Policy Analyst-South

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 .

The mission of The Council of State Governments’ Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among its 15 member states . In large measure, this is achieved through the ongoing work of the Conference’s six standing committees and supporting groups. Through member outreach in state capitols, policy research, international member delegations, staff exchange programs, meetings and fly-ins, staff support state policymakers in their work to build a stronger region. To learn more about the Southern office visit us at www.slcatlanta.org .

JOB SUMMARY

The Policy Analyst is responsible, through self-direction and in concert with the Southern Office Director, and to varying and project-specific degrees, for providing research support to the assigned standing committee(s) and staff groups of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) and supporting the various activities, programs and services associated with the organization’s identified members, as well as providing optimal customer service both internally and externally to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. The Policy Analyst exercises semi-independent judgment while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Southern Office Director and other staff.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates a professional manner and exhibits appropriate interpersonal skills and relationships with both internal and external partners
• Maintains open and frequent communication with legislative committee chairs
• Develops programs and services for members in concert with the Southern Office Director.
• Staffs standing committee(s) of the Southern Legislative Conference as assigned (Education Committee and the Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations Committe).
• Provides targeted deliverables relative to policy as determined in collaboration the Southern Office Director.
• Responds to information inquiries initiatied by members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
• Maintains knowledge of changing organization membership.
• Serves as organization liaison with members and other internal and external partners.
• Provides support with regard to the coordination and execution of the SLC annual meeting and other events; identifies policy topics and presenters and coordinates each session for each assigned committee; prepares written summaries of each session; brief committee chairs on matters pertaining to each session for each committee.
• Maintains a network of state government contacts and resources.
• Provides research assistance to staff as needed.
• Keeps current on changes in the organization.
• Provides deliverables, such as written policy papers; issue briefs; coordination of webinars in support of the assigned SLC standing committee(s) and the organization as a whole
• Monitors assigned states’ activity and disseminates information as appropriate; writes pre-session and post-session legislative summaries
• Presents to both internal and external partners research and other organizational information; presents before state legislative committees as required contingent upon resources.
• Prepares and interprets surveys and other instruments used to gather information.

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Arranges delegation visits and fly-ins to other states for legislative members and legislative staff, coordinates webinars and, when appropriate, international programs.

• Performs all other reasonably assigned responsibilities and duties.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Ability to work under time constraints and meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills
• Displays efficiency and effectiveness
• Computer competency
• Travel required

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree desirable.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in resarch and public policy.

APPLICATION INSTRUCITONS

Applicants must complete the online application and submit a cover letter , resume and writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages) . Incomplete applications will not be considered.

CSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled)