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Posted March 21, 2024

Policy Analyst - Elections and Redistricting

Hybrid/Denver, Colo.

$50,101 annually

Full Time (On-site)

April 4, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. MT

Job Overview

About The Role

A Policy Analyst is an entry-level position that may work on a variety of policy and legislative topics and contribute to a range of tasks and projects. The position operates under the close supervision of others and has no supervisory responsibilities. Work may be performed independently or as a member of a team. Employees are assigned discrete tasks (e.g., tracking legislation in databases, answering research requests from members, contributing research to publications and presentations, providing research or state examples for a presentation) in support of projects and/or other professional staff in a project or program. Employees have an opportunity to begin to develop knowledge in a specific subject area(s).

The Policy Analyst will join NCSL’s Elections and Redistricting program. The E&R team tracks state legislative interests and actions, conducts research, offers in-person and virtual learning and networking opportunities, and develops publications on issues related to election administration, redistricting, alternative voting systems, campaign finance, ethics, partisan composition of legislatures, state politics and other elections and redistricting issues.

The E&R team believes in providing excellent customer service to NCSL’s members. Successful candidates bring natural curiosity, initiative and flexibility, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and a strong desire to learn and grow. The position is non-partisan and non-advocacy, and the ideal candidate possesses a belief in NCSL’s mission and the ability to remain neutral on politically charged topics. While not required, some familiarity with election administration or the voting process is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Collects and monitors data on legislative actions, state and federal programs, using a variety of resources, including the internet, available state legislative databases, public and private organizations, and others.
  • 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. May track state legislation or 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.
  • Provides logistical support for meetings, conferences, and other NCSL convenings. May contribute to planning tasks, such as research, background information, and speaker identification, as well as agenda development and on-site support.
  • Contributes to written publications. May summarize legislation, tabulate surveys, research specific state programs or activities, and provide other research for reports, short publications, or articles. May independently author shorter publications.
  • Contributes to presentations and technical assistance workshops. May provide research, state examples, background material, and other information for slides and presentations. May have the opportunity to provide some public speaking/presentations with oversight by supervisor or senior staff.
  • May travel to assist with NCSL meetings and other professional development opportunities.
  • Performs other responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Ability to communicate information, in writing and verbally, in a clear and credible way to a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others and work independently.
  • Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality when required.
  • Exceptional attention to detail; ability to quickly analyze legislation, including identifying patterns and trends in legislation and other datasets.
  • Skill and competence in basic research, including internet searches and accessing and analyzing government, public, and private policy documents, white papers, and other resources.
  • Ability to learn new research tools quickly.
  • Organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changes in workload.
  • Knowledge of state legislative and political processes and the separation of power between the branches of government.
  • Ability to travel by air up to 2-5 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 full-time 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 travel on their own fare 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 PM MT, April 4, 2024 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.

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