Connecticut Education Association
an affiliate of the National Education Association

Research & Policy Development Specialist

Based in Hartford, CT

 

About Us:
The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) is a dedicated educators’ labor union whose mission is to champion educators, students, and public schools. We have been a leading voice for teacher professionalism and school improvement since our formation in 1848.

We are seeking a skilled Research and Policy Development Specialist who is responsible for the development of analyses and the dissemination of information regarding social and economic trends, demographic change, taxation, education funding proposals, and outside organizations involved in public education. The employee in this position may be called upon to perform a host of duties to facilitate the dissemination of information and analyses to internal and external audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Anticipates and produces analyses that respond to emerging social, economic, and demographic developments of critical importance to the Association.
• Develops analysis and produces information about tax policy that is relevant for public education in Connecticut. 
• Analyzes education funding in Connecticut with specific attention to the legal framework for education funding, different approaches to education funding, the structural inequities that exist, and consequences of structural inequity.
• Meets with pollsters to discuss the construction of polls, the development of individual poll questions, and the interpretation of results.
• Identifies outside organizations involved in attempting to shape education policy, determines the sources of their funding and principal benefactors, and discovers how outside organizations are linked through common individuals and funding sources.
• Creates and delivers workshops to elevate member engagement in policy issues and disseminate the results of research.
• Develop high-quality publications to share with internal and external audiences on issues for which research is undertaken. 
• Consults with local affiliates on research topics when appropriate. 
• Organizes and maintains CEA’s state legislative bill tracking process, analyzes and summarizes legislative proposals and public acts.
• Serves as a member of the CEA Lobbying Team and provides assistance whenever necessary on key education and legislative issues 
• Advocates for the Association’s interest before local, state, and national entities. 
• Stays current on the issues covered by the position through reading and attendance at workshops, conferences, and seminars and initiates research projects and programs when necessary. 
• Analyzes local municipal and board of education budgets to support CEA’s assistance to local affiliates. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management. 

Education: 

• A minimum of a master’s degree in a field related to the duties and knowledge required for this position (e.g., Economics, Sociology, Public Policy/Administration), or a demonstrated record of relevant professional experience, is required. A Ph.D. is preferred. Professional research experience may be substituted for an advanced doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Association’s mission, strategic objectives, goals, programs, and structure.  
• Knowledge of education funding systems.
• Comprehensive and practical understanding of municipal and/or board of education budgets and budgeting process. 
• Comprehensive understanding of tax policy and forms of taxation. 
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary education, political, social and economic trends in both the United States and Connecticut. 
• Knowledge and experience in the use of statistics and statistical software. 
• Knowledge and experience in the design, execution, interpretation, and use of surveys. 
• Ability to conduct survey research. 
• Ability to initiate both research projects and programs related to them. 
• The ability to discern those forces that could affect public education and the Association from social and economic trends. 
• Strong writing skills. The ability to turn complex and sometimes abstract information into highly readable policy briefs, testimony, newspaper articles, and social medical communications. 
• Sound presentation skills. The ability to prepare and deliver engaging workshops for members and to present testimony on the subjects being investigated. 
• Proven ability to establish relationships with individuals and organizations that can provide information on the subjects covered by this position. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across and with all CEA departments and member constituencies. 

Core Skills & Competencies: 

• Adaptability & Change Management – Adjusts quickly to changing priorities, manages competing demands, and supports smooth transitions during organizational change.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving – Synthesizes complex information, researches and evaluates data, identifies issues, and develops effective solutions.
• Communication (Oral & Written) – Speaks and writes clearly, respectfully, and persuasively; adapts style to various audiences; demonstrates active listening and presentation skills.
• Customer/Member Support – Responds promptly to member and affiliate needs; manages difficult situations with professionalism; seeks feedback to improve service.
• Dependability & Professionalism – Meets deadlines, follows through on commitments, demonstrates integrity, and maintains composure under pressure; follow through on commitments. 
• Ethics & Integrity – Treats others with respect, builds trust, upholds organizational values, and maintains confidentiality.
• Initiative & Innovation – Seeks responsibility, identifies opportunities, develops creative solutions, and embraces new approaches.
• Interpersonal & Teamwork – Builds positive relationships, resolves conflicts constructively, supports team goals, and contributes to group morale.
• Leadership & Strategic Thinking – Inspires others, provides vision, analyzes organizational strengths and challenges, and adapts strategies to achieve goals.
• Organizational & Planning – Prioritizes and manages workload effectively, plans for resources, and ensures compliance with policies and procedures.
• Productivity & Quality – Produces accurate, timely, and high-quality work; applies feedback for continuous improvement; strives for efficiency.
• Safety & Security – Adheres to safety protocols, safeguards organizational systems, and maintains secure practices in the workplace. Maintains sound practices to ensure the security and integrity of CEA offices, and its email/internet systems. 
• Technical & Professional Development – Continuously builds knowledge and expertise; pursues training opportunities; shares skills with others.

Reports To:

• Director of Policy, Research, and Government Relations

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• The work is primarily performed in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions (headquartered in Hartford, CT). 
• Travel, weekend and night work are required. 

Pay and Benefits:
The salary range is $112,560 – $169,647, commensurate with experience and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) and pension plan; 16 paid holidays; as well as vacation and sick time. 

Equal Opportunity:
CEA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a workplace culture rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and others from historically underrepresented backgrounds. 

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process should contact Latisha Billups at latishab@cea.org. 

To Apply:
All external applications should be submitted HERE.