Jobs
Communications Manager
Research/Policy Analyst
Who We Are
The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) is a
nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to making
higher education more available and affordable to people of all backgrounds. Established in 2004, TICAS is a highly respected and influential
source of expertise on financial aid, student debt, and related issues at the
federal, state, and college levels.
Our Organizational Culture
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We are passionate about promoting educational opportunity and diversity
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We are an outcome-oriented organization with a track record of moving our agenda forward
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We are a fast-paced, dynamic, creative organization highly focused on our mission
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Our agenda is grounded in data and rigorous policy analysis
Expectations of All TICAS Employees
We depend on employees who:
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are strong team players as well as individual contributors
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are intellectually curious
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are detail oriented
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are excellent communicators
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are creative problem solvers
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are organized and manage competing priorities, tasks, and deadlines
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are comfortable with ambiguity
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are flexible in response to change
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take full responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work
Communications Manager
The Communications Manager will work closely with staff across the organization to help advance TICAS' goals. Core responsibilities include managing media relations, multiple web sites, publications, and social media; keeping colleagues, key constituencies, and thousands of subscribers informed and engaged; editing and proofreading a wide range of content; and supervising one staff position as well as outside contractors. The Communications Manager reports to the President and is based in TICAS' Oakland, CA office.
Roles and Responsibilities
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Manage national and California media relations, including press calls and pitches, preparing staff for interviews, contact management, and analyzing relevant coverage
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Supervise one internal staff position as well as external contractors for media relations, web sites, graphic design, printing, and database software
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Draft and edit media materials, action alerts, fact sheets, and online content
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Develop and implement dissemination plans for projects and publications
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Edit and proofread reports and policy documents and oversee their production
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Manage web design and development projects and ensure web sites are up to date
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Represent TICAS at selected meetings and public events
Qualifications
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At least five years of communications experience - including direct experience in policy and/or advocacy environments - and two years of supervisory experience
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Skilled at managing multiple projects and deadlines with input from a range of stakeholders
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Excellent writing and editing skills, with proven ability to describe complex policy issues clearly and accurately for different audiences
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Demonstrated experience with media relations, public awareness efforts, web site development, and publications production
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Highly organized and very attentive to detail
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Comfortable asking and answering questions, working with both data and text, and being part of a fast-paced, highly collaborative team that values rigorous analysis
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Strong interest in higher education policy and financial aid
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, basic HTML, InDesign, social media, online advocacy tools, contact management databases and other relevant tools
Application Process
Full benefits provided; compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. TICAS is an equal opportunity employer and a recipient of Opportunity Knocks' "Best Nonprofit to Work For" award. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to admin@ticas.org with "Communications Manager" in the subject line. No phone calls please. This position will remain open until filled.
Research/Policy Analyst
The Research/Policy Analyst works to identify and pursue research and advocacy opportunities related to community colleges and California higher education. He/She conducts research and analysis to inform debates in the field, and designs and implements strategies for advancing policy goals. The position involves interaction with state and national education experts and advocates, as well as state and federal executive and legislative branch policy staff.
The successful candidate will have excellent research and data analysis skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to synthesize policy and research information for different audiences. The successful candidate will also have excellent oral communication and writing skills and proven coalition-building abilities. He/She will be highly motivated to initiate ideas and projects, and committed to working as a member of a team when it comes to project design and implementation. A demonstrated strong interest in higher education policy is required.
The position, which is based in Oakland, California, reports to TICAS' Research Director and works closely with staff across the organization. Specific roles and responsibilities are detailed below.
Roles and Responsibilities
Research and Analysis
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Identify concepts and topics for research and analysis
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Lead research projects related to community colleges and California higher education
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Analyze quantitative and qualitative data on issues of importance to project objectives
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Work closely with other staff on team projects
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Gather information on financial aid and related policies and practices by:
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Accessing federal, state, and institutional data sources using DAS (Data Analysis System), IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the California Community College Chancellor's Office Data Mart, and other sources
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Interviewing and surveying college staff and students
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Identifying and synthesizing information available from other sources
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Monitor and analyze issues and policy proposals pertaining to college affordability, particularly related to community colleges and the state of California, for the purposes of:
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Contributing to TICAS reports, testimony, or other written documents
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Contributing to and making presentations to students, college administrators, legislators, and other interested parties
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Write reports, memos, briefs and fact sheets to communicate findings and recommendations
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Develop concepts for report/fact sheet/presentation structures
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Draft reports or report sections, and provide edits as necessary
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Policy and Advocacy
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Assist in the development of organizational and team policy agendas and priorities as they relate to community colleges and California higher education
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Develop policy recommendations, identify opportunities and strategies, and advocate for their adoption
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When appropriate, collaborate with other organizations to increase the capacity and effectiveness of TICAS' work
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Develop strategies to promote awareness and utilization of financial aid
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Communicate with other organizations to build networks and alliances that support strong financial aid programs
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Work with and manage selected grantees and contractors to implement chosen strategies
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Networking and External Communications
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Identify and build relationships with key allies in the field
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Represent TICAS at in-person meetings and on conference calls (some travel required)
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Assist in responding to external inquiries from the press and others
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Make presentations, attend meetings and conferences to achieve organizational objectives
Qualifications
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Master's degree in related field plus a minimum of four years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills and experience
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Excellent analysis and synthesis skills
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Demonstrated ability to clearly and accurately describe complex issues in ways that different audiences can understand
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Experience and skill in leading projects with multiple components
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Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
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Impeccable attention to detail
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Excellent interpersonal skills
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Strong presentation skills and demonstrated effectiveness as a public speaker
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Knowledge of higher education and financial aid preferred
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Supervisory experience preferred
Application Process
Full benefits provided; compensation and title commensurate with experience and qualifications. TICAS is an equal opportunity employer and a recipient of Opportunity Knocks' "Best Nonprofit to Work For" award. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to admin@ticas.org with "Research/Policy Analyst" in the subject line. No phone calls please. This position will remain open until filled.
