Job Overview
As a fiscal analyst, you will have the opportunity to assist legislators by providing accurate, objective, and relevant analysis of state programs and budgets. The position offers a variety of challenging and rewarding responsibilities.
Responsibilities
The significant duties of this position include the following:
- Compile fiscal and budgetary data and conduct fiscal research for the Joint Committee on Appropriations, other legislative committees, and individual legislators;
- Develop reports, memos, and papers presenting factual information;
- Deliver presentations to legislative committees;
- Staff legislative committees;
- Draft legislation and amendments;
- Develop active, positive relationships with personnel in assigned agencies;
- Analyze proposed legislation and ballot measures for potential fiscal impacts; and
- Analyze and research state programs through a variety of methods.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or preferably a master's degree in public or business administration, public policy, finance, economics, operations research, or other advanced level of education in a related field such as law.
A preferred applicant should possess the following:
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills. The analyst should have knowledge of areas such as statistics, economics, public finance, public policy evaluation, or policy analysis;
- Eagerness to expand knowledge base into a variety of subject areas such as taxation, social services, human services, corrections, court issues, economic development, environmental issues, education, state and local government, public safety, transportation, and labor issues;
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local government organizations and functions;
- Ability to perform research, using appropriate source materials and methodologies, and ability to follow office procedures and standards;
- Ability to work independently and on project teams;
- Ability to express conclusions clearly and logically in oral and written form;
- Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate Excel and Word proficiency;
- Willingness and ability to work extra hours when necessary, especially during legislative sessions (employees earn compensation time for extra hours worked);
- Ability to maintain composure and work cooperatively under pressure with legislators, legislative staff, and state government staff daily;
- Ability to work objectively and impartially with members of all political parties and independents; and
- Willingness and ability to travel overnight occasionally at state expense.
Work Environment
In a professional, confidential, and nonpartisan manner, the Legislative Research Council staff facilitates the deliberations of the South Dakota Legislature and its members.
Benefits
Employees of the Legislative Research Council (LRC) receive many of the same benefits as executive branch employees of the State of South Dakota, including vacation and sick leave accrual and participation in the South Dakota Retirement System. LRC employees are also eligible to accumulate compensation time on an hour-for-hour basis.
About the Organization
Established by law in 1951, the Legislative Research Council consists of all members of the South Dakota Legislature. It is the function of the LRC to consider legislative policies between sessions. The Council is governed by an Executive Board that has a membership of eight representatives and seven senators. The Executive Board hires the director who employs most all other legislative employees. The LRC staff provide fiscal analyses, research and drafting services, administrative support, and IT management.
How to Apply
The posting for this position will remain open until Friday, April 21, 2023. A decision for this position will be made no later than Friday, May 5, 2023. An anticipated start date for this position is June 1, 2023, or sooner if able.
Applications must include a letter of interest, resume, and up to five job references and should be submitted via hard copy, e-mail, or online via the South Dakota jobs website.
Reed Holwegner, Director South Dakota Legislative Research Council 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501 E-mail: Legis.Resume@sdlegislature.gov