Policy Analyst

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Promise Partnership Utah is a cross-sector partnership that supports youth in their educational journey from cradle to career to ensure they can explore, dream, and take steps to realize their potential. Our approach involves being rooted in data and deeply collaborating with public and private sector partners to transform the education environment, so it produces more equitable outcomes and disparity gaps are eliminated. We operate on the deeply held belief that by working collectively we can have a greater impact on our youth than we could have alone. 

There is a dedicated team of individuals who support and convene Promise Partnership Utah, called the "backbone team." This team is housed at Utah's Promise, the support entity for the partnership. The Policy Analyst is part of this backbone team. 

Promise Partnership Utah’s backbone team, United Way of Salt Lake, and 211 Utah (Salt Lake City team) are part of the Utah’s Promise organization. Together, we are committed to 100% of kids and families thriving. Our workplace is fast-paced, friendly, adaptive, and grounded in our core values: relationships, continuous improvement, results, and equity. We offer competitive compensation including a comprehensive benefit package, generous paid time off, and flexible schedules. People with diverse backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Promise Partnership Utah is seeking a collaborative, strategic Policy Analyst to help advance public policies that improve outcomes for children, youth, and families across Utah. Working closely with the Vice President of Public Policy, this position plays a key role in researching policy issues, analyzing legislation, engaging community and government partners, and supporting advocacy efforts that lead to lasting systems change. 

The Policy Analyst works across sectors to identify barriers, develop evidence-informed policy solutions, and help ensure effective implementation of public policies. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both analysis and relationship-building and is excited to help translate community priorities into policy action. 

PRIMARY TASK

Provide policy research, analysis, and advocacy support that advances systems change and strengthens outcomes for children, youth, and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Support Promise Partnership Utah’s local and state policy work in the following ways: 

1. Conduct policy research, analysis, and development to inform advocacy priorities and legislative strategy. 
2. Monitor and analyze state and local legislation, regulations, and public policy developments at the legislature, State School Board and local school board and city and county councils as assigned. 
3. Partner with coalition members and community stakeholders to identify policy opportunities that advance shared outcomes. 
4. Support implementation of policy priorities by coordinating with partners and identifying barriers to successful execution. 
5. Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government staff, coalition partners, and community organizations. 
6. Lead community engagement activities that support advocacy efforts, including Days on the Hill, legislative briefings, action alerts, and other public engagement opportunities. 
7. Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, blogs, testimony, action alerts, and other advocacy materials. 
8. Coordinate meetings with federal, state, and local policymakers and prepare materials to support those meetings. 
9. Track legislation, policy outcomes, and advocacy activities to inform organizational strategy and reporting. 
10. Support compliance with lobbying and advocacy reporting requirements. 
11. Represent Promise Partnership Utah in meetings, presentations, and community events. 
12. Perform other duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate policy issues and develop practical recommendations. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex issues for diverse audiences. 
• Ability to build productive relationships with policymakers, partners, and community stakeholders. 
• Experience synthesizing research and data into clear, compelling policy narratives. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams and organizations. 
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and a high level of integrity. 
• Commitment to engaging diverse perspectives and incorporating community voice into policy development. 
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends during the legislative session and for community engagement activities.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in public health, public policy, public administration, nonprofit administration, business administration, social work, sociology, or a related field.  
• Minimum 5 years of applicable experience in government, advocacy, legislative and administrative policy, or equivalent academic experience. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite and project management software. 
• Speak and write fluently in a second language is a plus. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee regularly communicates with internal and external stakeholders and is required to communicate clearly, in oral and written formats and must be able to exchange accurate information. The employee must be able to transcribe, read extensively, prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer, and other standard office machinery. The employee is required to regularly travel to locations outside of Utah’s Promise facilities to set up and deliver presentations in person, in hybrid environments, and online. 

The employee is required to work primarily in-person, in our UP offices during core business hours Monday – Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. Utah’s Promise currently has a 36-hour work week with Friday afternoons off. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The position is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits. $68,200-83,000. Salary commensurate with experience. UWSL/UP provides a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Competitive medical, dental, vision insurance • 6% retirement match  
•  Life, accidental death, and long & short-term disability insurance • FSA • HSA contribution  
•  Free on-site gym & bike storage • Paid parking or public transportation subsidy  
•  Two weeks paid office closure (December & July) • Generous PTO & Health time 
•  Paid parental leave • Onsite coffee shop & café • Paid time to volunteer