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Higher Education Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We support a dynamic portfolio of industries with a focus on empowering Higher Education marketing ... Time off Policy which includes time to recharge, refresh and take time for yourself and family ...

... policies and procedures for quality. * Manage the project team during the bidding and construction ... Experience with Higher Education projects in California. * Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or ...

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Higher Education Policy information

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$55.5K

$96.8K

$155K

How much do higher education policy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for higher education policy in the United States is $96,819.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in higher education policy, and why are they important?

To excel in Higher Education Policy, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a background in education policy, public administration, or a related field, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy research databases, and legislative tracking systems is often required. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and critical thinking skills are crucial for effectively shaping and advocating policy recommendations. These skills ensure that policies are evidence-based, strategically implemented, and address the complex needs of higher education institutions and stakeholders.

What are the common challenges faced by professionals working in higher education policy roles?

Professionals in higher education policy often navigate complex regulatory environments and must balance the interests of multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, and students. They face challenges such as staying up-to-date with rapidly changing policies, ensuring equity and access in educational opportunities, and analyzing the impact of proposed reforms. Additionally, collaboration across departments and with external partners is key, making strong communication and negotiation skills essential. Adapting to evolving technologies and data-driven decision-making are also becoming increasingly important in this field.

What is the difference between Higher Education Policy vs Education Policy Analyst?

AspectHigher Education PolicyEducation Policy Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education, Public Policy, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Public Policy, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, universities, think tanks focusing on higher education issuesGovernment, NGOs, or research organizations analyzing various education levels
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in higher education institutions and agencies shaping policies for colleges and universitiesBroader education sector, including K-12 and higher education policy analysis

Higher Education Policy specialists focus specifically on policies affecting colleges and universities, often working within higher education institutions or agencies. Education Policy Analysts have a broader scope, analyzing policies across all education levels. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in focus and work environment.

What is higher education policy?

Higher education policy refers to the set of laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. It covers areas such as funding, admissions, accreditation, student financial aid, faculty employment, and accountability. Policymakers in this field work to improve access, quality, and outcomes in higher education, often in response to economic, social, and workforce needs. These policies can be set at the institutional, state, or federal level and have a significant impact on students, educators, and society.
More about Higher Education Policy jobs
What cities are hiring for Higher Education Policy jobs? Cities with the most Higher Education Policy job openings:
What states have the most Higher Education Policy jobs? States with the most job openings for Higher Education Policy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Higher Education Policy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Higher Education Policy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Higher Education Policy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,819 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Research Assistant, Higher Education

The US Institute of Peace

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people's shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security - it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.
We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.
If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.
BRIEF
The Higher Education Engagement (HEE) team is hiring a research assistant (RA) to support its work within USIP's Civic Engagement and Scholarship (CES) Unit. HEE programmatic work is grounded in USIP's role as a public institution and its congressional mandate to serve as a resource for the American public. HEE compliments the longstanding work of Public Engagement and Scholastic Competitions by focusing on the higher education community of colleges, universities, and higher education associations. HEE seeks to enhance awareness within the higher education community about the Institute's resources for research, programming, and training.
Pay: $17.50 - $18.50
Work schedule: 20 Hours/Week
Expected Start Date: November 2024
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conduct research in support of the team's outreach to diverse domestic audiences, including identifying avenues for reaching new audiences and expanding USIP's contacts and relationships across the U.S.
  • Support existing HEE initiatives, including programs for professors and university students, onsite engagements at USIP's headquarters, and overall expansion of HEE's work.
  • Provide support for the team's work to track contacts and relationships across the country, including updating databases and mapping connections.
  • Assist in HEE's research initiative exploring how public institutions work alongside higher education institutions in the promotion and development of global peace.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Excellent written communication skills - the ability to prepare drafts quickly, and to write in an accessible way for non-expert audiences.
  • Strong research skills - the ability to find information quickly, to analyze based on guidance and priorities, and to summarize and synthesize findings in useful formats.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including good humor and sound judgement.
  • Prior experience creating content on social media (LinkedIn) is preferred.
  • Experience with databases that track contacts and relationships is highly desirable; experience with Salesforce is especially useful.
  • Previous work experience in a fast-paced office environment is required.
  • Candidates must be a current, full-time Undergraduate or Masters student studying higher education, international and comparative education, public policy, communications, peace and justice, conflict resolution, international relations, or another related subject.

Although USIP's Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities in the Washington Metropolitan area, any full-time university student based in the U.S. is eligible for these positions.
All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.
Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
HOW TO APPLY: To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
  1. Completed employment application.
  2. Cover letter
  3. Resume
  4. Writing Sample

For questions about this position, please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.
Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.
No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.
USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Learn More About USIP (click here)
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.