Hildreth Institute
Director of Policy Engagement and Strategic Communications
Hildreth Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Overview
Position Title:
Director of Policy Engagement and Strategic Communications
If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below. Reports to:
Managing Director Location:
Remote with frequent in-person meetings (Boston-area) Employment Type:
Full-Time - Exempt About Hildreth Institute The Hildreth Institute, a trusted source of independent research, is committed to driving systemic change in higher education by promoting affordability, accountability, and equity, empowering advocates and decision-makers with student-centered, equity-driven policy analysis, thereby fostering an inclusive and transformative educational landscape. We work across sectors, with state agencies, higher education institutions, direct service providers, advocates, and funders, to build capacity for data-driven policy decisions that improve outcomes for all students. The Institute is entering an exciting period of growth, supported by major foundations and marked by the expansion of our team through the addition of new staff and research contractors. This next chapter offers an opportunity to deepen our impact, broaden our reach, and advance innovative solutions to higher education challenges. Position Overview Hildreth Institute seeks a mission-driven and collaborative Director of Policy Engagement and Strategic Communications to help amplify our research and strategically embed it within ongoing policy conversations and institutional program development efforts across Massachusetts and beyond. This is a unique opportunity for a strong communicator and strategic thinker who is eager to grow into a leadership role at the intersection of policy, research, and public engagement. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on collaboration, values equity and social justice, and wants to be a visible bridge between research and practice—ensuring our findings inform the work of policymakers, practitioners, and funders. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication & Research Translation Craft statements, blog posts, and messaging that align with our organizational voice and strategic priorities. Collaborate with the research team to identify timely opportunities to integrate our findings into active policy debates and institutional planning processes. Support the development of op-eds, policy briefs, and testimony, with increasing ownership over time. Lead development of communication materials for diverse audiences, including legislators, journalists, foundations, college administrators, and community partners. Develop engaging content for newsletters and mass emails aligned with key organizational initiatives. Learn and manage our CRM platform to update subscribers, maintain contact records, and implement segmented email campaigns targeting specific audiences. External Relations & Public Engagement Represent Hildreth Institute in external meetings, legislative hearings, policy convenings, and public events. Cultivate and manage relationships with key partners — including legislative staff, institutional leaders, funders, and media. Identify and pursue opportunities to insert evidence-based insights into policy and program design discussions, including cross-state learning and best practices from other states. Lead or support the organization and facilitation of convenings, policy roundtables, and public events. Policy & Legislative Engagement Monitor and analyze state budget processes, legislation, and policy developments affecting higher education in Massachusetts. Assist in drafting and reviewing testimony, budget letters, and policy recommendations. Serve as a resource to policymakers, integrating our research into legislative analysis and programmatic decision-making, particularly on issues such as access, college costs and financial aid transparency, affordability, student success, degree value, and college finance. Organizational Strategy & Collaboration Work closely with the Executive Director and Director of Research & Policy to develop narratives for funders and philanthropic partners. Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure alignment across research, development, and communications efforts. Contribute to strategic planning to maximize the policy relevance of our research and deepen our role as a trusted source of nonpartisan evidence across the higher education and policy landscape. Qualifications
Required: Deep knowledge of higher education policy, particularly in Massachusetts, including budget and legislative processes. Strong understanding of issues related to college access, affordability, student success, and degree value. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Experience translating complex research into actionable, policy-relevant insights for diverse audiences. Comfort and skill with public speaking and media engagement. Proven ability to manage relationships across sectors — from legislative offices to higher ed institutions and foundations. Experience planning or supporting convenings, webinars, or public events. Preferred: 5–10 years of relevant experience in policy, communications, government relations, or research. Experience working in or closely with state government, think tanks, higher education institutions, or policy-oriented organizations. Familiarity with the Massachusetts public higher education system and current policy debates. Understanding of equity-centered approaches to policymaking. Compensation & Benefits Hildreth Institute offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a flexible and mission-driven work environment. Benefits include health care reimbursement stipends, generous paid leave, and professional development opportunities. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to
hi@hildrethinstitute.org Visit our website:
https://www.hildrethinstitute.org/about
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Title:
Director of Policy Engagement and Strategic Communications
If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below. Reports to:
Managing Director Location:
Remote with frequent in-person meetings (Boston-area) Employment Type:
Full-Time - Exempt About Hildreth Institute The Hildreth Institute, a trusted source of independent research, is committed to driving systemic change in higher education by promoting affordability, accountability, and equity, empowering advocates and decision-makers with student-centered, equity-driven policy analysis, thereby fostering an inclusive and transformative educational landscape. We work across sectors, with state agencies, higher education institutions, direct service providers, advocates, and funders, to build capacity for data-driven policy decisions that improve outcomes for all students. The Institute is entering an exciting period of growth, supported by major foundations and marked by the expansion of our team through the addition of new staff and research contractors. This next chapter offers an opportunity to deepen our impact, broaden our reach, and advance innovative solutions to higher education challenges. Position Overview Hildreth Institute seeks a mission-driven and collaborative Director of Policy Engagement and Strategic Communications to help amplify our research and strategically embed it within ongoing policy conversations and institutional program development efforts across Massachusetts and beyond. This is a unique opportunity for a strong communicator and strategic thinker who is eager to grow into a leadership role at the intersection of policy, research, and public engagement. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on collaboration, values equity and social justice, and wants to be a visible bridge between research and practice—ensuring our findings inform the work of policymakers, practitioners, and funders. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication & Research Translation Craft statements, blog posts, and messaging that align with our organizational voice and strategic priorities. Collaborate with the research team to identify timely opportunities to integrate our findings into active policy debates and institutional planning processes. Support the development of op-eds, policy briefs, and testimony, with increasing ownership over time. Lead development of communication materials for diverse audiences, including legislators, journalists, foundations, college administrators, and community partners. Develop engaging content for newsletters and mass emails aligned with key organizational initiatives. Learn and manage our CRM platform to update subscribers, maintain contact records, and implement segmented email campaigns targeting specific audiences. External Relations & Public Engagement Represent Hildreth Institute in external meetings, legislative hearings, policy convenings, and public events. Cultivate and manage relationships with key partners — including legislative staff, institutional leaders, funders, and media. Identify and pursue opportunities to insert evidence-based insights into policy and program design discussions, including cross-state learning and best practices from other states. Lead or support the organization and facilitation of convenings, policy roundtables, and public events. Policy & Legislative Engagement Monitor and analyze state budget processes, legislation, and policy developments affecting higher education in Massachusetts. Assist in drafting and reviewing testimony, budget letters, and policy recommendations. Serve as a resource to policymakers, integrating our research into legislative analysis and programmatic decision-making, particularly on issues such as access, college costs and financial aid transparency, affordability, student success, degree value, and college finance. Organizational Strategy & Collaboration Work closely with the Executive Director and Director of Research & Policy to develop narratives for funders and philanthropic partners. Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure alignment across research, development, and communications efforts. Contribute to strategic planning to maximize the policy relevance of our research and deepen our role as a trusted source of nonpartisan evidence across the higher education and policy landscape. Qualifications
Required: Deep knowledge of higher education policy, particularly in Massachusetts, including budget and legislative processes. Strong understanding of issues related to college access, affordability, student success, and degree value. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Experience translating complex research into actionable, policy-relevant insights for diverse audiences. Comfort and skill with public speaking and media engagement. Proven ability to manage relationships across sectors — from legislative offices to higher ed institutions and foundations. Experience planning or supporting convenings, webinars, or public events. Preferred: 5–10 years of relevant experience in policy, communications, government relations, or research. Experience working in or closely with state government, think tanks, higher education institutions, or policy-oriented organizations. Familiarity with the Massachusetts public higher education system and current policy debates. Understanding of equity-centered approaches to policymaking. Compensation & Benefits Hildreth Institute offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a flexible and mission-driven work environment. Benefits include health care reimbursement stipends, generous paid leave, and professional development opportunities. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to
hi@hildrethinstitute.org Visit our website:
https://www.hildrethinstitute.org/about
#J-18808-Ljbffr