Fiscal Policy Analyst - Senate Committee on Ways and Means

State of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

44d

About The Position

The Fiscal Policy Analyst is the entry-level fiscal analysis position at the Senate Committee on Ways & Means (Committee). The Fiscal Policy Analyst supports the work of the Committee Chair and budget team by collecting and analyzing state budget data and assessing related policy goals and outcomes. The Fiscal Policy Analyst also works closely with Senators and their staff on budget amendments and fiscal issues. The Fiscal Policy Analyst reports to the Budget Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and demonstrated relevant work experience.
Strong computer skills, especially in spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) applications.
Knowledge of office computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and remote meeting platforms.
Excellent interpersonal skills and temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities and stakeholders in a tactful, positive, collaborative, and professional manner.
Analytical skills including the ability to recognize and forecast date trends.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

Communicate with Senators, the House of Representatives, state agencies, and stakeholders to obtain data and information on budget requests, expenditures, revenues, and program goals.
Develop and apply understanding of agency objectives and how budget expenditures and requests support those objectives.
Analyze complex budgetary data sets and program information using appropriate techniques and technology.
Develop agency revenue and spending estimates in conjunction with state agencies and other Committee staff.
Produce documents that summarize budget proposals and their implications for revenue, expenditure, and programmatic impact.
Review and make recommendations to Chair and senior staff on potential member amendments during budget debate process.
Work in close coordination with the House Committee on Ways & Means to develop a final conference budget.
Act as the liaison between the Committee and the staff of state agencies as assigned by the Budget Director.
Represent the Committee in interactions with Senate, House, executive branch staff, advocates, lobbyists, and members of the public.
Conduct cost-benefit analyses and make recommendations to Chair and senior staff on potential budget savings, spending initiatives, or program enhancements.
Write talking points and memoranda for Chair and senior staff on budget and policy issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

75% state-paid medical insurance premium
Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs
Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave
Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
Employee Assistance Programs
Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program