About GBPI
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) strives to conduct rigorous analysis and research to advance policy solutions that ensure all Georgians thrive. We examine the state’s budget, taxes and public policies to provide thoughtful analysis and responsible solutions that address inequities in our state. We educate the public about complex issues confronting Georgia. We activate Georgians to call for policy solutions that put people first. Our aim is to inspire informed debate and decision-making, advancing our vision of a state budget informed by the people that improves economic opportunities for all Georgians, creating a just, equitable and inclusive economy.
Fund Georgia’s Future Overview and Mission
Fund Georgia’s Future (FGF) is a statewide coalition dedicated to creating a just public education system in Georgia with fair and full funding (learn more at www.fundgeorgiasfuture.com). It works through policy advocacy, grassroots mobilization and coalition-building to address inequities in school funding and ensure every student regardless of race or income has access to the resources they need to succeed. GBPI hosts this coalition and this position will represent GBPI and function as a policy expert for FGF.
Position Overview
GBPI seeks a Senior Policy Analyst/Director of Education to help advance our education policy agenda, with a focus on Pre-K–12 education. The successful candidate will conduct research and analysis, develop policy recommendations and advocate for investments and reforms that expand educational opportunity for Georgians. The portfolio includes work to ensure that Georgia’s public schools are equitably and adequately funded and that postsecondary education is affordable and accessible.
Areas of research and advocacy focus will include, but are not limited to, Georgia’s education budgets and funding formulas, student needs and opportunity gaps.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is comfortable with data research and analysis, can translate complex fiscal and policy issues for broad audiences and enjoys collaborating with team members, community partners and policymakers. This position will join an enthusiastic, relationship-oriented team working to develop and advance public policies that promote justice, dignity and opportunity for communities across Georgia.
Scope of work
- Research, data analysis and writing (30%)
- Budget and legislative analysis (20%)
- Advocacy and policymaker education (20%)
- External Affairs (30%)
Must Have Qualifications:
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- Skills and experience in legislative advocacy, coalition organizing, media relations and/or public speaking.
- A relationship-oriented approach with a focus on collaboration, teamwork, growth, continuous learning and sharing power and knowledge.
- Demonstrated experience in policy research, quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, education policy, public finance, public policy, advocacy or a closely related field.
- Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to produce clear policy analysis, reports, fact sheets, briefing materials, legislative testimony and other products for varied audiences.
- Ability to analyze state budgets, legislation and policy proposals and explain how they affect students, families, communities, and educational institutions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-policy-oriented audiences and through public presentations.
- Proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Office and experience working with public data; willingness and ability to learn additional analytical tools as needed.
- Strong knowledge of Georgia’s Pre-K–12 policy landscape, including state funding and legislative processes.
- Willingness to represent GBPI’s education policy work before large and small audiences and serve as a resource to media, policymakers, partners and the public.
- Experience working with policymakers, advocates, community members or other constituencies to develop policy options and strategies to achieve desired change.
- A demonstrated understanding of how racism and other structural inequities have shaped education policy and outcomes, and the ability to apply that analysis to research, policy development and organizational practice.
- Experience centering the knowledge of impacted communities by seeking community input throughout research and policy development and communicating about communities from a strengths-based rather than deficit-based perspective.
- Any combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the role.
- Expertise or experience in one or more education policy areas, such as school finance, the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula, student supports, early childhood education.
Nice to Have Qualifications:
- Experience with statistical analysis or data visualization tools such as R, STATA, SPSS, Tableau, Power BI, Adobe Creative Suite or similar platforms.
- Experience managing multiple research and presentation projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines in a fast-moving policy environment.
- Experience in grant writing or supporting grant-funded projects.
- Early childhood education
- Experience related to college affordability; state investment in public colleges and universities and need-based aid; and state and federal policy changes that affect Georgia students, families and educational institutions.
Details:
Supervisor: This position formally reports to the CEO.
Compensation: Compensation and title will depend on experience and salary will range from $90,000 to $110,000 in alignment with the GBPI Compensation Philosophy
Location: The GBPI team works remotely; however, this position will require frequent travel to the Capitol, in-person staff meetings in Atlanta, and partner meetings or other convenings throughout the state.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to sfox at gbpi.org with ‘First Initial Last Name Education Position’ in the title line. No calls, please. In your cover letter, please highlight 1) why you’d love to join our team, 2) up to three of your top skills that match our qualifications, and 3) how you incorporate racial equity into your work. The writing sample should be related to policy and research and be no more than 4 pages. Deadline to apply is November 10, 2026. This deadline may be extended as needed based on applicant pool.
The Georgia Budget & Policy Center values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants; people with disabilities; people of any sexual orientation or gender identity; and people with low-income backgrounds and other diverse life experiences. We value the lived experiences that our staff bring to bear on the work as deeply relevant expertise.
