Policy Specialist Center for Results-Driven Governing NCSL Denver CO

Profile

Posted: Feb. 16, 2022

| Application Deadline:

March 2, 2022 before 5 p.m. MST

Title

Policy Specialist

Center for Results-Driven Governing

National Conference of State Legislatures

Denver

SALARY

: $4,802 p/month

Policy Specialist Job Description

Are you a diligent, dedicated go-getter looking to work for a national organization that serves and supports state legislators and legislative staff? Are you a smart, hard worker who is excited to contribute to a strong and inter-disciplinary team? We have a compelling opportunity for an experienced individual to join our team as a Policy Specialist to make meaningful contributions while participating in our success.

Focusing primarily on providing nonpartisan research and support for an evidence-based policymaking peer learning network, you'll perform legislative research, analysis, and writing tasks. As a critical team member, you'll organize meeting logistics, conduct outreach to legislators and legislative staff, develop written analyses, write publications, and respond to research requests from state legislators, legislative staff, the media, and others on various evidence-based policymaking issues. Seize the opportunity to glean valuable experience and deepen your knowledge of evidence-based policymaking.

Reporting to the Center for Results-Driven Governing Director, you'll partner with a collaborative team dedicated to helping state policymakers use the best available evidence and data to inform budget and policy decisions and drive better results. You'll have frequent contact with state legislators, legislative staff, and other officials and stakeholders outside of NCSL, including face-to-face discussions and presentations – a fantastic growth opportunity. Embark on a career that offers the chance to impact others, provide insightful research and support, and make a real difference. We offer an extremely competitive package, comprehensive benefits, a dynamic and rewarding work environment rich with growth opportunities.

Core Attributes

What You Bring to The Table

To successfully execute the role of Policy Specialist, the following professional attributes are assumed:

Communicator – Superb communication skills, both written and verbal.

Subject Matter Expertise – Supporting legislatures with your knowledge of evidence-based policymaking and diligent research and writing on topics such as evidence-based budgeting. You believe in NCSL's mission and are dedicated to remaining neutral on politically charged topics. You continually work to master your craft, expand your skillset and increase your deep understanding of the knowledge and expertise required for your role.

Achiever - Results-driven and passionate about research, data, problem-solving, anticipating the next steps, and staying ahead of the curve. You strive for accuracy and excellence in your work and never hesitate to take the initiative to move things forward.

Innovative – A creative, out-of-the-box thinker with fresh ideas and an informed, insightful point of view.

Curious Learner– Facts-focused, engaged, and interested in learning and skill-building. Ability to dig deep into a topic and translate detailed and complex information. Always looking for opportunities for growth.

Detail-driven – Command of the nuanced details in addition to the big picture vision. You dot every “I” and cross every “T.”

Collaborator – A trusted partner to your team, legislators and legislative staff, external partners and others. Values teamwork and collaboration.

Job Duties

What You Can Expect Day-to-Day

In this nonpartisan and non-advocacy role, the ideal Policy Specialist has a solid understanding of evidence-based decision making, state legislative processes, and the ability to analyze legislation and legislative trends and will be motivated to support state legislators and staff around complicated topics.

While activities can vary day-to-day, core responsibilities include:

RESEARCHES

, collects and analyzes legislative and executive actions such as introduced and enacted legislation, using various resources, including the internet, state legislative databases, public and private organizations, and others. Interprets and identifies legislative and executive action implications and trends; develops comparative 50-state legislative data sets and more.

RESPONDS

to research requests from state legislators, legislative staff, media and others with concise, accurate, and nonpartisan information. Responses may be oral or written and could include background/research, state examples, and legislative summaries and tables.

INTERPRETS

and translates detailed and complex information in the most effective format using a variety of methods, e.g., verbal presentations, publications, technical assistance workshops, webpages, podcasts, webinars, meetings, memos, newsletters, articles, and others.

EDUCATES

policymakers and others through technical assistance programs, educational sessions at small and large meetings, webinars, podcasts and more. Assists with overall planning for larger meetings with supervisor oversight, such as contributing to speaker identification, agenda development, and on-site support.

CREATES

substantive, engaging, and interactive presentations for legislators, legislative staff, and others on evidence-based policymaking with the ability to respond to questions.

EDITS

own work and colleagues' work as needed.

DATA COLLECTION

of federal, state, and local actions that impact the work of legislatures, such as executive and administrative actions, relevant case law or judicial interpretations, and intergovernmental actions.

PROJECT ASSISTANCE

with development of new projects in assigned subject areas, including assisting with concept papers, proposals, and grant applications.

FUNDER RELATIONS

and may assist with high-quality, timely assigned project deliverables under the direction of the supervisor.

TRAVEL

by air approximately 7-10 times per year to support meetings with NCSL's members and/or external partners. Most trips are for one to three nights.

Qualifications

What it Takes

We are looking for a dedicated and purposeful Policy Specialist fueled by meaningful work and supporting the work of state legislatures.

The minimum required qualifications:

Must be a Colorado resident or willing to relocate.

Bachelor's degree.

4 years of work experience with state legislatures, government, public policy, or another relevant field.

Knowledge of evidence-based, data-driven policymaking, data analysis, and evaluation techniques.

Proficient knowledge of state legislative and political processes and the separation of power between the branches of government.

Strong presentation skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate to a variety of audiences clearly and credibly.

Ability to work independently with little supervision as well as collaboratively with a team.

Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, national experts, funders, and others, under the guidance or mentorship of supervisor(s).

Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality.

Strong research and analysis skills, including accessing and assessing a variety of resources and research; synthesizing data and legislation; and analyzing and summarizing policy options and legislative activities.

Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.

Comfortable in deadline-driven environments and can adapt to changes in workload.

Ability to travel by air up to 7-10 times per year, with most trips being 1-3 nights, as well as work extended hours, possibly evenings and weekends, usually associated with events/travel.

Benefits

NCSL provides flexible, remote work options for our employees including the ability to telework up to 4 days a week. We are committed to offering a full range of other benefits for you and your eligible family members, including domestic partners.

Our outstanding benefits include low cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life and disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5 years of paid full-time work experience, time off plans and paid family leave, identity theft protection, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, access to 24 Hour Fitness memberships, paid time off to volunteer, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

Our Company

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to your success. The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL's mission is purposeful – strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation's most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff.

If you are a purpose-driven, dedicated professional looking to give as much as you get - Apply before 5 p.m. MST on March 2, 2022.

Learn more about working with NCSL by visiting our careers page: https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/ncsl-careers.aspx

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace. NCSL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation

We are the nation's most respected bipartisan organization providing states support, ideas, connections and a strong voice on Capitol Hill.

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National Conference Of State Legislatures
Phone : 303-364-7700
Fax : 303-364-7800
Website : http://www.ncsl.org/