Our impact is a direct result of our people
Careers at HCM
Associate Director
ABOUT THIS ROLE
HCM Strategists (HCM) seeks a creative and motivated person to join our team as a Associate Director on our policy team. Applications will be accepted through August 10, 2026 and be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Full time, salaried exempt
Remote. Employees are provided a laptop (choice of either a PC or a Mac) and a monthly cell phone stipend.
Travel: This position may require up to 15% travel; therefore, the candidate must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Compensation and Benefits: HCM offers a competitive compensation package that includes base salary, 401k contributions and incentive bonuses throughout the year (contingent upon the firm’s performance). HCM also provides benefits that include paid time off, sick leave, parental leave, and company paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance. Employees are provided an annual allocation for professional development. The typical pay range for this position is between $63,000-$102,000. Final salary determinations will be based on experience.
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Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Use surveys and datasets to inform measures of postsecondary costs, success, and post-exit outcomes at the state, institution, and program levels.
Conduct robust statistical analyses to identify factors or levers that affect outcomes, such as cost, completion, local labor market.
Develop models to estimate the impact of improvement on levers in order to develop field-facing data tools and visualizations for key stakeholders.
Conduct relevant analyses, create visualizations, and write interpretations to explain data to stakeholders and non-technical audiences.
Support technical assistance to train institutional and state leaders on data tools.
Provide general support on client projects including, but not limited to:
Meeting support (e.g., agenda development, document support and note taking).
Drafting, copyediting and proofreading documents, presentations and other work products.
Identify, stay abreast and contribute to the firm’s knowledge base of current policies, legislation, practices, and trends.
Serve as a trusted client representative with the ability to lead calls and meetings, independently, as needed.
Cultivate expertise in identification, measurement, and use of value-aligned data to advance state and institutional policy and practice to address gaps in economic mobility and opportunity.
Focus on networking and relationship building to cultivate credibility in the field.
Support projects administratively (e.g., scheduling, copyediting, note-taking, and other general and administrative project support), as needed.
Represent the firm at briefings, hearings and meetings as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
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Experience:
Minimum 3 years working in/with public policy and research, advocacy, communications, philanthropy, and/or educational entities.
HCM prefers candidates with proficiency in statistical analysis software and data visualization tools.
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Significant experience using large-scale administrative, survey, and public-use datasets to analyze postsecondary education and workforce outcomes.
Strong quantitative research skills, including experience with regression-based methods and applied statistical modeling.
Demonstrated ability to build, clean, merge, document, and maintain complex multi-year datasets from multiple sources.
Strong data visualization skills and experience creating charts, dashboards, or other field-facing tools that help users interpret complex data.
Proficiency with statistical software or programming languages such as R or Stata.
Experience translating statistical findings into clear, actionable insights for nontechnical audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively with external stakeholders.
Strong project-management skills, including the ability to manage complex analytic tasks, maintain documentation, meet deadlines, and support iterative product development.
Strong interest in HCM’s mission and values, as well as delivering work that advances change that makes educational systems more accessible, affordable, accountable, and equitable.
Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, an enthusiastic attitude and enjoys a team-based culture.
Collaborative and collegial.
Implements solutions with a “roll-up your sleeves” approach.
Ability to prioritize and adjust to change across multiple clients.
Willingness to support the team on administrative tasks, as needed.
Consistently displays the firm's cultural norms and expectations.
Curious and creative disposition.
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HCM is a public policy and advocacy consulting firm known nationally for its leadership in education policy development, analysis, and advocacy. HCM puts the learner at the center of our work – particularly those who have been left behind by the traditional systems of education – and focuses on eliminating inequities that continue to place far too many students at a disadvantage in pursuing and completing their education. Our team of professionals has an unparalleled set of relationships with state policymakers and deep reach in all 50 states as well as relationships with national employers, polling organizations and civil rights and community-based organizations that help build an understanding of how change is possible in different environments. We have a long record of success across states based upon our ability to leverage our comprehensive network, forge creative alliances with non-traditional partners, and provide leadership, strategic counsel and vision implementation to efforts on behalf of our clients. Our clients include foundations, state and national non-profit organizations, state agencies, and colleges and universities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
HCM Strategists is an equal opportunity employer affording all employees and job applicants’ fair and equal treatment. To advance inclusive excellence, and in accordance with the letter and spirit of all applicable federal, state and local laws HCM complies with the letter and spirit of all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disabilities.
Where Deep Expertise Meets Passion and Drive
Intentionality in everything
We are industry-leading experts committed to intentionally listening to and partnering with our clients. Staying at the forefront of industry and learner data, we intentionally blend evidence with a practical eye for progress. We intentionally cultivate relationships that allow us to engage deeply, over time, in trusting, results-centered initiatives, and our work touches every aspect of the education system–working with students, parents, teachers, institutions, funders and state and federal policy leaders.
Embrace continuous learning
We know that opportunities borne from educational attainment improve lives and transform communities. At HCM, we are lifelong learners dedicated to improving learning opportunities for all, and particularly for historically marginalized and minoritzed populations.
Approach with nimbleness
We tailor our work to meet our clients’ unique circumstances and goals while utilizing our team’s deep expertise and understanding of the policies and practices that shape our education and training systems.
Operate through an equity lens
We believe in leading and facilitating through an inclusive and collaborative process. We build into our work with clients a commitment to authentically engage the voices of learners and the lived experiences of leaders who have a stake in the policies and practices being developed. Equitable outcomes are at the heart and center of our work.
A focus on impact
We partner for the long-haul with clients that share our mission. Defining up front the impact we collectively seek, HCM’s team offers each client sharp analysis, deep policy acumen, clear advice and counsel, and creative problem solving.
Collaborative thought partners
We know changes in organizations, agencies, and public policy only happen when stakeholders coalesce around a shared mission. As strategic thought-partners, we leverage our vast network of partnerships at the institutional, state and federal levels to build the will and acumen for lasting improvements in educational opportunity.