Policy Associate

Title: Policy Associate

Location: KY-Lexington

Job Description: 

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. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

This opportunity is based in our Lexington, KY office but offers flexibility to work from home part of the work week.

JOB SUMMARY

The Policy Associate is responsible for providing policy research and staff support to assigned staff groups and/or committees. The Policy Associate works with CSG's policy, membership, and communications teams as well as regional offices, affiliates and members to monitor understand and share best practices and analysis on today's most pressing state policy issues. The work of the Policy Associate includes policy research, writing articles and other communication pieces on policy topics, member outreach and engagement, and contribution to various group projects and team activities such as social media content development and planning member convenings. The Policy Associate may also represent CSG constituents in external forums. The Policy Associate is a service-oriented role that allows for exercise of independent judgment under the direction of a CSG Program Manager or Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor relevant policy developments at the state, federal and international levels related to the interests and objectives of the various constituent groups supported by the Policy Associate.
• Conduct policy research on innovative local, state and federal policies and programs; analyze and synthesize findings appropriate for a policymaker audience; identify trends and best practices.
• Develop and write blogs and online content that are highly relevant to policy deliberations and easily understood by the public, media and policymakers.
• Collaborate with the Communications staff, external writers and other consultants on written products.
• Assist in the planning, organizing, and convening of meetings by arranging for speakers, identifying topics, supporting logistical planning, preparing information and participating in state convenings.
• Participate in efforts to plan, coordinate and execute policy workshops, online webinars, technical tours, state visits, and delegations for state elected officials and staff.
• Assist in the administration of collaborative projects aimed at addressing issues of top concern to state officials in one or more states.
• Provide staff support to one or more CSG committees. Specific duties include working with committee officers and members to identify, prioritize and pursue committee objectives, including the development and production of committee workplans, meeting agendas, events and other deliverables.
• Work with Policy Analysts and Senior Policy Analysts to coordinate and collaborate with national organizations, researchers and national policy experts in carrying out work on collaborative projects.
• Prepare concise written responses to requests for information by members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
• Develop and manage relationships with state officials and policymakers, including legislative and other governmental contacts.
• Provide direct outreach to CSG members.
• Assist with planning and executing regional and/or national conference programs and meetings.
• Develop and expand a knowledge base on local, state and federal policy, processes and programming, and other relevant policy topics and best practices.
• Assist with grant and proposal development.
• Perform writing and editing for CSG newsletters and other communication pieces.
• Travel overnight and for varying lengths to fulfill duties and responsibilities as needed.
• Perform other assigned responsibilities and duties to support the overall mission of the organization.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Steadfast commitment to providing CSG members with timely, effective customer service.
• Strong writing skills, including policy description and analysis as well as more general writing such as correspondence, memos and articles.
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral communications.
• Ability to facilitate complex policy conversation.
• Analytical, with an ability to think critically, distill and present complex information in a concise manner.
• Skill and competence to work effectively with a myriad of state officials, including high level executive, legislative and judicial officials.
• Ability to work with leading experts in the state government field including researchers, policy experts, and program providers.
• Ability to support proposal and grant writing.
• Ability to work independently and to handle a variety of tasks and assignments concurrently while adhering to specific instructions, technical direction and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple partners, with a preference for having some exposure to working with public officials.
• Self-motivated with ability to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet applications; high proficiency in Microsoft Excel; ability to learn additional software programs and new evaluation/analysis techniques.
• Flexibility and willingness to take on new tasks as necessary to meet evolving needs and objectives of organization and its members.
• Hard working, dependable, resourceful and willing to work non-traditional hours, usually dependent on events.
• Aptitude for managing projects.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, political science, education, business administration or in a field of study related to specific policy focus.
• Working knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial process.
• Knowledge of general state government public policy, policy issues and programming.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position, based in Lexington, KY, is $48,000 to $55,000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants must complete the online application and include resume and cover letter.