Policy Analyst

Alcorn State University • Lorman, MS

347d

About The Position

Policy Analyst will review agricultural policies and regulations and the field implementation of the policies and regulations for determining the impact on socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (SDFR) and socially disadvantaged communities and for making recommendations for changes in agricultural policies to advance the success of SDFR and socially disadvantaged communities. Under the direction of the Director of the (SDFR) Policy Research Center, the policy analyst collects current and proposed USDA policy documents and analyzes those documents to determine the impacts on SDFR and socially disadvantaged communities. The person will track the status and timelines of farm bill implementation and prepare policy studies, papers and other written documents. The person will assist the Center Director in working with Community Based Organizations (CBO) and 1890 universities to determine the Center's goals and objectives. Policy Analyst is responsible for identifying issues or policy areas to explore, collecting and analyzing the information, then reporting findings and proposing new policies for addressing the problems. Agriculture Policy Analyst will analyze research studies conducted by Alcorn State University's SDFR Policy Research Center and develop policy recommendations based on the results of the research studies.

Requirements

• A PhD in economics, agribusiness, agriculture science, agriculture law, political science, public policy, public administration, sociology or related field is desired.
• 1 year of public policy administration or other relevant experience is required.
• Two to three years of policy experience desired.
• Knowledge of agricultural policy.
• Knowledge and experience in working with 1890 universities, CBO and USDA agencies.
• Knowledge and experience in working with SDFR and rural socially disadvantaged communities.
• Knowledge and experience of USDA programs and how they are implemented through rules, regulations, manuals, handbooks, directives and other means.
• Ability to analyze information, summarize findings and present them in ways easily understandable to decision makers.
• Demonstrate ability in collecting, designing and manipulating data using a computer database.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to analyze public policy issues.
• Ability to write well and complete projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to write in a public policy context.
• Ability to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals.
• Ability to search out sometimes hard-to-find information that will help identify the potential effects of legislation.
• Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations.
• Ability to think strategically, remaining focused on goals and objectives.
• Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis and consultation.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work well in team environment and under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and experience working with SharePoint and Access would be helpful.

Responsibilities

• Collect information on USDA existing and proposed legislation, rules, regulations, manuals, handbooks, funding notices, and field directives.
• Analyze the existing and proposed policy documents to determine the impacts of these policies on SDFR and rural socially disadvantaged communities.
• Collect and evaluate information on the extent to which section 10708 of the 2002 Farm Bill is being implemented.
• Collect and evaluate the extent to which USDA program benefits are provided to SDFR. Provide an annual report.
• Collect and evaluate information on USDA Civil Rights implementation to include Farm Bill requirements and the GAO Civil Rights Studies at USDA.
• Collect information on past class lawsuits and outline the needs for additional research and policy. Provide an annual report.
• Collect information and evaluate the extent to which USDA agencies are providing outreach and technical assistance to SDFR.
• Track funding from all sources that have the potential to impact SDFR policies.
• Review notices of proposed grants to evaluate impacts on SDFR.
• Collect and evaluate studies on heirs' property to include information to be collected in the USDA Census.
• Collect and evaluate the racial makeup of USDA agencies' staff at the local, state, and national levels.
• Collect and evaluate existing services to rural socially disadvantaged communities.
• Recommend policy related to leadership development that will enable these communities to receive USDA services.
• Assist the Center Director in working with CBOs and 1890 universities in outlining policy concerns.
• Develop policy document to be reviewed by the Policy Center Board.
• Work with the Research Coordinator to determine research needs.
• Develop recommendations for policy amendments to include farms bills that will improve the conditions of SDFR and rural socially disadvantaged communities.
• Review implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill and future Farm Bills for impact on SDFR and make recommendations for the 2023 and future Farm Bills.
• Develop policy recommendations to benefit SDFR and present to Policy Center Director, advisory board, committees, and other university leadership.
• Assist the Policy Center Director, advisory board, committees, and other university leadership and staff with consideration of legislative issues by providing information and analysis.
• Collect and analyze information to support policy recommendations.
• Evaluate how policies affect SDFR, socially disadvantaged communities and 1890 land-grant colleges and universities.
• Monitor events, policy decisions and trends and other issues with implications for the political and policy landscape.
• Locate and/or provide information requested by university leadership and staff and committees of Congress or their staff.
• Forecast political, economic, and social trends.

Benefits

• Excellent Benefits Package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree