Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a detail-oriented Research & Policy Support Analyst to support a U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) initiative focused on strengthening data-informed decision-making, program evaluation, and data governance practices.

The ideal candidate is a skilled researcher and analyst who can translate complex information into meaningful insights that support Federal education programs, policy decisions, and organizational improvements. This position requires someone who is comfortable conducting structured research, analyzing qualitative and quantitative information, reviewing policies and program documentation, validating data, and developing clear reports and recommendations for government stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring strong analytical thinking, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a consulting environment supporting mission-focused Federal programs.

This role is well suited for professionals who enjoy combining research methodologies, data analysis, program evaluation, and written communication to help organizations improve how they collect, manage, analyze, and use information.

Summary of Contractor Role

The Research & Policy Support Analyst will provide analytical and research support for OPE’s Data Analytics and Evaluation Support (DAES) initiative. The consultant will support efforts to evaluate current data practices, identify organizational gaps, analyze survey and interview findings, conduct research, validate information, and prepare analytical products that inform data governance and program improvement activities.

The analyst will support mixed-method research activities, including qualitative interviews, quantitative survey analysis, documentation reviews, data validation activities, and preparation of findings reports. The role requires the ability to organize large amounts of information, identify trends and patterns, summarize findings, and communicate recommendations through written reports, presentations, and analytical summaries.

The consultant will support activities such as:

• Postsecondary education program research
• Policy and regulatory review
• Data validation and quality assessments
• Survey development and analysis
• Interview documentation and qualitative analysis
• Program evaluation support
• Gap assessments and recommendations development
• Data visualization and reporting support

The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, organized, and capable of managing multiple assignments while maintaining accuracy and quality in deliverables.

Position Day-to-Day Activities / Expected Responsibilities

The Research & Policy Support Analyst will:

• Conduct research on postsecondary education programs, policies, regulations, and operational practices.
• Review Federal guidance, program documentation, reports, and related materials to support evaluation activities.
• Perform literature reviews and summarize relevant findings, trends, and best practices.
• Support the development of research tools, questionnaires, interview protocols, and data collection instruments.
• Assist with stakeholder interview preparation, documentation, transcription review, and summary development.
• Collect, organize, validate, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
• Support survey administration activities, including questionnaire review, response analysis, and data organization.
• Conduct data quality reviews to identify inconsistencies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop analytical summaries, reports, briefing materials, and presentation content.
• Assist in preparing program evaluation findings and recommendations.
• Support development of tables, charts, and visual representations of analytical findings.
• Maintain organized research files, documentation, and analytical work products.
• Apply established research methodologies and analytical techniques to support decision-making.
• Participate in virtual meetings with project teams and government stakeholders.
• Document meeting discussions, action items, findings, and recommendations.
• Support quality reviews to ensure deliverables meet client standards.