AVP, Policy & Data Analysis – Job #3656

Job Description:

Are you energized by digging into complex policy issues—and transforming data into meaningful insights that shape advocacy strategies? Do you thrive at the intersection of research, analysis, and policy influence? Are you passionate about using data to drive smarter, more strategic decision‑making?

Our six-state trade association is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Policy & Data Analysis to lead rigorous financial services-related policy analysis grounded in strong data practices. This role will research, interpret, and analyze existing and proposed trends, laws, and regulations affecting credit unions and the financial services marketplace, with a focus on gathering, organizing, and manipulating data to illuminate policy impacts. The ideal candidate understands how high‑quality research and data informs effective advocacy—and can translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations for internal teams, credit union executives, and policymakers.

This position will also develop and maintain a comprehensive resource library containing policy summaries, research, data sets, and analytical reports to support state, federal, and regulatory advocacy efforts across GoWest’s six‑state footprint.

We offer a smart working environment with flexibility of location. While the role may be performed remotely, candidates must reside in and be a constituent of one of our six states (AZ, CO, ID, OR, WA & WY).

Key Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Research, Data Collection, and Analysis

• Collect, organize, and analyze policy trends and concepts, as well as quantitative and qualitative data to assess the operational and strategic impacts of proposed and existing ideas, policy concepts, legislation, and regulations.
• Apply data manipulation techniques—including comparative analysis, trend identification, and statistical interpretation—to support policy decision‑making.
• Conduct empirical, evidence‑based research to produce reports, models, and policy assessments that guide advocacy strategies.

Data‑Driven Policymaking & Insight Generation

• Translate complex data findings into clear narratives that explain why the data matters and how it informs policy choices.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and performance of existing policies using data analytics to identify areas for adjustment, improvement, or strategic opportunity.
• Partner with GoWest Data team leaders to utilize advanced tools such as data modeling, dashboards, and machine learning applications to uncover insights that shape future policy positions.
• Identify external resources and information sources that would aid in the development of actionable data sets for policy development.

Policy Development & Advocacy Alignment

• Collaborate with internal advocacy teams and external stakeholders to build research‑supported, consensus‑driven policy impact and position statements.
• Support the development of proactive policy proposals informed by data trends, operational considerations, and member priorities.
• Lead or support presentations, briefings, and discussions that explain policy implications through both narrative and data‑driven lenses.

Knowledge Management & Resource Development

• Build and maintain a robust policy resource library including summaries, data visualizations, research reports, and analytical tools.
• Work with Advocacy and Communications teams to create compelling data‑informed resources for credit unions, policymakers, and internal teams—including infographics, white papers, and fact sheets.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of public policy research and analysis coupled with strong data literacy. They can identify which data is needed, gather and interpret that data effectively, and use insights to drive compelling policy arguments.  They are intrepid and analytical, with a passion for understanding how data shapes policy.  They are skilled in data gathering, manipulation, and explanation—able to interpret and communicate the “so what” behind the numbers.  They have experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, particularly in government, financial services, or technology sectors.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, economics, data analytics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Five years minimum experience in policy analysis, development, legislative/regulatory affairs, or related data‑driven research work.
• Experience working with datasets, data platforms, or analytical tools is preferred.

Salary ranges from $85,000 – 105,000 depending on experience. This position is eligible for a variable pay program which has a potential 5% of base salary earnings.  Employees (and dependents 50%) are covered by medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability.  Employees are eligible to enroll in our 401k plan.  New employees will accrue 15 days of vacation and 8 days of paid time off. In addition, employees will enjoy eleven paid holidays and two floating holidays.

GoWest Credit Union Association is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.