Responsibilities

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. Significant duties of this position include the following:

• Compiling fiscal and budgetary data and conduct fiscal research for the Joint Committee on Appropriations, other legislative committees, and individual legislators.
• Developing reports, memos, and papers presenting factual information.
• Delivering presentations to legislative committees.
• Staffing legislative committees.
• Drafting legislation and amendments.
• Developing active, positive relationships with personnel in assigned agencies.
• Analyzing proposed legislation and ballot measures for potential fiscal impacts. 
• Analyzing and researching state programs through a variety of methods.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Competencies: 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.
• Willingness and ability to travel overnight occasionally at state expense.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• 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.

Benefits

Salary Range: The starting salary for the Fiscal Analyst position will range from $63,770 to $95,655, with a market goal of $79,712. An applicant may be considered for a senior position based on three or more years of legislative experience. Actual starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Application Process: The posting for this position will remain open until Friday, April 12, 2024. A decision for this position will be made no later than Friday, May 3, 2024. An anticipated start date for this position is June 10, 2024, or sooner if able. Applications must include a letter of interest, resume, and up to three job references and should be submitted through the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources website or via hard copy or e-mail to: John McCullough, Director South Dakota Legislative Research Council 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501 E-Mail: Legis.Resume@sdlegislature.gov | Phone: 605-773-3251