Policy Analyst

Oklahoma State Government • Oklahoma City, OK

14d • $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Policy Analyst is responsible for coordinating the development, revision, and implementation of Workforce Development policies and guidance. This includes monitoring and analyzing directives from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), and other federal and state partner agencies. The Policy Analyst researches, interprets, and analyzes federal and state laws; communicates policy recommendations; drafts policies and operational guidance; facilitates workgroups; provides technical assistance; and represents the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) in public and interagency settings. This position ensures compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and all applicable federal and state regulations while supporting statewide workforce system alignment, modernization, and transformation initiatives.

Requirements

• Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of professional level experience for each year of the required education.
• Computer Skills – Employee must be capable of proficiently using the OESC’s standard software (Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Teams), and the Internet, as well as proficiency to learn other software as needed.
• Employee must be capable of lifting, carrying, and moving objects of up to 25 pounds.
• This position requires occasional travel, the ability to manage competing deadlines, and a commitment to advancing Oklahoma’s workforce system through collaboration, modernization, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of : Federal and state workforce development laws, policies, and regulations (e.g., WIOA).
• Communication principles, including active listening and audience-centered writing and speaking.
• Facilitation, negotiation, and consensus-building techniques.
• Policy and process development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Federal funding processes and procedures.
• Relationship management and interagency collaboration.
• Skill and Competencies: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong facilitation, coordination, and project management skills.
• Ability to translate complex policy and legal concepts into accessible language.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet urgent deadlines in a high-demand environment.
• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to : Interpret and apply regulatory practices, rules, and policies to factual situations.
• Understand, interpret, and communicate federal, state, and local laws.
• Provide engaging presentations and deliver training.
• Gather, interpret, analyze, and evaluate data to inform decisions.
• Operate with a high degree of ethical and professional integrity.
• Anticipate problems and take proactive action to mitigate risks.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Work effectively in a team environment and across multiple projects.
• Demonstrate openness, transparency, and equity in all professional interactions.

Responsibilities

• Research, interpret, and analyze federal and state workforce development laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Draft, revise, and publish Workforce System Directives (WSDs) and Workforce System Operational Memos (WSOMs).
• Ensure policies align with federal CFRs, Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs), Training and Employment Notices (TENs), and state statutes.
• Consolidate duplicative or outdated policies to improve clarity and efficiency.
• Maintain version control and ensure public posting of policy materials (e.g., OKWorks.gov).
• Conduct rapid analysis and rollout of new federal guidance, including interim policy memoranda when required.
• Crosswalk and reconcile old policies with new federal guidance or statutory changes.
• Provide interpretation and technical assistance to local boards, fiscal agents, and workforce partners.
• Create policy summaries, implementation timelines, and FAQs for new or updated directives.
• Coordinate with internal monitoring, fiscal, and program teams to ensure policy and practice alignment.
• Track deliverables and required submissions from internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance and timely completion.
• Manage the receipt, review, and grading of Local and Regional Workforce Plans.
• Lead and coordinate State Plan development, modification, and production, including cross-agency collaboration and partner engagement.
• Coordinate and track statewide center certifications, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards.
• Support state governance committees as needed, including preparation of materials, policy input, and documentation.
• Maintain and distribute statewide resource lists for internal and external partners.
• Provide policy citations, summaries, and narrative support for federal and state reports such as the Annual Performance Narrative, State Plan justifications, and other compliance documentation.
• Assist with special and strategic projects, including Workforce Transformation initiatives, modernization efforts, and process improvement projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Packet , including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees