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FULL-TIME FAS STAFF
WASHINGTON, DC
$65,000 – $75,000
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Senior Policy Associate, STEM Education & Pathways

The Opportunity 

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) seeks a Senior Policy Associate to support its growing Education and Workforce policy portfolio. The team is seeking a professional to help support and manage its education policy work primarily focused on expanding the funding and capacity for education research & development (R&D), STEM education, and workforce pathways in the U.S. 

The Education and Workforce Policy Senior Associate will work in the Education and Workforce vertical to support activities across the portfolio, including executing on policy accelerators; supporting policy design workshops; delivering technical assistance to government agency partners; and engaging with education thought leaders, funders, and federal partners in identifying opportunities for impact. This role will also collaborate with the Education & Workforce team on their leadership of the Alliance for Learning Innovation Coalition.

This is an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial, resourceful, empathetic individual with cross-cutting skill sets and experience in education policy, public policy, and program management to support a growing portfolio of work as FAS looks to expand its offerings in education, STEM, workforce pathways, and the social innovation sector more generally.

What you’ll do (Core Responsibilities include):

  • Support management of the education R&D coalition, Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI), through project management, knowledge management, and event planning.
  • Collaborate with FAS staff and external stakeholders to identify policy opportunities, produce publications, and advocate for issues in education R&D, STEM, education data, STEM careers, and workforce pathways.
  • Conduct issue area and policy research for scalable and effective solutions in education and workforce fields.
  • Assist in organizing policy accelerators to engage a broader community in education and workforce policy development.
  • Manage the execution of workshops, roundtables, summits, and events focused on advancing core education and workforce policy areas.
  • Support ongoing policy proposal development, ensuring effective communication with contributors and FAS staff.
  • Perform other assigned duties as needed.

Skills and Experience (Requirements):

  • Bachelor’s or equivalent in policy studies, education, or a related field with 1-3 years of education and/or workforce policy experience, including research and analysis in education and STEM policies;
  • Experience in building project plans, organizing teams, and executing outcomes;
  • Demonstrated experience in dynamic, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced environments, interfacing with high-level officials and philanthropic partners;
  • Experience or understanding of advocacy, innovation, and design methods for addressing public or social challenges;
  • Ability to support multiple functions across a dynamic team and engage various parts of the organization;
  • Excellent face-to-face, phone, and written communication skills;
  • Motivated self-starter committed to continuous learning;
  • Ability to work independently, set priorities, and handle multiple issues concurrently;
  • High level of integrity and professionalism, contributing to a supportive team culture aligned with FAS’ mission.

Work Environment 

This position will be a hybrid role based in Washington DC, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week in the DC office, and two to three days per week remote.

Salary Range

$65,000 – $75,000 

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.

FAS is looking to fill this position quickly. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Early submission will ensure your application receives full consideration.

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