Senior Policy Analyst

Trellis Company is a nonprofit focused on leveraging post-secondary education to improve quality of life and community outcomes. The Policy Analyst role involves developing and advancing policy initiatives related to student needs and workforce outcomes, managing projects, and producing high-quality communications that support organizational goals.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to Trellis Strategies leadership in the development of non-tuition support strategies
• Support state technical assistance projects that include managing timelines, deliverables, work products, external events, and meetings
• Prepare, proofread, and edit documents/materials, including but not limited to internal communications, meeting agenda, presentations, notes, and reports
• Draft correspondence and other materials as requested and serve as the primary point of contact for State TA partners, as directed
• Support the development of new technical assistance projects including contributing new ideas and writing and editing proposals and grants
• Demonstrate an ability to proactively anticipate needs and challenges and develop strategies to address them
• Develop, edit, and collaborate across various communication mediums such as memos, newsletters, and presentation decks for internal and external audiences
• Develop and contribute to research, analysis, and writing of reports, issue briefs, blog posts, fact sheets, and letters that advance policy priorities
• Schedule, organize, and develop plans for meetings with policymakers and staff, including gathering pertinent materials and providing appropriate follow-up materials and clarifications for subjects discussed in the meeting
• Support the development of federal and state level research agenda aligning with team priorities
• Analyze, summarize, and make recommendations on draft policy proposals, including on legislative, regulatory, and administrative issues
• Monitor and analyze regulatory, budgetary, and legislative developments in the student basic needs space
• Contribute research, analysis, and writing to reports, issue briefs, blog posts, fact sheets, and letters
• Provide support for data and research needs to support the student basic needs priorities
• Collaborate with partners at both the state and national levels through coalitions
• Assist with special projects as assigned
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Must be available to work flexible hours
• Support other functions and responsibilities of the department
• Interact with all levels of management, as necessary
• Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when serving as a primary point of contact for external partners
• Work independently while also contributing effectively in a team‑based environment

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, or other related field
• Three (3) years' progressively responsible experience in policy with preference for state human service, workforce development, or higher education agency, or
• Three (3) years' experience with federal and state policy processes, including legislative, regulatory, and administrative frameworks
• Knowledge of federal and state public policy processes, including legislative, regulatory, and administrative frameworks, including advocacy, coalition‑based work, and stakeholder engagement in policy environments
• Knowledge of higher education policy, workforce development systems, and/or public benefit programs, with emphasis on student basic needs and non‑tuition supports
• Knowledge of technical assistance models and strategies used to support state and local partners
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines, deliverables, meetings, and multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Advanced writing and editing skills, with experience producing high‑quality policy briefs, reports, memos, presentations, and external communications
• Research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex policy information and develop clear, actionable recommendations
• Strong communication skills to effectively engage internal leadership, external partners, policymakers, and coalition members and translate complex research and policy concepts into accessible materials for diverse audiences
• Organizational and planning skills, including meeting coordination, agenda development, and follow‑up documentation
• Collaborative skills to work across teams and with state and national partners in coalition settings
• Ability to serve as a strategic thought partner by contributing ideas, anticipating challenges, and supporting solution development
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and monitor legislative, regulatory, and budgetary developments and assess their policy implications
• Master's degree in education, public policy, or other related field
• Experience working on federal or state safety net policy such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program or childcare subsidies