Foundation for California Community Colleges · 3 days ago
Specialist, Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research
United States
Full-time
Remote
Mid Level
$70K/yr - $75K/yr
3+ years expThe Foundation for California Community Colleges is dedicated to enhancing the California Community Colleges system. The Specialist will support student success initiatives through policy development, research, and strategic planning while fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Higher EducationNon ProfitSocial Assistance
Responsibilities
Support the project team lead by assisting in the development and execution of project plans, including tracking deliverables, milestones, and outcomes
Develop clear and compelling policy briefs, reports, presentations, and communication materials that translate complex research, policy analysis, and project conclusions into actionable insights and recommendations for diverse audiences
Support the design and execution of research to improve student success. Collaborate closely with senior team members to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including supporting data collection activities (e.g., interviews, focus groups, case studies), conducting data analysis using publicly available data, conducting secondary research and synthesizing findings from higher education research and policy
Build and sustain strong relationships with FoundationCCC partners, the Chancellor’s Office, and other higher education, government, and nonprofit partners
Stay attuned to federal, state and system office policy development efforts by attending Chancellor’s Office events, Board of Governors meetings, legislative hearings and briefings, and other relevant meetings, virtually or in-person
Qualification
Required
Minimum of three (3) years of related work experience in stakeholder engagement, policy development, research, or project management
Experience working within higher education systems and structures, including working with a wide range of stakeholders
Experience conducting secondary research, writing in-depth reports in a professional setting, and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional, and audience-appropriate reports, briefs, and presentations
Highly organized, self-starting, and able to work independently while managing multiple priorities effectively
Strategic and creative thinker, adaptable in fast-paced environments, able to problem-solve and respond swiftly to emerging needs
We're recruiting for mission-driven, passionate, equity-minded individuals with a strong desire to impact and change people's lives for the better
Our work holds great weight and responsibility, and the opportunity to impact the lives of millions
Innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship are encouraged as employees work to achieve organizational goals
FoundationCCC blends the impact of a non-profit, the culture of an entrepreneurial start-up, and the scale of a state agency
Team members are hired for their expertise in niche areas across our areas of impact and higher education overall, and for their knowledge of business, philanthropy, technology, communications, and more
We have a commitment to professional development and an emphasis on shared leadership, to ensure growth for employees and the organization overall
Preferred
Experience in higher education reform, systems change, or nonprofit/public sector environments is preferred
Benefits
Competitive compensation, generous PTO, holidays
Medical, dental, and vision plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Wellness offerings
CalPERS retirement program and optional 403(b) and 457 Retirement plans
Tuition reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer
Company
Foundation for California Community Colleges
Foundation for California Community Colleges is built to benefit and enhance the missions of the California Community College system.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$7.7MKey Investors
California Jobs FirstThe California EndowmentLumina Foundation
2025-08-28Grant· $3M
2022-06-13Grant· $3.7M
2022-01-18Grant· $1M
Leadership Team
Keetha Mills
President and Chief Executive Officer
Scott Travasos
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
The Business Journal
2025-08-30
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