Policy Analyst II

Council of State Governments•Lexington, KY

1d•$60,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. To learn more about CSG please visit our website at www.csg.org. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here . This opportunity is based in either our Lexington, KY office or our Washington, DC office but offers flexibility to work from home part of the work week. JOB SUMMARY The Policy Analyst II works with CSG policy teams, membership and communications, as well as regional offices, affiliates, members and committees, to monitor, understand and share best practices and analysis on today's most pressing state policy issues. The work of the Policy Analyst II includes research, writing and editing policy analysis papers and communication pieces, member outreach and engagement, planning and executing virtual and in-person convenings, and contributing to various group projects and team activities. The Policy Analyst II may also represent CSG constituents in external forums. This Policy Analyst II position will specifically focus on elections policy among other projects as assigned.

Requirements

Ability to work and conduct activities in a nonpartisan manner.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
Steadfast commitment to providing CSG members with timely, effective customer service.
Strong research skills including but not limited to qualitative and quantitative methods.
Strong writing skills, including policy description and analysis as well as more general writing such as correspondence, memos and articles.
Demonstrated proficiency in oral communications.
Ability to facilitate complex policy conversation.
Analytical, with an ability to think critically, distill and present complex information in a concise manner.
Skill and competence to work effectively with a myriad of state officials, including high level executive, legislative and judicial officials.
Ability to work with leading experts in the state government field including members, researchers, policy experts, and program providers.
Ability to support proposal and grant writing.
Ability to work independently and to handle a variety of tasks and assignments concurrently while adhering to specific instructions, technical direction and deadlines.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.
Self-motivated with ability to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet applications; high proficiency in Microsoft Excel; ability to learn additional software programs and new evaluation/analysis techniques.
Flexibility and willingness to take on new tasks as necessary to meet evolving needs and objectives of organization and its members.
Ability to facilitate difficult conversations with individuals and committees for positive outcomes.
Aptitude for managing projects.
Aptitude for researching, identifying, monitoring, and tracking legislation in the states.
Hard working, dependable, resourceful and willing to work non-traditional hours, usually dependent on events.
Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity and valuing others.
Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
Three (3) years of relevant and progressive work experience in state, local or federal government, a public policy organization, membership association, public university, consulting firm, or other relevant organization.
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial process.
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of state government public policy, policy issues and programming.
Experience with state legislative processes and procedures.
Experience compiling and maintaining a database for legislation enacted by states.
Experience with working with staff for state legislative service agencies, legislative committee staff, and staff for state policymakers.
Experience with presentations about the technical aspects of legislation to state policymakers.
Experience working collaboratively with multiple partners, with a preference for having worked with public officials.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with elections administration policy preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor relevant policy developments at the state, federal and international levels.
Conduct research on innovative local, state and federal policies and programs; analyze and synthesize findings appropriate for a committee or other policymaker audience; identify trends and best practices.
Develop, write, and compile reports and other research products that are highly relevant to CSG priorities and easily understood by the public, media and policymakers.
Collaborate with Communications, external writers and other consultants on reports and research products.
Work closely with the development team when necessary.
Assist in the planning, organizing, and convening of meetings by identifying topics, arranging for speakers, supporting logistical planning, preparing information, and staffing relevant meetings.
Participate in efforts to plan, coordinate and execute policy workshops, committee meetings, online webinars, technical tours, state visits, and delegations for state elected officials and staff.
Assist in the administration of collaborative projects aimed at addressing issues of top concern to state officials in one or more states.
Present research and other organizational information before state legislative committees and other internal and external partners.
Provide staff support to one or more CSG committees. Specific duties include working with committee officers and members to identify, prioritize and pursue committee objectives, including the development and production of committee workplans, meeting agendas, events and other deliverables.
Work with CSG staff to coordinate and collaborate with national organizations, researchers and national policy experts in carrying out work on collaborative projects.
Prepare concise written responses to requests for information by members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
Develop and manage relationships with state officials and policymakers, including legislative and other governmental contacts.
Share expertise and collaborate with CSG regional offices and affiliate groups as requested.
Provide direct outreach to CSG members.
Represent CSG and states' viewpoints and positions to external stakeholders.
Assist with regional and/or national conference programs and meetings.
Assist with grant and proposal development.
Travel overnight and for varying lengths to fulfill duties and responsibilities as needed.