Research Fellow - Higher Education

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, whose mission is to inform and improve public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. PPIC offers high-quality research and analysis to a broad policy-oriented audience, encouraging productive dialogue and inspiring the search for sustainable policy solutions around the state. Institute events feature viewpoints from across the political spectrum and promote thoughtful and respectful discussions on critical issues facing California.

Purpose of the Role

Research fellows contribute directly to PPIC’s mission. They are highly trained professionals with strong analytical skills and with a driving interest in using those skills to create and communicate knowledge that informs California’s policymaking processes and outcomes.

The PPIC Higher Education Center (HEC) aims to recruit a research fellow in higher education who is able to demonstrate significant interest in connecting research to policymaking. The candidate will bring substantive knowledge of and interest in working with a team of researchers on issues of college access, outcomes, and affordability, with the goal of helping ensure a more equitable higher education system in California. The research fellow in this position would lead a research agenda on financial aid reform and higher education finance, and have the opportunity to develop new projects aligned with the HEC’s mission and vision. The start date for this role is expected to be spring 2024, or later.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PPIC Higher Education Center researchers to identify policy research opportunities that will help inform and improve California’s higher education system.
• Lead all aspects of the design, implementation, and analysis using quantitative research methodologies to respond to key policy research questions. Lead or oversee qualitative/mixed methods components of research projects.
• Conduct original research and produce PPIC publications, including reports, policy briefs, blogs, and explainers, in collaboration with the research and communications teams.
• Engage and cultivate professional relationships with external and internal stakeholders, including higher education system leaders, policy makers, researchers, practitioners, the general public, and PPIC staff through research presentations and targeted outreach.
• Collaborate with HEC director and the PPIC development team to identify and seek grant support for research projects.
• Participate actively as a collaborative member of the HEC team, the larger PPIC research community, and the broader higher education research field, through regular attendance at meetings, retreats, events, convenings and/or conferences.
• Work with and mentor junior research staff on developing and strengthening research skills.

Key Attributes

Successful candidates will bring excellent research skills, as well as strong skills in writing, external policy engagement, and communications. Importantly, successful candidates have the ability to lead the design and planning of research studies using descriptive and quasi-experimental research designs for HEC research projects. Demonstrated experience working with a team of researchers to carry out quantitative data analysis using student-level datasets is required, as is proficiency with data analysis software such as STATA, R, or Python. Experience leading or overseeting qualitative/mixed methods research is a plus.

Strong writing skills, demonstrated through prior writing and publications are essential; the ability to write for a range of audiences including higher education system leaders, policy makers, practitioners, and the general public is preferred. The candidate must bring strong interpersonal skills to support collaboration with colleagues in research, communications, government affairs, and development, as well as organizational skills that support their ability to handle multiple tasks, timelines and priorities in a team environment.

Familiarity with the California higher education context is preferred; familiarity with PK-12 education or a related policy issue may be substituted. Familiarity with dual enrollment, developmental education reform, community college transfer, college affordability, higher education finance, and college and career readiness programs and initiatives are a plus.

A doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or the equivalent) in economics, education, public policy, sociology, or a related discipline is preferred. We seek applicants at various stages in their careers, from recent doctoral graduates to mid-career researchers. While a background in California policy research is an advantage, applicants with federal or other state-level research experience that could be translated to the California context are also encouraged to apply.

PPIC values the wide variety of backgrounds and experiences of our research staff. Key elements in the consideration of qualified candidates include excellence; diversity of talents, backgrounds, and viewpoints; and a strong fit with the institute’s mission, values, and goals.

To Apply

Please submit your application letter, your resume, one or more writing samples geared towards a policy audience, and the names and contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without your prior approval. Applications will be considered as they are received and until the position has been filled.

Location: Hybrid work environment with office in San Francisco or Sacramento, CA.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for offers for this position is $124,800 - $183,000. In determining a specific offer level for a candidate, PPIC considers a variety of factors including but not limited to the specific role and associated responsibilities; internal equity; and a candidate’s work experience, education, training, skills and other expertise.

In addition to the salary, the role offers a generous benefit package, excellent work environment, and an exciting mission that will inspire you daily! The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents. PPIC contributes the equivalent of 9% of the salary towards the retirement plan. The organization provides 12 paid holidays and 28 days of PTO annually (PTO balance increases with tenure), and more!

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement:

PPIC celebrates diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents the backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and skills of California. No matter who you are, we invite you to apply for this role.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.