Legislative Analyst

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

About The Position

The Legislative Analyst serves as a technical expert to the Office of the Minority Leader, legislators, and the public on subject matter within the office’s jurisdiction. Under close supervision of the staff director and Minority Leader, the analyst researches and prepares proposed budgets, staff analyses, reports, substantive legislation, responses to inquiries, and correspondence. The role focuses on commerce, budget, and business regulation. The analyst analyzes proposed legislation and its potential effects, conducts research, supports legislative briefings, monitors implementation of legislation, and provides information and problem-solving assistance to legislators, constituents, and the public. The position also serves as a liaison with state agencies and may coordinate work among administrative assistants, interns, and other staff. The position requires electronically filing a Form 1 – Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire. Salary is commensurate with experience. The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in research, analysis, program planning and evaluation, or administrative work.
A master's degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.
A doctorate may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Professional experience in the specified fields may substitute year for year for the required college education.
Knowledge of state budgeting processes and structure.
Knowledge of legal terminology and legal research.
Knowledge of committee subject areas: commerce, budget, and business regulation.
Knowledge of applicable computer, spreadsheet, database, and word processing programs.
Knowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, and procedures.
Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, and organization.
Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to take action when direction is unclear and take initiative on independent research projects.
Ability to produce quality work under pressure and meet established deadlines.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with legislators, staff, the public, press, and lobbyists.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and contribute to efficient committee staff operations.
Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented, credible analysis under minimal supervision.
Ability to conduct meetings and make presentations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work independently, collect and analyze data, and organize data into logical formats for reports and other written materials.
Ability to solve problems, make decisions, and exercise discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Analyze and objectively summarize proposed legislation, including its effectiveness and potential impact on the state and other entities and individuals.
Research and draft legislation and amendments at the direction of the staff director or leadership team.
Assist with planning briefings, including agendas, speakers, presentations, and materials.
Monitor implementation of legislation in the Executive and Judicial Branches to assess whether legislative intent is met.
Brief legislators verbally or in writing on issues for committee or floor discussion and constituent engagement.
Plan and conduct research projects.
Prepare oral and written research reports and other reports, including end-of-session, interim project, and oversight reports, with recommendations for legislative action.
Provide information and problem-solving assistance to legislators, constituents, and the public.
Prepare letters, summaries, talk-sheets, speeches, reports, and informational memoranda at the request of the leadership team or staff director.
Keep current on issues in the assigned area by collecting resources, attending workshops and conferences, reading industry publications, and communicating with agency personnel and the public.
Assist in coordinating the work of the administrative assistant, legislative intern, and other staff members.
Serve as liaison with state agencies.
Use computers for word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications as needed.
Perform other related duties as required.