📊 Job Summary Table of Policy Analyst

📝 Job Description Summary

An exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented Junior Policy Analyst to join Alberta’s premier student advocacy organization, conducting research and data analysis to support post-secondary student rights and wellbeing across the province.

🔍 Policy Analyst Role and Responsibilities

The Junior Policy Analyst at Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC) plays a crucial role in supporting student advocacy initiatives through comprehensive research and analysis. This position offers an exceptional entry point into the world of educational policy and government relations. As a key member of a small but impactful team, the successful candidate will:

• Research Excellence: Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research on pressing issues affecting post-secondary students across Alberta, identifying trends, challenges, and potential solutions.
• Data-Driven Insights: Gather critical data through various methodologies including surveys, interviews, and public sources. Transform raw data into actionable insights that drive advocacy efforts.
• Policy Development: Contribute meaningfully to research reports, policy briefs, and advocacy materials for both internal strategic planning and public distribution campaigns.
• Literature Analysis: Perform comprehensive reviews of academic and policy literature to identify emerging trends in post-secondary education and strengthen ASEC’s advocacy positions.
• Visual Communication: Collaborate with the Communications and Engagement Advisor to develop compelling presentations for advocacy meetings, stakeholder engagement, webinars, and public forums.
• Administrative Support: Assist in planning and executing events, workshops, and meetings while maintaining meticulous organizational records that support ASEC’s operational efficiency.

This position represents a unique opportunity for a motivated individual passionate about educational policy to produce impactful, public-facing work while gaining invaluable experience in nonprofit operations and advocacy.

💼 Educational Research Qualifications and Requirements

The ideal candidate for this student advocacy position will possess:

• Educational Background: A degree or diploma (or currently entering final year of studies) in Political Science, Sociology, Education, or a related field that provides analytical frameworks for understanding educational policy.
• Passion for Advocacy: Demonstrated interest in post-secondary education issues, student advocacy, and public policy development.
• Research Capabilities: Experience or coursework in research methodology, data analysis techniques, and professional report writing.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong skills with Google products and ability to build and maintain tracking dashboards, with capacity to guide others in navigating these systems.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities essential for translating complex policy concepts into accessible formats.
• Work Style: Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team environment, adapting to changing priorities.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and strong task prioritization skills to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Professional Growth: Eagerness to learn and develop professionally while supporting various organizational needs as they arise.
• Work Eligibility: Must be eligible to work full-time in Canada.

✨ Benefits and Perks for Policy Analysts

Alberta Students’ Executive Council offers competitive benefits to support employee wellbeing and professional development:

• Health Coverage: Employer-paid health and dental benefits for full-time employees.
• Financial Security: Employee-paid short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) options, plus RRSP matching up to 3% of salary.
• Professional Growth: Dedicated professional development allotment to support continuous learning and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Vacation accrual at a rate of 3 weeks per year, not including annual winter break closure.
• Flexible Arrangements: Flexible work hours with hybrid work environment, requiring minimum 3 days per week in office.
• Career Development: Unique opportunity to gain broad experience in a small nonprofit, with exposure to multiple aspects of advocacy and operations.

🏢 Company Overview: Student Advocacy in Alberta

Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC) stands as a vital not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for post-secondary students across Alberta. As the collective voice for student leaders, ASEC empowers and unites advocates to champion accessible advanced education and enhanced quality of life for students throughout the province.

The organization fulfills its mission through comprehensive research initiatives, strategic advocacy campaigns, and targeted awareness programs. ASEC actively consults with various stakeholders across the educational landscape and government sectors to develop solutions promoting student-focused policy change.

Currently representing 15 students’ associations from publicly funded post-secondary institutions across Alberta, ASEC’s influence extends to over 90,000 students. This position offers the unique opportunity to contribute directly to meaningful change in Alberta’s educational system while working with dedicated student leaders and advocates.

🌱 Company Culture and Work Environment

As a small but mighty team expanding to three members this summer, ASEC offers a collaborative and supportive work environment where each team member plays a significant role in organizational success. The culture emphasizes:

• Collaboration: Working closely with student leaders and team members to achieve shared advocacy goals.
• Flexibility: Adaptable work arrangements with hybrid scheduling that balances independent work with key collaboration periods.
• Impact: Direct connection between daily work and tangible outcomes for student welfare and educational policy.
• Growth: Supportive environment for professional development and learning across multiple aspects of nonprofit operations.
• Purpose-Driven: Strong commitment to improving conditions for post-secondary students throughout Alberta.

🚀 Career Growth Opportunities in Policy Analysis

This Junior Policy Analyst position provides exceptional foundations for career advancement in several directions:

• Policy Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in educational policy, government relations, and advocacy strategy.
• Research Proficiency: Build advanced skills in research methodology, data analysis, and public policy development.
• Nonprofit Leadership: Gain insight into nonprofit operations, stakeholder management, and organizational governance.
• Government Relations: Establish understanding of governmental processes and effective advocacy techniques.
• Communications Experience: Enhance abilities to translate complex policy concepts into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

The unique structure of this small organization allows for exposure to multiple aspects of nonprofit management and policy work that would typically be siloed in larger organizations.

🤝 Application Process for Educational Research Positions

1. Document Preparation: Prepare your resume and cover letter addressing the specific requirements listed below.
2. Proper Formatting: Combine your resume and cover letter into a single PDF document titled “JPA – [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME]”.
3. Submission: Email your application to ed@albertastudents.ca with the subject line “Application for Junior Policy Analyst”.
4. Cover Letter Requirements: Your cover letter must address the following three elements:
   • Why you are interested in this position
   • A description of one piece of life or work experience you think might be underrated or overlooked
   • One paragraph on the importance of adequate student mental health care citing at least one source
5. Review Process: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Important Note: Applications that do not follow these specific instructions will not be considered for review.

⏰ Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the posting remaining active until at least May 8, 2025.

📑 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Policy Analysis

ASEC is firmly committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. The organization welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and particularly encourages those who share values of inclusion, accessibility, and equity to apply. If you require any accessibility support through the application process, please include your specific needs in your application email.

💬 FAQs or Additional Information

Q: What is the expected start date for this position?

A: May 2025

Q: Who does this position report to?

A: Executive Director

Q: Is there flexibility in the work schedule?

A: Yes, the position offers flexibility in work hours and location, with a minimum requirement of 3 days per week in the office.

Q: Is there potential for the position to continue beyond the one-year contract?

A: The posting does not specify continuation possibilities, but interested candidates can inquire during the interview process.

Q: Can I reduce my hours during the academic year?

A: Yes, there is an option to reduce to part-time from September through April.

Explore Blog Articles:

1. UK Skilled Worker Visa – Complete Guide
2. Sweden Job Seeker Visa – How to Apply
3. Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa – What You Need to Know
4. Germany EU Blue Card – Benefits and Requirements