Policy Analyst

Policy Analyst Trellis Company - 3.1 Round Rock, TX Job Details Full-time $58,218 - $77,625 a year 5 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Legislative analysis Writing grant proposals Stakeholder engagement Master's degree in education Report writing Public policy development Government policy analysis Phone communication Policy advocacy Content editing Content writing Project timeline management Research Mid-level 3 years Schedule management Analysis skills Policy & process development Online blogs Education Decision making Legislation Newsletters (communication methods) Research data analysis Networking through strategic partnership building Bachelor's degree in education Presentation creation Strategic partnerships Cross-functional collaboration Leadership Full Job Description

WHO WE ARE

Trellis Company is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation focused on helping people leverage the power of post-secondary education and learning to improve their quality of life and the communities where they live. For more than 40 years Trellis has served as a student loan guarantor, helping to provide trusted guidance and services that help student borrowers successfully repay their federal loans. In addition to pioneering several technologies and services along the way, we have invested in improving student success programs through numerous grants to colleges, universities, and research groups. Today we have expanded our services beyond higher education to include working with employers and community organizations who are focused on aligning the dreams, goals, and skills needs of employees and employers. Connecting these resources and learning pathways together with our expertise in improving student outcomes helps us all to create better and more predictable futures for those we serve. As we move into the future, we're drawing on our history, branching into new sectors beyond student loans, and delivering the same level of exceptional care and service that our customers have come to depend on. We remain invested in the success of students and higher education institutions. This combination of stability and vision creates a unique intersection: a startup environment at a company that also has a stable foundation, resulting in an opportunity for the right candidate to help shape our company's future. This is an exciting time to join the Trellis team!

LOCATION

This position is fully remote.

JOB SUMMARY

The Policy Analyst supports the development and advancement of state and federal policy initiatives focused on student basic needs, college access, and workforce outcomes. This role manages technical assistance projects, contributes to research and policy analysis, and supports advocacy efforts through strategic partnerships, written products, and stakeholder engagement. The Policy Analyst serves as a thought partner to leadership, coordinates cross‑functional work, and produces high‑quality communications and policy materials that advance organizational priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position incumbent is expected to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities of the position with reasonable accommodation. Serve as a strategic thought partner to Trellis Strategies leadership in the development of non-tuition support strategies. Support state technical assistance projects that include managing timelines, deliverables, work products, external events, and meetings. Prepare, proofread, and edit documents/materials, including but not limited to internal communications, meeting agenda, presentations, notes, and reports. Draft correspondence and other materials as requested and serve as the primary point of contact for State TA partners, as directed. Support the development of new technical assistance projects including contributing new ideas and writing and editing proposals and grants. Demonstrate an ability to proactively anticipate needs and challenges and develop strategies to address them. Develop, edit, and collaborate across various communication mediums such as memos, newsletters, and presentation decks for internal and external audiences. Develop and contribute to research, analysis, and writing of reports, issue briefs, blog posts, fact sheets, and letters that advance policy priorities. Schedule, organize, and develop plans for meetings with policymakers and staff, including gathering pertinent materials and providing appropriate follow-up materials and clarifications for subjects discussed in the meeting. Support the development of federal and state level research agenda aligning with team priorities. Analyze, summarize, and make recommendations on draft policy proposals, including on legislative, regulatory, and administrative issues. Monitor and analyze regulatory, budgetary, and legislative developments in the student basic needs space. Contribute research, analysis, and writing to reports, issue briefs, blog posts, fact sheets, and letters. Provide support for data and research needs to support the student basic needs priorities. Collaborate with partners at both the state and national levels through coalitions.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with special projects as assigned. Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Must be available to work flexible hours. Support other functions and responsibilities of the department. Interact with all levels of management, as necessary. Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives. Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when serving as a primary point of contact for external partners. Work independently while also contributing effectively in a team‑based environment.

COMPETENCIES

Action Oriented Builds Effective Teams Business Insight Champion Change Collaborates Communicates Effectively Compliance Consulting Cultivating Innovation Customer Focus Decision Quality Demonstrates Self-Awareness Develops Talent Directs Work Diversity Focused Drives Results Interpersonal Savvy Organizational Savvy Plans and Aligns Relationship Management Resourcefulness Self-Development Situational Adaptability Strategic Mindset Tech Savvy

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of federal and state public policy processes, including legislative, regulatory, and administrative frameworks, including advocacy, coalition‑based work, and stakeholder engagement in policy environments. Knowledge of higher education policy, workforce development systems, and/or public benefit programs, with emphasis on student basic needs and non‑tuition supports. Knowledge of technical assistance models and strategies used to support state and local partners. Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines, deliverables, meetings, and multiple workstreams simultaneously. Advanced writing and editing skills, with experience producing high‑quality policy briefs, reports, memos, presentations, and external communications. Research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex policy information and develop clear, actionable recommendations. Strong communication skills to effectively engage internal leadership, external partners, policymakers, and coalition members and translate complex research and policy concepts into accessible materials for diverse audiences. Organizational and planning skills, including meeting coordination, agenda development, and follow‑up documentation. Collaborative skills to work across teams and with state and national partners in coalition settings. Ability to serve as a strategic thought partner by contributing ideas, anticipating challenges, and supporting solution development. Demonstrated ability to analyze and monitor legislative, regulatory, and budgetary developments and assess their policy implications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, or other related field.

Preferred:

Master's degree in education, public policy, or other related field.

Experience Required:

Three (3) years' progressively responsible experience in policy with preference for state human service, workforce development, or higher education agency, or Three (3) years' experience with federal and state policy processes, including legislative, regulatory, and administrative frameworks.

Preferred:

Experience working on federal or state safety net policy such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program or childcare subsidies.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Must move about inside the office and infrequently utilize modes of transportation for travel. Repetitive motion. Regularly a computer, keyboard, phone, and general office equipment. Regularly uses hands/fingers to handle, feel, or grasp; reaches or extends arm(s) in any direction. Hearing and speaking. Regularly talks with other employees and on the phone, virtually, or in person. Regularly uses hearing to listen and respond to internal and external contacts. Visual acuity. Regularly must have close visual acuity to view and enter information into computer and software systems, view monitor, analyze data, develop presentations and reports, and other materials. Mental focus. Requires worker to maintain focus and exchange detailed and accurate information through oral and written communication.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Typically works forty hours per week but may require after-hours work, remote work, weekend work, or other demands to meet deadlines. Work may be conducted remotely or in an office with a surrounding small cubicle environment. Minor travel may be required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base Salary:

$58,218.00 - $77,625.00 per year (commensurate with experience)

Corporate Annual Incentive:

This position is eligible for a corporate annual incentive, subject to the discretion and approval of the Board of Directors and not guaranteed.

Paid Holidays:

11 holidays + 1 floating holiday per year Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP.