but not limited to early childhood programs, two-generation and parent-focused programming, EL policies and programs, language access, and refugee resettlement.
• Research experience, including familiarity with federal and state demographic and program-performance data.
• Project management experience.

Salary and Benefits

This position comes with a competitive salary and generous benefits package, including health and retirement benefits. The starting salary is between $52,000-$67,500 depending on education and prior experience.

Job and Application Details

The job is based in MPI’s office in Washington, DC, with the potential for remote work up to 2 days a week. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and short, unedited writing sample to hr@migrationpolicy.org. Please reference “Research Asst Fall2024-NCIIP-[[Your Last Name]]” in the subject line and include a line telling us how you heard about this position. When attaching your resume, the saved title should be “[LastName]-NCIIP Application.” No phone calls, please. No additional emails to staff.

Applications are due by 9pm ET on October 28, 2024. However, we encourage all candidates to apply as early as possible. Due to the large number of applicants, only those being considered for the position will be contacted.

The Migration Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual or gender orientation, religion, or physical ability. We value a diverse work environment and welcome applications from all candidates who meet the requirements for the position.