RESEARCH & POLICY ANALYSIS ADMINISTRATOR

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

POSITION:   Administrator, Policy Analysis and Research Section

GRADE:        SE02

SUMMARY OF POSITION:          The Administrator of the Policy Analysis and Research Section works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director for Research Services.  The Administrator is the immediate supervisor for section personnel, and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the section. The Policy Analysis and Research Section is made up of legislative analysts and their administrative assistants.  The section conducts research and analysis on various topics and provides reports, analyses, maps, and other forms of research information to the members of the General Assembly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:          

• Direct the planning and operation of the Policy Analysis and Research Section, including reviewing and making recommendations regarding the needs of the section for staffing, equipment, policies, and procedures.
• Supervise section personnel, including staff assignments, approval of leave requests, approval of travel requests, and approval of overtime requests.
• Evaluate the job performance of section personnel.
• Participate in the hiring of new section employees by writing the job vacancy advertisement, reviewing all applications received, interviewing applicants, providing input to the Assistant Director as to the best candidates for the position, notifying final candidates that the position has been filled, and drafting the acceptance and rejection letters to applicants.
• Train new section employees.
• Ensure compliance with the Bureau Employee Policy Manual within the section.
• Research and prepare narrative and statistical reports as requested by members of the General Assembly and legislative committees.
• Prepare materials and conduct presentations concerning research conducted for members of the General Assembly and legislative committees.
• Work with other Divisions of the Bureau and provide research support for their legislative projects, as needed.
• Assign legislative research projects to appropriate section staff.
• Develop and maintain expertise in assigned subject matter areas, including monitoring national policies, policy trends in other states, news items, and emerging developments.
• Occasional in-state travel to gather data.
• Maintain historical data for topics regularly studied by members of the General Assembly.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare materials and conduct presentations concerning the legislative research process in general.
• Occasional out-of-state travel to conferences and seminars.
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Assistant Director for Research Services and the Director of the Bureau.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• Formal education equivalent of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Education, experience, and abilities commensurate with assigned duties.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and the functions of state and federal agencies.
• Knowledge of the processes and procedures of the General Assembly.
• Knowledge of Bureau policies and procedures.
• Ability to conduct objective research and data analysis.
• Ability to gather data and information from diverse resources and organize it into coherent reports, briefs, and memoranda.
• Ability to organize workload and set priorities.
• Ability to communicate with Bureau Staff, state agency staff, members of the General Assembly, and members of the public.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff and interview prospective employees.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

PRODUCTION STANDARDS:

• Effectively supervises section personnel, including providing competent assistance and supervision to section analysts and administrative assistants that aids in developing their quality of work.
• Demonstrates the ability to capably and confidently interview prospective employees.
• Effectively trains new employees.
• Accurately analyzes and provides policy research and analysis to complex legislative issues.
• Adept in communicating with Bureau staff, members of the General Assembly, state agency staff, 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.