Lead Policy Analyst

About the role

The Lead Policy Analyst reports to the Director of Policy and serves as the senior‑level analytical engine for Great Minds, shaping how the organization engages with policymakers and K‑12 stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the primary analytical resource for K‑12 policy trends, synthesizing intelligence across federal, state, and local levels.
• Own tracking and monitoring of state and local legislation, escalating emerging trends with analytical context and recommendations.
• Lead projects examining how legislative mandates influence policy action and develop rigorous, accessible findings.
• Translate regional trend analysis into concrete recommendations for policy engagement strategy.
• Produce clear briefings, frameworks, and recommendations for internal stakeholders.
• Represent Great Minds at policy conferences and sector events.

Required profile

• 7+ years of experience in K‑12 policy, applied research, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven ability to independently drive research projects from problem framing to strategic recommendation.
• Deep familiarity with state and local policy development processes, including legislative tracking.
• Demonstrated experience converting complex policy landscapes into clear strategic priorities.

Required skills

• Sophisticated command of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Strong judgment for prioritizing and escalating policy issues.