Research and Policy Specialist

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Mayor’s Office of Education brings a unified vision and organizing strategy to advance Mayor Parker’s vision of a world-class system of education for Philadelphians of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.

MOE develops policies and programs, implements mayoral initiatives, and facilitates collaboration across city departments and education institutions to support success for Philadelphia learners from kindergarten through adulthood. Focus areas include

K-12 education, career readiness and workforce development, post-secondary and adult education. MOE advocates for policies that enhance learning opportunities and works to secure funding for educational programs.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Mayor’s Office of Education is seeking a thoughtful, analytic candidate to head research and policy development to support educational access for learners from K-12 through adulthood.  The candidate will be at the forefront of shaping educational policies and initiatives that impact students, educators, and communities through evidence-based research, understanding of federal and state policy landscapes and innovative policy development. This role requires a familiarity with educational systems, legislative processes, and an understanding of use of policy levers to support high-quality learning environments. The position works with MOE subject matter experts in K12 education, college and career readiness and adult education and reports to the Deputy Chief Education Officer.

Essential Functions

1. Policy Research:

• Lead the development and implementation of education policies aligned with the Mayor’s goals and national standards.
• Conduct thorough research on current educational trends, best practices, and emerging issues to inform policy recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external experts, policymakers, and community members to identify policy priorities and strategies for implementation.

2. Data Analysis and Evaluation:

• Monitor key performance indicators, student outcomes, and demographic trends to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Utilize data analysis tools and methodologies to assess the effectiveness of existing education policies and programs.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support K12, higher ed and adult education teams with one-pagers, presentations and talking points on key education policies.

3. Federal and State Policy and Legislation

• Monitor legislative proposals, analyze their potential impact on K-12 education, higher and adult education, and provide regular updates to inform program, budget and advocacy efforts.
• Provide recommendations for budget and legislation to support education initiatives.
• Monitor public grant opportunities to support the City’s education programs and initiatives.

4. Resource for Staff and External Partners

• Stay abreast of research literature, policy developments, and emerging trends in K-12 education, higher ed and adult education.
• Provide training, resources, and support to internal staff members, educators, and community partners to enhance their understanding of education policy issues.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of education law, regulatory frameworks, and governance structures at local, state, and federal levels.
• Strong analytic skills, including the ability to interpret complex data, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to policies that expand economic opportunity and support successful outcomes for Philadelphians in every zip code.
• Ability to work with large databases. Experience with data management and statistical software preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in education policy, public policy, or a related field.
•  5-8 years of experience in education policy development, advocacy, or research, experience in K-12 education preferred.

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: 07b4703e-5d41-4bac-a3a0-7f14339f25fc

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-02-05T02:36:46