Policy Analyst

The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI) seeks a Policy Analyst to join its Mobilization Department. UCLA LPPI addresses critical domestic policy challenges impacting Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization, and leadership development to advance equitable policy reforms nationwide.

Reporting to the Director of Policy & Strategy (DPS), the Policy Analyst will serve as a strategic and analytical partner, conducting political landscape analyses and developing research-informed toolkits to support advocacy and mobilization efforts. The role requires strong project management and organizational skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external policy stakeholders.

The Policy Analyst will support the Director of Policy & Strategy in advancing local, state, and federal policy priorities and will lead high-level public-facing projects, including efforts to expand Latino representation in decision-making bodies and evaluate government investments in communities of color. The position also represents the DPS in meetings and public forums to enhance UCLA LPPI’s visibility and impact.

Additional responsibilities include supervising and training student policy fellows, supporting advocacy communications, coordinating events, strengthening external partnerships, and providing rapid-response policy analysis. The ideal candidate is adaptable, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

This role will play a key part in advancing A) policy research and project management efforts, B) strengthening external relations, and C) supporting leadership operations.

A)Conduct detailed policy research and analysis to support existing projects as well as proposals for new bodies of work; synthesize key research findings to identify and provide policy recommendations.

A1)Manage and contribute expertise across various policy issues to produce concise memos and factsheets.

A2)Track and analyze local, state, and federal legislation in alignment with organizational goals and deliverables.

A3)Deliver oral group presentations to policymakers and other audiences to explain research and policy recommendations.

A4)Assists in efforts to improve internal information tracking systems and enhance the Mobilization department’s collaborations and communication efforts.

A5)Create and lead outreach plans for the dissemination of LPPI research to stakeholders.

B)Support the PD in designing and executing mobilization initiatives to advance the organization’s policy and advocacy objectives.

B1)Attend and contribute to meetings with policymakers and stakeholders.

B2)Manage and support the execution of Mobilization events by working with Special Projects & Operations Manager to coordinate logistics, develop the program and conduct outreach (webinars, policy briefings, and training) and coordinate with multiple parties as needed (panelists, partners, vendors, etc.)

B3)Conduct landscape analysis to identify potential stakeholders and partners to build and expand advocacy work.

B4)Support the PD in drafting and editing suggested talking points, memos, PowerPoint presentations, and other advocacy communications materials.

C)Support the PD with tracking project timeline, deliverables, and partnerships to proactively communicate progress and identify potential challenges.

C1)Support and prepare materials for senior staff for external meetings.

C2)Track and maintain the LPPI mobilization team activities to support end-of-year reporting requirements.

C3)Supervise and train fellows to perform data acquisition, draft policy memos, and other assignments as needed.

C4)Participate in department, university, and UC-system-wide meetings as needed.

C5)Produce high-quality data visualizations for diverse audiences in various formats for outreach efforts.

C6)Perform data acquisition, entry, and processing/cleaning for consistency and accuracy.

-1–3 years of professional experience in a fast-paced, execution-focused environment; experience in government, public policy, or research settings preferred.

-Strong persuasive oral communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to lead meetings, explain complex concepts to diverse audiences, build consensus, and influence decision-making across organizational levels.

-Demonstrates interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse social, educational, and cultural backgrounds.

-Intermediate writing, editing, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize information, prepare concise summaries, and deliver sound recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

-Strong organizational and prioritization skills; highly detail-oriented with experience using project management tools to track tasks, manage workflows, and monitor progress.

-Proven ability to multitask, triage competing priorities, and meet high standards of accuracy and attention to detail in a dynamic work environment.

-Resourceful, proactive, and adaptable, with the ability to manage tasks independently in a fast-paced setting.

-High level of professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion in both verbal and written communications.

-Exceptional time management skills, with the ability to complete tasks efficiently and on deadline, both independently and collaboratively.

-Ability to take direction while also working independently with minimal supervision; capable of exercising sound judgment, setting priorities, resolving complex problems, and following through on assignments.

Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical standards when handling sensitive information.

Flexibility to work occasional evenings, nights, or weekends to meet special project deadlines.

Demonstrated interest in public policy and politics affecting the nation’s diverse Latino communities, with a commitment to fostering teamwork, respect, and an inclusive work environment.

Familiarity with program and project evaluation, including the ability to assess impact and outcomes.

Experience supporting and managing multiple policy and advocacy projects, including planning, coordination, and execution of mobilization initiatives and events such as webinars, policy briefings, and trainings.