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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, the conference's team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet members' evolving needs, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. The success in serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join NCSL's team and contribute to this unique, essential mission.

Our Operating Values

  • Legislative Institution

    We value effective systems of state, territorial, local, tribal and federal governments and believe they are a necessary and desirable function of representative democracy. Specifically, we work to strengthen the legislative institution and enhance its power to govern in the best interest of its citizens. We support the mission of NCSL and are dedicated to working in service of state legislators and legislative staff.

  • Nonpartisanship

    Governed as a bipartisan organization, we develop and provide objective, fact- and evidence-based research and informational resources to support legislative institutions and the policymaking process. We respect the diverse perspectives within state legislatures and work to enhance their relevance and effectiveness while remaining neutral and not advocating for specific state policies.

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

    We believe a culture that fully embraces diversity, equity and inclusion leads to a stronger organization. We strive to create an environment where everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We acknowledge that this work will be ongoing and are committed to prioritizing our DEI work for all levels of staff.​

  • Excellence and Innovation

    Working in service of state legislatures, we are committed to the highest standards and aspire for excellence in all areas. We embrace a culture of continuous growth, knowing we must constantly innovate our products and services to meet the evolving needs of our members.

  • Collaboration and Teamwork

    With the conviction that we are stronger and more effective as a team than as individuals, we intentionally reach out across the organization seeking the input and expertise of our colleagues. We support an open, communicative culture and recognize differing viewpoints can help us anticipate and solve problems. We are empowered to be curious, take initiative, make decisions and solve problems, all resulting in improved member service.

  • Federalism

    We work to restore the balance in our federal system through process changes, thoughtful consideration and broad national debate. We believe that shared power between levels of government enhances America's ability to develop responsive policy in a changing world. We are committed to a strong state-federal partnership where state legislatures have flexibility to shape public policy as they can be more innovative and responsive to their individual states' needs. 

Insider Insights

  • Position posted.
  • Candidates submit applications (resume and cover letter).
  • Resume review.
  • Candidate interviews.
  • Skills testing (varies based on position).
  • Background and reference checks.
  • Offer.
  • Onboarding.
  • Orientation and welcome.

Your resume looks its best when it has perfect grammar, name and contact details, chronological job history, brief descriptions of your previous work and relevant achievements. NCSL looks for a well-structured document that gets the message across in a concise way. Your resume should be a snippet of your complete profile, not a full list of everything you’ve ever done. Use it to highlight your accomplishments, skills and attributes you’ll bring to NCSL. Job application magic happens when you build a credible narrative foundation. 

Use the motivation (cover) letter to make your reason for applying crystal clear. NCSL's hiring managers want to learn how your background fits the open position and what makes you, you. Tailor your letter to the job requirements and explain in detail how your passion, drive and enthusiasm make you the right person for the job.

Ace your interview by coming prepared and being yourself. NCSL is excited to get to know you, which is why “I don’t know” is a perfectly acceptable answer to a question if it’s the truth. We’d rather you be honest than stumble over words. Before the interview, read up on NCSL, including the organization's values, mission and purpose and check out our research, podcasts and blogs. Show us why NCSL should be your next career destination and bring your enthusiasm and excitement to the interview.

NCSL offers an outstanding benefits package including:

  • Low-cost health, dental and vision coverage.
  • A 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution after six months and full vesting.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Three weeks paid vacation with five-plus years of paid full-time work experience.
  • LinkedIn Learning membership.
  • Paid family leave, telework.
  • Pet insurance.
  • Discounted bus/train passes.
  • In-office dry cleaning pick up.
  • Access to 24 Hour Fitness memberships and more.

Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

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