SR ECONOMIC & POLICY ANALYST

State of careers Rhode Island

9d • $89,679 - $101,661 • Onsite

About The Position

At a significant level of expertise, to undertake professional special and recurring assignments involving analysis and research of complex and critical issues impacting the state budget, regulation, or policy structures including, but not limited to, forecasting revenue and budget drivers such as program growth and/or enrollment, evaluating expenditures and investments; with a significant level of latitude and independence, to assess, initiate, and interpret governmental economic factors and policy in order to perform cost-benefit analysis and research of a quantitative and qualitative nature used to develop state government policy and programs and evaluate their effect; to determine the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or General Assembly; and to do related work as required. This position is within the Performance Management Unit of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of policy analysis including policy development, coordination, economic analysis, cost benefit analysis and implementation.
• Thorough knowledge of the organizational structures common in government and the functions of departments and agencies therein.
• Thorough knowledge of organization and management including public administration, governmental budgeting and program evaluation.
• Working knowledge of the role of outside interest groups in the formulation of policy.
• Ability to identify problem areas and to work with great independence in analyzing and evaluating highly complex statistical data.
• Ability to apply logic and analytical techniques to determine underlying principles, reasons, patterns, or facts associated with data and other information to draw conclusions.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate assigned subordinate staff on a regular project basis.
• Ability to establish and effective working relationships with state and municipal officials, superiors, subordinates and the public.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise objective analyses and recommendations.
• Ability to use statistical software in performing complex research and preparing conclusions.
• Possession of a Master’s Degree from a college of recognized standing with specialization in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
• Significant employment in a professional position performing review and analysis of policies and programs in a governmental, public affairs or business context.
• Any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with government, public-sector, or nonprofit programs.
• Experience evaluating program performance.
• Experience improving business processes.
• Experience developing reports, dashboards, or other management tools.
• Experience preparing clear memos, presentations, or recommendations for senior leaders.
• Comfort working with data and reporting systems, including spreadsheets and business intelligence tools.
• Willingness to learn new systems and technical concepts as needed.
• Experience with project management, change management, program evaluation, performance management, or relevant certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP).

Responsibilities

• Undertake professional special and recurring assignments involving analysis and research of complex and critical issues impacting the state budget, regulation, or policy structures including, but not limited to, forecasting revenue and budget drivers such as program growth and/or enrollment, evaluating expenditures and investments.
• Assess, initiate, and interpret governmental economic factors and policy in order to perform cost-benefit analysis and research of a quantitative and qualitative nature used to develop state government policy and programs and evaluate their effect.
• Determine the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or General Assembly.
• Provide a high level of expertise in research design, analysis and data needed to examine issues, trends and program evaluations.
• Assist and act in a confidential capacity to managers who formulate, determine and effectuate management policies, program structures, fiscal and budgetary funding and allocations.
• Perform complex analysis of statewide multidisciplinary operational issues by utilizing econometric and other statistical methods to assess and forecast revenue associated items and expenditure drivers and apply data analysis protocols to reach accurate conclusions.
• Interpret and apply policies, business practices, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. in performing policy analysis.
• Identify, analyze and estimate the impact, including the economic impact through the use of economic models, of changes in policy, business practices, program performance, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. to existing programs or the establishment of new programs.
• Estimate the impact on the state budget of program and policy changes and the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or the General Assembly.
• Utilize research data in order to make recommendations to policy officials to improve existing programs, combine programs, utilize resources and determine the net impact and feasibility of such proposed changes.
• Write policy and position memos, technical reports or other documents based upon research, investigation or analysis.
• Present analysis results and make recommendations to policy officials with information necessary to make informed decisions and take appropriate action on specific state program operations, issues and policies.
• Develop recommendations designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contact key management to explain proposals, resolve differences, secure coordination and cooperation in current and proposed studies.
• Attend meetings with appropriate personnel to discuss recommendations and related implementation issues, as required.

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• Direct deposit for all employees is required.
• Public service with purpose and impact.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior