Policy and Research Specialist

Oklahoma State Government•Oklahoma City, OK

14d

About The Position

Basic Purpose Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for providing legislative monitoring, prioritizing, tracking, establishing relationships, and communicating to the agency or entity; using knowledge of legislative dynamics; assisting with agency strategy; seeking local, state, and federal resources; and building relationships with related external organizations. Typical Functions The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit, and organization, but may include the following: Coordinates, plans, and manages the legislative activities of the agency, and consults with agency executives to define and implement legislative strategies. Participates in relevant legislative meetings, agency activities, and client interaction to gather, understand and take action appropriate for the agency. Researches and provides information for agency budgets, projects, and operational timelines. Tracks and measures results and outcomes. Creates communication strategies to reinforce the agency’s mission and goals to facilitate continuous program awareness. Interfaces with complex political, stakeholders, community, and agency leaders. Provides requested information and public policy recommendations to elected officials and their staffs. Collaborates with agency staff to gain and share knowledge. Anticipates, seeks knowledge, tracks, and reports developments on legislation affecting the agency. Consults with agency executives to define and implement legislative strategies. Develops briefings, memos, testimony, presentations, and other communication methods to effectively convey information. Level Descriptor Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others. This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level for development and completion of assigned projects, including developing and implementing the agency’s legislative program.

Requirements

Knowledge of legislative strategy and analysis, proposed and financial impact of legislation; strategic planning; administrative rules; development of legislation and forecasting results; and design and implementation of communication programs to enhance knowledge about the agency.
Skill required at this level is still build productive relationships with stakeholders, legislators, and legislative staffs; analyze and solve complex problems, use excellent written, oral, and presentation communication skills; negotiate; and use critical thinking.
Ability required at this level is ability to work independently and collaboratively to select an appropriate course of action; ability to produce reports, legislation, rules, policies, and programs to attain the agency’s goals; and work with cross-functional teams within the agency ensuring cohesive efforts.
Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of experience working in the legislative process; or master’s degree and three (3) years of experience in the legislative process; or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one (1) year of experience for one (1) year of education.

Nice To Haves

Some agencies may give preference to incumbents with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, political science, public relations, or communications.
Some agencies give preference to incumbents with a Juris Doctorate.

Responsibilities

Coordinates, plans, and manages the legislative activities of the agency, and consults with agency executives to define and implement legislative strategies.
Participates in relevant legislative meetings, agency activities, and client interaction to gather, understand and take action appropriate for the agency.
Researches and provides information for agency budgets, projects, and operational timelines.
Tracks and measures results and outcomes.
Creates communication strategies to reinforce the agency’s mission and goals to facilitate continuous program awareness.
Interfaces with complex political, stakeholders, community, and agency leaders.
Provides requested information and public policy recommendations to elected officials and their staffs.
Collaborates with agency staff to gain and share knowledge.
Anticipates, seeks knowledge, tracks, and reports developments on legislation affecting the agency.
Consults with agency executives to define and implement legislative strategies.
Develops briefings, memos, testimony, presentations, and other communication methods to effectively convey information.