ABOUT NCSL
Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful—strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission.
NCSL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
JOB TITLE: Policy Associate
PROGRAM: Elections and Redistricting Program
LOCATION: Denver
SALARY: $4,199 /month
ABOUT NCSL:
Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful – strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The policy associate will work in NCSL’s Elections and Redistricting Program in NCSL’s Denver office. Broadly, this position includes research, analysis and program/meeting planning related to election administration. Primary duties will include collecting and maintaining data related to election legislation; responding to research requests; maintaining webpages and other internal and external resources; coordinating speakers, agendas and logistics for meetings; and developing connections with state legislators, legislative staff and subject-area experts. Public speaking will be minimal at the beginning but will expand with experience.
The policy associate will work under the direction of supervisors and in collaboration with other Elections and Redistricting team members. The policy associate may also have responsibility for independent research projects, databases or webpages. All major work products will be reviewed by senior professionals or project managers. Travel several times a year will be expected.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
Research and Policy Analysis
- Review and update NCSL’s data relating to election administration.
- Collect, monitor and summarize legislation relating to election administration and prepare this information in succinct forms for a non-expert, legislative audience.
- Create and maintain databases to organize and store information on election administration in all states and territories.
- Establish a consistent and easy-to-use system for NCSL’s Elections and Redistricting team to access election administration data.
Writing and Communication
- Regularly update NCSL’s web resources devoted to election administration.
- Respond to research requests with accurate, clear, concise and nonpartisan information.
- Write about election administration legislation, news and trends for NCSL’s magazine and blog using a reader-focused style.
Member Outreach and Education
- Develop and sustain effective professional relations with state legislators, legislative staff and experts in the field.
- Provides program support and administrative assistance to more senior NCSL staff who coordinate the work of a committee, task force, working group or legislative staff group.
Organizational Support
- Assist NCSL in providing election coverage and political nonpartisan analysis to our constituents.
- Maintain cooperative relations with current funders relating to project schedules and deliverables, under the direction of supervisors.
- Represent NCSL positively when interacting with other groups.
- Perform other responsibilities as needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but could serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position is a mostly performed in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. You will utilize standard office equipment such as filing cabinets, copy machines, laptops, printers, scanners, and smartphones. Travel by airplane including overnights and weekends required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, expectations, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree plus three years of relevant work experience, including at least one year of professional or public policy experience in state government, with a public policy organization or with NCSL. A post-baccalaureate or graduate degree (i.e. masters degree, professional degree, or doctoral degree) may be substituted for one year of the required work experience.
- Competence in policy research with the ability to quickly acquire skill and competence with tracking legislation, managing databases or other comparable tasks.
- Skill and competence in writing for a non-expert audience.
- Able to prioritize and manage multiple projects and adjust to shifting priorities.
- Able to work independently, while seeking guidance as needed.
- Skill and competence in working in a professional environment and with a small team of co-workers.
- Able to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work in a bipartisan environment.
- Knowledge of the legislative process and of state governments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of election administration or related fields.
- Experience in a state legislature, particularly experience with statutory or legislative research.
- Experience working with state legislators and/or legislator staff.
- Skill and competence in PowerPoint.
- Experience organizing in-person or online events.
BENEFITS:
NCSL offers an outstanding benefits package including low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, paid family leave, telework, pet insurance, discounted bus / train passes, in-office dry cleaning pick up, access to 24-hour fitness memberships, a nd more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates
TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should apply online and include a cover letter and resume highlighting skills and qualifications no later than May 7, 2021 by 5pm MST.
NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace. NCSL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation.
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