Senior Research and Policy Analyst

About the Opportunity
The Senior Research and Policy Analyst supports the UNC System Office's Division of Strategy and Policy by conducting research and data analysis, examining policy issues, and developing clear, decision-ready materials for senior leaders, the Board of Governors, and other stakeholders.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Research, this position works across a broad range of higher education policy and strategy topics, with a particular focus on student access and success. The analyst will conduct literature and policy scans; analyze institutional, state, and national data; prepare policy briefs and executive presentations; monitor strategic plan metrics; and contribute to a combination of recurring, rapid-response, and longer-term research and policy projects. The analyst will also contribute to division and cross-divisional projects and initiatives designed to improve access and student success in partnership with UNC System institutions.

The successful candidate will be a versatile and intellectually curious researcher and policy professional who can move comfortably between data analysis, policy research, writing, presentation development, and collaborative problem-solving. This position is well suited for someone who enjoys varied assignments, works effectively with colleagues across functional areas, and can translate complex information into clear findings and practical considerations for decision-makers.

This position is a hybrid work arrangement and will work at least three days per week onsite at the Dillon building in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but the deadline for priority consideration is September 4, 2026.

About the UNC System Office

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

About the Team
The Strategy and Policy division is charged with enhancing and furthering the UNC System's strategic goals. The division partners with the President and chancellors on System-wide strategic initiatives, is responsible for the institutional performance measurement framework, and serves as a higher-education policy expert to the President, the Board of Governors, and the NC General Assembly. The division also tracks and assesses state and national trends in higher education, and their likely impact on the UNC System, and proactively identifies new initiatives to support System strategies. The division also provides oversight of the University and P12 Partnerships unit as well as the GEAR UP Program.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Master's degree in public policy, higher education, social science, economics, data analytics or related discipline and at least two years of related training or experience; or a doctoral degree in a related field and equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Competencies
*Demonstrated ability to produce clear and concise reports, policy briefs, memoranda, presentations, and other decision-ready materials for technical and nontechnical audiences
*Strong organizational and project-coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments while working both independently and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders
*Experience conducting higher education research, policy analysis, or closely related applied research
*Experience conducting descriptive and comparative analysis using large datasets, such as administrative student data, IPEDS, College Scorecard, or National Student Clearinghouse data

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
*Experience working in a higher education institution, system office, state agency, policy organization, research center, or similar environment strongly preferred
*Experience using statistical software such as SAS, Stata, R, or a comparable tool
*Experience developing data visualizations with Tableau, Power BI, or a similar tool
*Familiarity with UNC System, North Carolina higher education, or state higher education policy

• Classification: IT Bus Intell/Data Analyst II
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
• Location: Raleigh, NC USA
• Position Number: 20026359
• Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Friday, September 4, 2026, will receive priority consideration.
  
  
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: View email address on click.appcast.io.