Senior Policy Specialist

Job Overview

About The Role

NCSL’s Fiscal Affairs team is seeking an experienced state tax policy analyst. This role involves tracking legislation, staying informed about state tax policy trends, and creating resources for NCSL members, including legislators, legislative staff, and private sector partners. Responsibilities include staffing NCSL’s standing committee on budgets and revenue as well as a special task force on state tax policy. Work is performed independently and collaboratively within the fiscal team to meet the information needs of state legislators and legislative staff nationwide. The role involves presentations, report writing, meeting planning, facilitating discussions, legislative testimony, media interaction, and more. This position reports to the director of the fiscal program and may oversee task-related work of junior staff.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Maintain subject matter expertise in state tax policy and trends to assist legislators and legislative staff.
• Anticipate emerging tax issues and trends, providing research, analysis, and training through technical assistance, webinars, meetings, reports, blogs, and other methods.
• Conduct complex legislative research projects with a strong understanding of their political context, offering substantive analysis and policy interpretations.
• Research federal, state, and local actions impacting legislatures, including executive and administrative actions and intergovernmental initiatives.
• Independently plan and conduct nonpartisan technical assistance programs, standalone meetings, and educational sessions at larger events.
• Create engaging presentations and training sessions for legislators, legislative staff, and others on state tax issues.
• Coordinate, manage, and facilitate the work of NCSL’s Budgets and Revenue Standing Committee and the Executive Committee Task Force on State and Local Taxes.
• Assist the director with fundraising, grant reporting, and development of new projects, including grant applications and proposals.
• Build and maintain relationships with NCSL Foundation sponsors and complete high-quality project deliverables.
• Write and edit a full range of publications while participating in peer review editing.
• Travel domestically for meetings, technical assistance, and other project activities as needed.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisor/Management Responsibilities

• May supervise one professional staff member or coordinate a team for a short-term project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience in fiscal policy with state legislatures, government, public policy, or a related field.
• Expertise in state tax policy and substantial knowledge of state finances.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly to various audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proven capacity to build and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, national experts, and others.
• Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality as required.
• Strong research and analysis skills, with the ability to access and assess a variety of resources, synthesize data, and analyze policy options.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under pressure.
• Deep understanding of state legislative and political processes and government structure.
• Ability to travel by air up to 8 times per year and work extended hours as needed during events and travel.

Work Environment

This full-time position is primarily office-based, with periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. NCSL offers a hybrid remote work policy, requiring staff to travel to the office monthly for team meetings and professional development. Employees regularly use standard office equipment such as laptops, printers, and smartphones. Occasional travel, including overnight and weekend trips, is required. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

NCSL offers a flexible remote work policy, requiring staff to travel to the office once a month for in-person meetings. Benefits include:

• Low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(a) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution after six months and full vesting.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation for employees with five or more years of full-time work experience.
• Generous time-off plans, paid family leave, and floating holidays.
• Additional perks like identity theft protection, pet insurance, employee assistance programs, and paid volunteer time.
• Relocation assistance for out-of-state candidates.

About the Organization

NCSL’s mission is to strengthen the legislative institution by informing effective policies, fostering communication among state legislatures, and ensuring states have a unified voice in the federal system. The organization is recognized as a trusted, bipartisan membership entity serving legislators and legislative staff.

NCSL’s culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and dedication to its mission. Employees benefit from a flexible work environment, combining remote work with in-person team engagement to maintain organizational culture.

How to Apply

If you are a dedicated, purpose-driven professional, submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59 PM MT, December 1, 2024, for best consideration. Learn more about NCSL’s work and culture by visiting our careers page.

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. NCSL does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.