Policy Associate

💼 Job Overview
About The Role

If you have an interest in child and family well-being policy and like learning, sharing your knowledge, and working with influential people, this could be the job for you! NCSL’s Denver-based Children and Families Program is looking for a policy associate to join a powerhouse team focused on policies affecting child and family well-being. This is a great opportunity for an early career policy professional with experience in policy research and analysis, writing, and event planning. The ideal candidate has entry-level knowledge and/or interest in child and family well-being, including early childhood, child welfare, prevention of child maltreatment, economic security, housing, and homelessness. You can expect to have frequent contact with legislators, legislative staff, and other public officials.

All members of the Children and Families team are responsible for contributing to a culture of program innovation and excellence and ensuring NCSL’s work is completed in an objective and nonpartisan manner. This position reports to a project manager of the Children and Families Program and has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

📝 Responsibilities
What You’ll Do

Collect, monitor, and analyze data on legislative actions and state and federal programs through internet searches, legislative databases, and interaction with subject-matter experts in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Prepare concise, accurate, and nonpartisan responses to legislative research requests.

Maintain one or more externally facing legislative databases.

Research and write policy publications, including briefs, articles, and website and newsletter content.

Contribute to event planning through agenda development, attendee and faculty identification and invitations, material preparation, and on-site support.

Engage directly with state legislators, legislative staff, and other NCSL partners.

Contribute to or deliver online and in-person presentations.

Support planning and delivery of technical assistance to states.

Travel for NCSL meetings and professional development opportunities.

Perform other tasks as needed.

🎓 Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, plus 2 years of work experience with state legislatures, government, public policy, or other relevant field.

Entry-level knowledge and/or interest in child and family well-being, including early childhood, child welfare, prevention of child maltreatment, economic security, housing, and homelessness is a plus but not required.

Ability to communicate information, in writing and verbally, in a clear and credible way to a variety of audiences.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others and to work independently.

Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality when required.

Demonstrated competence in research skills and tasks requiring attention to detail, including internet searches; accessing and analyzing government documents, academic reports, white papers, and other resources; and analyzing and synthesizing research and legislation.

Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changes in workload.

Knowledge of state legislative and political processes and the separation of power between the branches of government.

Ability to travel by air up to 6 times per year, with most trips being 1-3 nights, as well as work extended hours, possibly evenings and weekends, usually associated with events/travel.

🏢 Work Environment
This full-time position is mostly performed in an office environment, on or off-site, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. NCSL provides a unique hybrid remote work policy with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office for four days every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development. Employees routinely use standard office equipment such as laptops, printers, scanners, copy machines, and smartphones. Occasional travel by airplane, including overnights and weekends, is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

⭐ Benefits
NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four days every six (6) weeks. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development. We are committed to offering a full range of other benefits for you and your eligible family members, including domestic partners.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Our outstanding benefits include:

Low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage

A 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting

Life & disability insurance

3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience

Generous time off plans and paid family leave

Floating holidays

Identity theft protection

Employee assistance programs

Pet insurance

Paid time off to volunteer

And more!

Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

🌐 About the Organization
Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge, and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful – strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff.

Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission. NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four consecutive days every six (6) weeks. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office for four days every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development.

➡️ How to Apply
If you are a purpose-driven, dedicated professional looking to give as much as you get – submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59 PM MT, November 26, 2025 for best consideration. Learn more about working with NCSL by visiting their careers page. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace. NCSL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation.