Policy Analyst, Workforce Development & Economic Policy (economic policy focus)
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is a bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories, and commonwealths whose mission is to share best practices, speak with an informed voice on national policy and develop innovative solutions to improve citizens’ lives through state government and support the principles of federalism.
Through NGA, Governors identify priority issues and deal with matters of public policy and governance at the state and national levels. Our policy and research arm, the NGA Center for Best Practices, helps Governors find collective answers to common issues and assists in developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges. Our Government Relations team ensures that Governors are a strong voice in Washington, DC. NGA also provides total consultative services, including management and technical assistance to both new and incumbent Governors, their senior executive staff, and their trusted advisors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
NGA is looking to add a bright, resourceful, and organized Policy Analyst to our Center of Best Practices team. This position reports to the Program Director, Workforce Development & Economic Policy. This program is committed to providing best practice guidance and direct assistance to Governors and state leaders on building the environment necessary for individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive and prosper. The Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors, state economic development agency leaders, and other state economic development executives on a wide range of economic development policy issues, including state strategies around expanding access to entrepreneurship and fostering a startup-friendly economy; attracting and growing new businesses or industries; leveraging existing assets for economic growth, including in rural areas; improving regulatory processes and practices; and navigating evolving labor market trends and supporting employers in meeting their workforce needs.
Other important responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include:
- Organize and conduct workshops, seminars, conferences, and presentations;
- Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other meetings for Governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on state program and policy issues;
- Provide in-state technical assistance for multiple program and policy issues;
- Provide ‘best practice’ information and consultative support to Governors and their senior advisors in response to requests for assistance;
- Write white papers, issue briefs, presentations, and memos on policy issues and best practices of relevance to Governors and senior state policymakers;
- Build and maintain relationships with high-level policymakers and key stakeholders;
- Be committed to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
- Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree preferable in public policy or related field. One to three years working in areas of policies and program that are within the economic development field, including expert knowledge and experience working on issues related to economic development, particularly at the regional or state level. The Policy Analyst should have a strong working knowledge of the economic development ecosystem and of policy areas including entrepreneurship, business attraction and growth, business regulations, and economic development partnerships with the workforce development system, institutions of higher education, and other state and local community partners. Learn more about the Workforce Development & Economic Policy Program here.
Knowledge and expertise could include spectrum of policies and programs to help Governors and their staff design and implement policies to focus on outcomes. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or non-profit organizations is preferred.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:
- Have foundational content knowledge in federal and state policy;
- Support multiple technical assistance projects;
- Execute written communication and synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
- Work independently, set priorities and problem-solve multiple issues at the same time;
- Support and organize events with the support of the Events team;
- Support multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
- Have strong customer-service orientation and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers;
- Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner;
- Communicate effectively in verbal forms, with emphasis on ability to communicate with policy-making audiences;
- Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues;
- Have knowledge and understanding of MS Office suite; and
- Ability to travel up to 30% (once travel restrictions are lifted).