Policy Assistant

EducationCounsel LLC is a mission-driven education organization that works with leading nonprofits, foundations, and policymakers to help significantly improve education opportunities and outcomes for all students. We do this by leveraging policy, strategy, law, and advocacy to help transform education systems, from early learning, to K-12, to postsecondary. We work with partners at the state, federal, and local levels to advance evidence-based innovations and systems-change, with a central focus on equity. EducationCounsel is affiliated with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, a national law firm with a strong focus on public policy, pro bono services, and more.

EducationCounsel is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. We believe that diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and achieve better results for our clients and the communities in which we live.

This position offers significant opportunities to help advance education equity and outcomes. It provides substantial exposure to education policy, policymakers, and other leaders working to drive positive change. It will help candidates to develop and improve policy and data analysis skills, and gain an increased understanding of policymaking at the state, district, and/or federal levels. EducationCounsel is seeking candidates who can work with the principals, senior policy advisors and attorneys on our team across a wide range of projects.  We are particularly interested in candidates with experience working on federal policy on the Hill and/or the Administration. 

Responsibilities and opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting policy and legal research and analysis on early childhood, K-12, and/or postsecondary education issues
• Drafting, proofreading, and editing policy and strategy documents, including briefing memos, issue briefs, and policy recommendations
• Managing project progress and timelines
• Designing dynamic graphics, engaging presentations, and clear, accessible documents to support a variety of clients
• Assisting with planning and execution of meetings and convenings of clients and partners, including designing and preparing agendas, taking meeting notes, managing meeting materials, being an active meeting participant, and informing follow up
• Attending Congressional hearings and other events, and providing summary analyses of key points discussed
• Managing external communications with clients and partners, including social media, email, and newsletters

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required
• Advanced degree in public policy, eduction, or other related field preferred, but not required
• At least 2-3 years of related work experience
• Project management experience
• Experience in policy analysis; exposure to federal policymaking strongly preferred
• Have demonstrated interest in education policy and commitment to racial equity
• Experience with quantitative data analysis preferred
• Strong research, writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and ability to work both with teams and independently to support a variety of projects and colleagues across a team
• Experience in designing, creating, and using infographics
• Commitment to continuous learning, asking questions, and learning on the job

To apply, please provide a resume, cover letter, and writing sample(s).

With over 1,000 attorneys and professionals, Nelson Mullins has strong roots in the business community and an appreciation for new directions in the business world. As a Firm, Nelson Mullins has a strong foundation of community service and good citizenship. Our administrative professionals likewise promote these values, with opportunities to participate and play roles in various pro bono and community service initiatives. We collaborate with each other and with our clients, working side-by-side toward shared goals.