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: Center for Legislative Strengthening
LOCATION: Denver, CO
SALARY: $4,199 p/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:
NCSL’s Denver-based Center for Legislative Strengthening seeks a Policy Associate. This is a generalist position working across a variety of areas that contribute to and expand NCSL’s support and knowledge of state legislators and legislative institutions. The successful candidate will possess strong communication skills, including writing, public speaking and presenting, and demonstrated competence in research and analysis. This position will track, analyze, and report on legislation and legislative data, conduct and update research, respond to research requests, assist with planning and conducting meetings for legislators and legislative staff, monitor and report on current events, create and update webpages, and perform other duties as assigned. This position requires initiative, a strong desire to learn and grow, and both independent and collaborative work under the mentorship and direction of senior staff.
NCSL seeks a professional who can demonstrate knowledge of and success working with, or within, the public sector, with preference toward candidates possessing legislative experience. Finally, a passion for NCSL's mission to strengthen state legislatures is essential. The position reports to the Director of the Center for Legislative Strengthening.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
- Collects, tracks, analyzes, and summarizes 50-state and legislative chamber-specific data on various aspects of state legislative institutions and state legislators, using a range of research skills including statute and constitutional review, original surveys, interviews, and other techniques and resources.
- Researches and writes articles, briefs, blog posts, reports, resource pages on NCSL.org and other communications.
- Prepares concise, accurate, and nonpartisan responses to requests for information.
- Monitors and updates content on NCSL’s website.
- Supports planning and execution of virtual and in-person meetings for NCSL constituents.
- Contributes to presentations and workshops.
- May provide research, state examples, background material and other information for presentations. May make presentations on own research with supervisor guidance.
- Engages with NCSL constituents as determined by supervisor.
- Performs other responsibilities as needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No supervision, coaching or mentoring expected.
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:
- Bachelor's degree, plus three years of relevant work experience, such as public policy experience with NCSL, with a legislature or state government, or with an organization focused on public policy.
- A post-baccalaureate or graduate degree (i.e., master’s degree, professional degree or doctoral degree) may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with state legislatures, the legislative process, or state government preferred.
- Excellent, clear, and professional written and oral communication skills.
- Competence in policy and/or legislative research skills, including internet searches; accessing and analyzing government documents, academic reports, and other resources; and analyzing and synthesizing research and legislation.
- Proven ability to work on tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail, including reading, tracking, and summarizing detailed or complicated legislation or legislative information.
- Proficient using Microsoft Office applications. Experience with HTML web editing, online survey tools, and data visualization software preferred.
- Ability to work independently, be self-directed, and take initiative while also working collaboratively and effectively on a team.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
- Ability to manage time, responsibilities, and competing priorities in a fast-paced professional environment.
- Must be able to travel out of state by airplane at least 2-3 times per year, generally for 2-3 days.
BENEFITS:
NCSL offers an outstanding benefits package including low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, paid vacation and sick time, paid leave, telework, pet insurance, discounted bus / train passes, in-office dry cleaning pick up, access to 24-hour fitness memberships, and more!
TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should apply online and include a cover letter and resume highlighting skills and qualifications no later than June 1, 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. We do 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.
Please let them know you heard about it from Venture Connect