Job Overview

About The Role

NCSL’s Redistricting and Elections program is looking for a dynamic and flexible Policy Associate with demonstrated competence in legislative research and analysis of state election issues, including election administration, restricting, campaign finance and other related policy areas. Specifically, the ideal candidate should be able to summarize and describe a policy issue or legislative trends and be able to identify credible resources. The Policy Associate may work on a variety of policy and legislative topics, contribute to a range of tasks and projects, and over time may deepen knowledge in a particular subject matter. This role will also contribute to meeting planning, webpage maintenance, and may have contact with legislators, legislative staff, and other officials, including virtual and in-person discussions or meetings. Work may be performed independently or as a member of our team. This position will operate largely in support of and at the direction of other staff but may have responsibility for assigned tasks.

Responsibilities

• Collects and monitors data using a variety of resources on legislative actions and state and federal programs relating to election administration and related issues such as campaign finance, ethics, redistricting and related issues.
• Prepares concise, accurate, and nonpartisan responses to legislative research requests. Responses may be oral or written and could include background/research, state examples, and legislative summaries and tables.
• Tracks state activity in assigned areas. Tracks state legislation or state activity in NCSL’s externally facing databases or webpages and maintains internal tracking on a number of other issues to stay up to date on state action.
• Maintains and updates webpages with new research, data, policy, and legislative information. May create new webpages based on emerging issues, or as assigned.
• Contributes to meeting planning tasks, such as providing research and background information; speaker identification; assisting with agenda development; recruiting participants; logistical support before the event and on-site.
• Plans, researches and writes for newsletters, issue briefs, short research reports or articles. Written products are subject to close review and editing by more senior staff.
• Contributes research or writing for larger written reports and products, under the guidance of more senior staff.
• Contributes to presentations and technical assistance workshops. May provide research, state examples, background material, and other information for slides and presentations. Makes presentations as needed with supervisor guidance.
• With supervision, produces online meetings or webinars, bridging the technical and substantive sides of the process.
• Coordinates with NCSL staff in other issue areas that overlap with the assigned program.
• May travel to assist with NCSL meetings and other professional development opportunities.
• Performs other responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, plus two years of work experience with state legislatures, government, public policy or in another relevant field.
• Subject-specific knowledge is preferred, but not necessary.
• Ability to communicate information, in writing and verbally, in a clear and credible way to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others and to work independently.
• Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality when required.
• Demonstrated competence in research skills and tasks requiring attention to detail, including skill with internet searches; accessing and analyzing government documents, academic reports, white papers, and other resources; and analyzing and synthesizing research and legislation.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changes in workload. Flexibility and organizational skills will be keys to success.
• Knowledge of state legislative and political processes and the separation of power between the branches of government.
• Ability to travel by air up to 8 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.

Work Environment

This position is mostly performed in an office environment, on or off-site, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. NCSL provides a unique hybrid remote work policy with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development. Employees routinely use standard office equipment such as laptops, printers, scanners, copy machines, and smartphones. Occasional travel by airplane, including overnights and weekends, is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits

NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four days each month. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff come to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development. We are committed to offering a full range of other benefits for you and your eligible family members, including domestic partners.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. 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 & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, generous time off plans and paid family leave, floating holidays, identity theft protection, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, paid time off to volunteer, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

About the Organization

Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? 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. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission. NCSL has a flexible remote work policy.  Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four days each month.  The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development. 

How to Apply

If you are a purpose-driven, dedicated professional looking to give as much as you get – submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59 p.m. MT, June 9, 2023 for best consideration. Learn more about working with NCSL by visiting our careers page. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

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.