LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH SPECIALIST

POSITION:   Legislative Analyst, Policy Analysis and Research Section

GRADE:         GS08

SUMMARY OF POSITION:    The Legislative Analyst is an entry-level position that works under direct supervision of the Administrator and is responsible for providing accurate and clear policy research and analysis for members of the General Assembly and legislative committees.

NOTE: Under the new pay plan, this position will be an SGS06

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct policy research and analysis for members of the General Assembly, legislative committees, and Bureau staff.
• Extract and compile financial or statistical data that members of the General Assembly can use to formulate program proposals.
• Be available to members of the General Assembly, state agency staff, and Bureau staff to provide information and assistance regarding policy research issues.
• Prepare and deliver presentations concerning policy research and analysis to legislative committees and other groups, as requested.
• Work with other divisions in the Bureau and provide research support for their legislative projects.
• Develop and maintain expertise in assigned subject matter areas, including monitoring national policies, policy trends in other states, news items, and emerging developments.
• In-state travel as needed to gather data.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Occasional out-of-state travel to seminars or conferences.
• Perform other related responsibilities as required or assigned by the Administrator for the Policy Analysis and Research Section, the Assistant Director for Research Services, and the Director of the Bureau.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and the functions of state and federal agencies.
• Knowledge of objective research methodology and diverse information resources.
• Ability to conduct objective research and data analysis.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Windows Applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to extract and compile information from various sources.
• Ability to express the results of research in concise written or verbal form.
• Ability to provide public presentations.
• Ability to develop and maintain a good working relationship with legislators and state administrators.
• Knowledge of the laws and procedures related to the General Assembly.
• Ability to work with other section staff to produce cohesive reports, briefs, and memoranda.
• Ability to communicate with Bureau staff, state agency staff, members of the General Assembly, and members of the public.

PRODUCTION STANDARDS:

• Provides accurate and clear policy research and analysis.
• Adept in communicating with Bureau staff, members of the General Assembly, state agency personnel, and members of the public, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates proficient time management skills, including the ability to complete work under strict time deadlines.
• Maintains high standard of professional ethics and exercises appropriate discretion with confidential matters.
• Effectively organizes and monitors the status of projects and work flow.
• Works cooperatively at problem solving and assists co-workers with a variety of tasks.