Legislative Research Specialist - Government Affairs Division

State of North Carolina • Wake County, NC

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About The Position

The Legislative Research Specialist serves in the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor’s Government Affairs Division, supporting the development of legislative, policy, budgetary, and government affairs initiatives through research, analysis, monitoring, and executive briefing support. The position is designated as Exempt Policy-Making under G.S. 126-5(c)(3) and is an at-will appointment.

The role researches legislative, regulatory, fiscal, and public policy issues affecting the Office of the State Auditor; monitors legislation, committee activity, budget proposals, agency actions, administrative rules, and emerging policy developments; and prepares written and presentation materials for agency leadership. It also supports testimony and communications, coordinates research projects and special assignments, and helps administer the Government Affairs Team and maintain its databases.

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week. The salary range is $82,000–$101,000. The position offers state benefits, including flexible schedule options and the ability to earn compensatory time off.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of program experience related to the area of assignment, including one year of supervisory program experience; alternatively, an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Strong research, analytical, writing, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to evaluate complex public policy issues and communicate findings clearly and concisely.
• Working knowledge of state government operations, legislative processes, and public administration principles.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of experience working in or around the North Carolina General Assembly.
• Experience conducting legislative, fiscal, legal, or policy research.
• Experience preparing executive briefings, reports, or policy recommendations.
• Familiarity with North Carolina appropriations, budgeting, and state government operations.
• Knowledge of governmental auditing, accountability, public finance, program evaluation, or regulatory policy.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research on legislative, regulatory, fiscal, and public policy issues affecting the Office of the State Auditor.
• Monitor legislation, committee activity, budget proposals, agency actions, administrative rules, and emerging policy developments.
• Prepare policy briefs, issue papers, legislative summaries, research memoranda, presentations, and executive briefing materials.
• Analyze proposed legislation and identify potential operational, legal, fiscal, and policy impacts on the office.
• Provide historical, statutory, and comparative research on government accountability, public finance, auditing, Medicaid, local government, and other assigned issues.
• Support preparation of testimony, talking points, correspondence, and informational materials used by agency leadership.
• Coordinate research projects and special assignments from the Government Affairs Director, Chief of Staff, or State Auditor.
• Assist with administration of the Government Affairs Team and maintenance of stakeholder, committee, and policy databases.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule options and the ability to earn compensatory time off.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• One paid personal observance leave day.
• At least 14 vacation days accrued per year, increasing with years of service.
• 12 paid sick days accrued per year.
• 24 hours of paid community service leave.
• Affordable health insurance options.
• Enrollment in the state’s pension plan and options for additional supplemental savings.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level