Experience & Qualifications 

• 4-6 years of direct work experience in policy, research, political campaigns or other relevant public affairs experience in education.
• Demonstrated understanding of current education reform issues and experience pertaining to Innovative School Systems which could include any of the following: Managing or supporting school performance, authorizations, portfolio school districts, and school performance frameworks.
• Robust qualitative research skills and experience, including landscape scans, literature reviews, legislative/policy analysis and/or synthesis. 
• Strong quantitative analysis skills founded in a firm understanding of quantitative research methods. 
• Working knowledge to translate and synthesize technical literature, quantitative research and basic survey methods.
• Advanced word processing, email, PowerPoint, spreadsheet and design skills.
• Precise oral and written communication skills (demonstrated public speaking and facilitation skills are a plus). 
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with minimal guidance, on teams and with diverse constituencies. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. 
• Strongly Prefer candidates with teaching experience and/or who have worked in a local education agency, state education agency or charter management organization.
• Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business, Education, Juris Doctor or related fields preferred.

Who You Are

• Unwavering in your commitment to improving student learning and achievement and moving education systems beyond the status quo.
• Committed to the vision of a more equitable education system in the U.S., including willingness to examine the role of privilege, structural barriers and inclusion in changing the trajectories of students furthest from opportunity.
• Highly organized and a detail-oriented self-starter committed to quality and results.
• Proactive in anticipating and adjusting for unexpected barriers to success.
• Take ownership in your own development and intentionally support others to grow professionally.
• Flexible, resourceful and good humored in a deadline-driven, results-oriented culture in an organization on the move and always striving for excellence.
• Thrive when working independently and desire to work in a virtual office environment.
• Strongly recommended for employment by peers and co-workers.
  
  

Education First actively engages our team with a robust Race, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (RIDE) strategy to build our staff and organizational capacity to lead on issues of equity and to increase diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of the firm. As a proud equal opportunity employer, we strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, national origin, age, religion, creed, veteran or disabled status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. 

Location and Compensation

Education First is a virtual consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, WA. We seek to hire the most talented staff in the nation, regardless of location. Your location must be accessible to a major airport for some project-related travel and during the few times annually all staff are brought together. Education First offers a competitive salary and benefits package. For greater detail about the company, please visit our website at www.education-first.com. 

Application

Enthusiastic candidates should email a resume and detailed cover letter describing how your qualifications and interests match the content expertise within one of our three focus areas, your salary expectations, to careers@education-first.com (please include “Analyst Application” in the subject line). Please, no phone calls or other inquiries.