Policy Associate

Council of State Governments•Lexington, KY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is seeking a Policy Associate to provide policy research and staff support to assigned staff groups and/or committees. This role involves working with CSG's policy, membership, and communications teams, as well as regional offices, affiliates, and members to monitor, understand, and share best practices and analysis on pressing state policy issues. The Policy Associate will conduct policy research, write articles and other communication pieces, engage in member outreach, and contribute to team projects like social media content development and planning member convenings. The role may also involve representing CSG constituents in external forums. This is a service-oriented position requiring independent judgment under the direction of a CSG Program Manager or Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, political science, education, business administration, or a related field.
Working knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial process.
Knowledge of general state government public policy, policy issues, and programming.
Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity, and valuing others.
Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
Steadfast commitment to providing CSG members with timely, effective customer service.
Strong writing skills, including policy description and analysis, as well as general writing such as correspondence, memos, and articles.
Demonstrated proficiency in oral communications.
Ability to facilitate complex policy conversations.
Analytical, with an ability to think critically, distill, and present complex information concisely.
Skill and competence to work effectively with a myriad of state officials, including high-level executive, legislative, and judicial officials.
Ability to work with leading experts in the state government field, including researchers, policy experts, and program providers.
Ability to support proposal and grant writing.
Ability to work independently and handle a variety of tasks and assignments concurrently while adhering to specific instructions, technical direction, and deadlines.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple partners, with a preference for some exposure to working with public officials.
Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet applications; high proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Ability to learn additional software programs and new evaluation/analysis techniques.
Flexibility and willingness to take on new tasks as necessary to meet evolving needs and objectives of the organization and its members.
Hard working, dependable, resourceful, and willing to work non-traditional hours, usually dependent on events.
Aptitude for managing projects.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Some exposure to working with public officials.

Responsibilities

Monitor relevant policy developments at the state, federal, and international levels related to the interests and objectives of supported constituent groups.
Conduct policy research on innovative local, state, and federal policies and programs; analyze and synthesize findings for a policymaker audience; identify trends and best practices.
Develop and write blogs and online content relevant to policy deliberations and understandable to the public, media, and policymakers.
Collaborate with Communications staff, external writers, and consultants on written products.
Assist in planning, organizing, and convening meetings by arranging speakers, identifying topics, supporting logistics, preparing information, and participating in state convenings.
Participate in efforts to plan, coordinate, and execute policy workshops, online webinars, technical tours, state visits, and delegations for state elected officials and staff.
Assist in the administration of collaborative projects aimed at addressing issues of top concern to state officials.
Provide staff support to one or more CSG committees, including working with committee officers and members to identify, prioritize, and pursue committee objectives.
Coordinate and collaborate with national organizations, researchers, and national policy experts on collaborative projects.
Prepare concise written responses to requests for information from members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Develop and manage relationships with state officials and policymakers, including legislative and other governmental contacts.
Provide direct outreach to CSG members.
Assist with planning and executing regional and/or national conference programs and meetings.
Develop and expand a knowledge base on local, state, and federal policy, processes, programming, and other relevant policy topics and best practices.
Assist with grant and proposal development.
Perform writing and editing for CSG newsletters and other communication pieces.
Travel overnight and for varying lengths to fulfill duties and responsibilities as needed.
Perform other assigned responsibilities and duties to support the overall mission of the organization.