Director of Research & Policy

Reports to: Managing Director

Location: Remote (Massachusetts-based)

Status: Full-time, Exempt

About Hildreth Institute

The Hildreth Institute, a trusted source of independent research, is committed to driving systemic change in higher education by promoting affordability, accountability, and equity, empowering advocates and decision-makers with student-centered, equity-driven policy analysis, thereby fostering an inclusive and transformative educational landscape.

We work across sectors, with state agencies, higher education institutions, direct service providers, advocates, and funders, to build capacity for data-driven policy decisions that improve outcomes for all students.

The Institute is entering an exciting period of growth, supported by major foundations and marked by the expansion of our team through the addition of new staff and research contractors. This next chapter offers an opportunity to deepen our impact, broaden our reach, and advance innovative solutions to higher education challenges.

Position Summary

The Director of Research & Policy will lead the execution of the Institute’s research agenda and contribute to policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and communications. This senior-level role reports directly to the Managing Director and plays a pivotal role in producing timely, equity-centered research that shapes institutional and public policy in Massachusetts and beyond.

In the immediate term, the Director will oversee a multi-year research initiative, funded by several leading foundations, focused on increasing transparency in the true cost of attending college. This includes managing internal analyses and coordinating external consultants. The Director will also contribute to legislative and budget analysis, as well as public engagement on college affordability, access, student success, degree value, and data transparency in education.

As the organization continues to grow, this role will evolve to include collaborating with the Managing Director to develop new research projects, supporting fundraising efforts, and overseeing the implementation of emerging initiatives.

Primary ResponsibilitiesResearch & Data Analysis

Manage and lead the execution of research projects, beginning with full oversight of the Cost of Attendance initiative.
Oversee external consultants conducting qualitative research and ensure integration with internal analysis.
Conduct or oversee the execution of quantitative analysis using large public or institutional datasets (e.g., IPEDS, NCES) with tools such as Excel, STATA, R, or Python.
Coordinate with data visualization consultants to ensure timely production of dashboards and other outputs.
Draft research briefs and preparatory materials for funders, partners, and public audiences, ensuring analysis maintains a strong equity lens.

Policy Analysis & Legislative Support

Support analysis of state budget allocations, financial aid programs, and institutional appropriations.
Assist in developing cost estimates and evaluating the fiscal impact of proposed policies.
Track and evaluate legislation relevant to higher education.
Contribute to drafting policy briefs, memos, and testimony in collaboration with the Managing Director.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communication

Engage with key stakeholders, including policymakers, partners, advocates, and community organizations, to inform, disseminate our research, and refine our work (beginning with the Cost of Attendance project’s goals).
Translate research findings into accessible content for various audiences.
Research and identify relevant conferences and convenings where the Institute can learn, network, and disseminate findings.
Identity, attend, present, or delegate attendance at such events as appropriate to advance the Institute’s visibility and impact.

QualificationsRequired

Ph.D. in Higher Education, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in higher education policy research or related fields.
Deep knowledge of the Massachusetts higher education landscape and policymaking environment.
Demonstrated expertise in college finance and financial aid systems, including pricing structures and financial aid distribution.
Experience conducting both quantitative and qualitative research with a focus on equity-centered outcomes.
Proven experience managing large datasets and working with public data sources (e.g., IPEDS, NCES, College Scorecard).
Excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex analyses into clear, compelling insights.
Comfort with external communication and stakeholder engagement.
A strong commitment to advancing equity, access, and socioeconomic mobility in public higher education.

Preferred

Experience in coalition-based policy or advocacy settings.
Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Stata, R, Python) and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Understanding of state budget processes and legislative dynamics.
Familiarity with appropriations processes and governance structures of public colleges and universities.

Compensation:

Hildreth Institute offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a benefits package and flexible remote work options.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to hi@hildrethinstitute.org

Visit our website: https://www.hildrethinstitute.org/about

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