Investigations Manager - Higher Education Program

New America’s Higher Education Program seeks an investigator to unearth revelatory stories about predatory practices at colleges and universities and other postsecondary providers. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of investigative and/or oversight research. The candidate may be a journalist, lawyer, or a researcher with a knack and curiosity for investigation. Strong preference will be given to someone with knowledge and experience of the higher education industry and related consumer protection statute and regulations.

New America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States. The Higher Education Program includes researchers, writers, and advocates from diverse backgrounds who engage in thoughtful analysis, shedding light on the thorniest issues in higher education and developing student-centered federal policy recommendations. We are dedicated to making higher education more equitable, inclusive, and accountable so that everyone has a chance to obtain an affordable and high-quality education after high school. We are a voice for students in policy discussions dominated by institutional interests.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Cultivate sources with employees, students, and other whistleblowers at colleges and universities and other education service providers across the country.
• Research and investigate predatory and abusive practices at colleges and universities to identify trends by institutions and the companies with which they engage.
• Gather evidence that can be provided to local, state, and federal oversight and enforcement agencies, as well as to media outlets.
• Write publicly about predatory practices and trends at institutions of higher education and within companies that contract with institutions.
• Engage with the media and other relevant stakeholders to share student and institutional stories. 

Qualifications and Requirements:

• At least 3 years of investigative experience including cultivating sources, engaging with enforcement agencies, and familiarity with obtaining information through various avenues such as FOIA. 
• Previous experience with, knowledge of, and a strong interest in state and federal higher education laws and associated regulations, particularly those related to higher education accountability and consumer protection.
• Strong analysis skills, including the ability to conduct and analyze interviews, ability to analyze and understand the application of statute and regulations.
  • Data analysis skills are a plus including familiarity with IPEDS and College Scorecard to track trends among institutions. 
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Candidates should be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely for public audiences. 
  • Experience translating and disseminating complex information to enforcement agencies is a plus. 
• Demonstrated ability to form relationships and work with internal and external partners across issues. Candidates should be self-motivated, but also enthusiastic team players open to helping on existing projects, giving and receiving feedback, and working in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills and keen attention to detail. 
• Good discretion and confidentiality is a must.

Location: This position is based in New America’s Washington, DC office on a hybrid basis, with office attendance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.   

Compensation and Benefits: This position is a full-time role with benefits. The annual salary will be between $90,000 – $110,000.00, depending on experience.  New America offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health care, dental, and vision coverage; a generous retirement plan; paid time off; observes all federal holidays; and an office-wide closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Application process: Please submit a resume and cover letter that outlines your interest in the position and your qualifications for the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

No phone calls or emails, please.  

New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination. This is a bargaining unit position.