Job Overview

About The Role

NCSL’s Environment, Energy and Transportation Program is seeking a Policy Associate with expertise and/or interest in transportation funding and traffic safety policy. This includes performing legislative research, analysis, writing and program planning.  This person will work with a small, friendly and collaborative team comprised of two other transportation staffers, with multiple opportunities to work and collaborate with other NCSL Programs and outside organizations. The Policy Associate will assist with providing quality, unbiased information to state legislators and legislative staff through publications, legislative tracking, meetings and other efforts. This position includes considerable opportunities for professional development and advancement.  

The Policy Associate will develop expertise, create written and in-person programming and answer research requests from state legislators, legislative staff and other policy stakeholders on transportation funding and financing issues. Areas of focus will include motor fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, road usage charging programs, private-public partnerships, tolling and other mechanisms to fund and finance surface transportation programs and assets. They will also track, develop expertise and assist with traffic safety topics such as speeding and speed limits, automated enforcement, motorcycle safety, teen and older drivers and other topics. The Policy Associate will also assist with topics such as aviation, rail safety, highway operations and maintenance and other transportation issues as assigned.  

The Policy Associate will update online bill-tracking databases, draft publications, assist with meeting coordination, assist with presentations, compile and summarize legislation, and complete research for program projects including publications, NCSL meetings and off-site trainings and presentations. The Policy Associate will have opportunities to travel for work and network with state transportation legislative leaders and national transportation experts. This professional position requires demonstrated competence in research, writing, communication, public policy and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

• 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.

Supervisor/Management Responsibilities:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

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 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, Oct. 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.