Policy Assistant

EducationCounsel LLC is a mission-driven education organization that works with leading nonprofits, foundations, and policymakers to help significantly improve education opportunity and outcomes. We do this by leveraging policy, strategy, law, and advocacy to help transform education systems, from early learning to K12 to higher education. 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, and more.  Nelson Mullins is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture because not only is it the right thing to do, diversity, equity, and inclusion enhance and enrich our practice. 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 opportunity to advance education equity and outcomes, including substantial exposure to education policy, policymakers, and other leaders. It will help candidates develop and improve policy and data analysis skills and an increased understanding of policymaking at the state, district, and federal levels. EducationCounsel is seeking candidates who can work with the senior policy advisors and attorneys on our team across a wide range of projects and who have direct experience working in or with Congress.

Responsibilities and opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Policy and legal research and analysis
• Drafting, proofreading, and editing policy and strategy documents
• Managing project progress and timelines
• Designing graphics, presentations, and documents
• Assisting with meeting planning and execution, including preparing agendas, taking meeting notes, managing meeting materials, and informing follow up
• Providing summary analyses of hearings and other events
• Managing external communications with clients and partners
• Working on special projects as assigned

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required
• Advanced degree in a related field preferred but not required
• Project management experience
• Experience in policy analysis; exposure to federal policymaking strongly preferred
• Have demonstrated interest in education policy and racial equity; experience as an educator is a plus
• 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

To apply, please provide 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 o 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.