Senior Policy Analyst

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

1d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and analytical professional to serve as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of Policy, Planning and Legislative Affairs. This position serves as a senior professional resource supporting DCR's agencywide policy management, legislative coordination, strategic planning, regulatory and guidance activities, and other special policy initiatives. The Senior Policy Analyst works with DCR leadership, division subject-matter experts, and other Policy Office staff to research complex issues, review and develop agency policies, evaluate policy options, support legislative activities, and help ensure that important agencywide processes are completed accurately and on schedule.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience conducting policy, legislative, governmental, program, or legal-policy research and analysis.
Experience reviewing, drafting, or editing policies, procedures, legislation, reports, or other complex professional documents.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and administrative requirements.
Strong analytical, writing, editing, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to evaluate information, identify options, and develop clear recommendations.
Strong organizational and project-coordination skills, including managing multiple priorities, tracking assignments, and meeting deadlines.
Ability to work independently while recognizing when management, subject-matter, or legal review is needed and to work effectively with agency staff, leadership, legal counsel, government officials, and stakeholders.
Proficiency with standard office technology and the ability to learn specialized agency and state systems.
A valid driver’s license is required to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Virginia state government, another public-sector organization, or with legislative or executive processes.
Experience developing, reviewing, or administering internal agency policies and procedures.
Experience conducting legislative, statutory, regulatory, or legal-policy research and analysis.
Experience analyzing legislation or drafting legislative proposals, amendments, policy memoranda, or executive briefing materials.
Experience preparing recommendations or decision materials for senior leadership and coordinating complex, cross-program projects.
Knowledge of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia administrative processes, or natural resources/public policy issues.

Responsibilities

Conducting policy, legislative, statutory, regulatory, and legal-policy research and analysis and develop options and recommendations for management and executive consideration.
Developing and conduct substantive review of agencywide policies, legislative initiatives, proposed statutory language, amendments, analyses, and executive briefing materials.
Analyzing statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, legislative history, and other governmental authorities to identify policy implications, alternatives, risks, and implementation requirements.
During General Assembly sessions, analyze complex legislation and studies, coordinate program input, assess Agency impacts, and prepare recommendations and decision materials for leadership.
Leading complex cross-divisional policy projects and studies from initial research through coordination, analysis, option development, and final recommendation.
Working with subject-matter experts, legal counsel, legislative staff, other agencies, and stakeholders to develop practical agency-level policy solutions.
Providing advanced analytical support for strategic planning, program evaluation, regulatory and guidance matters, legislative studies, and implementation of significant policy or legislative changes.
Representing DCR on assigned committees, workgroups, studies, and interagency projects and provide cross-coverage for other Policy Office responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

Paid leave
A minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions)
Federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks
Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service): Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
Free Sunday–Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day–Labor Day period.
50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two‑night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one‑night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.