Policy Analyst, Health and Education

Position: Policy Analyst, Health and Education

Location: New York City preferred; remote within the CSG East region considered.

The position is headquartered in CSG East's New York City office. Candidates residing elsewhere within the CSG East region may be considered for a remote work arrangement, subject to organizational needs and travel requirements.

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only nonpartisan association of state officials serving all three branches of state government in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy.

CSG East, based in New York City, supports officials and staff from its 18 member jurisdictions, which include states from Maryland to Maine, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and five Eastern Canadian provinces. 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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Policy Analyst, Health and Education, is responsible for helping connect and inform CSG East members on health and education policy issues so that shared regional knowledge drives meaningful public impact. The Policy Analyst fulfills this objective by fostering active peer-to-peer communities via CSG East's Health and Education policy committees and developing robust policy programming that reflects the interests and issues facing CSG East's members. The Policy Analyst is expected to build strong relationships with CSG East members and partners, and helps position the organization as a trusted, nonpartisan resource for ideas, research, peer learning, and policy innovation among public officials throughout the Eastern region. The ideal Policy Analyst is an effective communicator and collaborator that equally enjoys diving deep into policy details and building relationships that help connect dots and translate good ideas into collective impact. The Policy Analyst is self-driven, exercising independent judgment under the direction of a CSG Senior Manager or Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Policy Committees – Staffs CSG East policy committees, working with committee chair(s) and appointed members to develop and implement committee objectives and priorities. Maintains year-round opportunities for members to learn and connect through a combination of virtual and in-person activities.
• Annual Meeting – With guidance from their CSG East policy committees, develops sessions and programming at CSG East's flagship Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum each year. Arranges for speakers, logistical planning, and preparation of information needed for assigned sessions and programming.
• Capitol Visits – Participates in CSG East visits to state capitols to engage with state officials and staff on relevant policy issues, discuss ways to participate in regional learning and discussion via CSG East, and to identify, orient, and retain appointed members to their policy committees.
• Policy Forums – With support from CSG East leadership and events staff, leads the development of stand-alone policy forums of varying formats (webinars, in person summits, peer-to-peer calls, etc.) that engage members and subject matter experts on topics of interest from their committees.
• Member Engagement – Develops strong relationships with legislators, legislative staff, executive branch officials, and other public sector leaders across the region, identifying opportunities for engagement and supporting member recruitment, onboarding, retention, and leadership within their assigned policy committees.
• Partnerships – Builds relationships with philanthropy, academia, industry leaders, peer associations, and other subject matter experts to exchange learning, pursue collaborations, and explore possible sponsorships and grant opportunities that enrich the work of their policy committees.
• Publications – Contributes to the CSG East newsletter and drafts written reports, blogs, and other media to elevate the work of CSG East, its committees, and its members.
• Research – Conducts policy research and environmental scanning related to assigned issue areas; responds to member requests with concise written analyses, briefs, and resource materials; and facilitates connections with policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts who can provide additional insight.
• Events – Attends conferences, meetings, and other events relevant to assigned policy areas. May present research and represent CSG East at partner events.
• Travel – Must be willing to travel overnight 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

• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and synthesize complex policy issues. Expertise in every aspect of health and education policy is not expected; successful candidates will bring relevant experience and a willingness to develop new subject-matter knowledge over time.
• Ability to work and conduct activities in a nonpartisan political environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Steadfast commitment to providing CSG members with timely, effective customer service.
• Strong research skills.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Self-motivated with ability to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
• Proficiency with technology used in office settings; ability to learn new software programs and 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

• One (1) year of relevant work experience in state, local or federal government, a public policy organization, membership association, non-profit, or other relevant organization.
• Experience working in health and/or education policy strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial process.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of general state government public policy, policy issues and programming.
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple partners, with a preference for having worked with public officials.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position, based in New York, NY, is $70,050 to $86,150. 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.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Equal Employment Opportunity employer (veterans/individuals with disabilities).