Policy Analyst (workforce development and economic policy) at National Governors Association in Washington, DC

Responsibilities

• The Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support governors on a range of policy issues related to workforce and economic development, including work-based talent strategies (such as apprenticeship, service-to-career pathways, and short-term education and training), the impact of AI on the workforce, workforce pathways for diverse populations (such as youth or those disconnected from the workforce), workforce program quality and accountability, entrepreneurship, and cross-system alignment across workforce and economic development.
• Organize and facilitate state learning opportunities including virtual, in-person, and hybrid events such as workshops, seminars, meetings, and presentations;
• Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other events for governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on state program and policy issues;
• Provide state technical assistance for multiple program and policy issues;
• Provide “best practice” information and consultative support to governors and their senior advisors in response to requests for assistance;
• Develop blog posts, white papers, issue briefs, presentations, and memos on policy issues and best practices of relevance to governors and senior state policymakers;
• Build and maintain relationships with high-level policymakers and key stakeholders;
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all governors; and
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Managing Director or President, Center for Best Practices.

Requirements

• Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree preferably in public policy or related field. Candidates should also have one to three years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the workforce development and economic policy portfolio, including knowledge of and experience working on issues detailed under the “Key Responsibilities” paragraph above.
• Knowledge and expertise could include helping governors, their staff and their executive branch appointees design and implement evidence-based policies focused on achieving specific outcomes. Experience working with governors, working in federal or state agencies or in non-profit organizations is preferred. Candidates with commensurate lived experience will also be considered.
• Have foundational content knowledge in federal and state policy in the issue area;
• Support multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
• Manage competing project deadlines and responsibilities;
• Execute written communication and synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
• Work independently, set priorities and problem-solve multiple issues at the same time;
• Support and organize events with the support of the Events team;
• Have strong customer-service orientation and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers;
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner;
• Communicate effectively in verbal forms, with emphasis on ability to communicate with policy-making audiences;
• Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues;
• Have knowledge and understanding of MS Office suite; and
• Travel, as necessary.

Skills

Required

• Travel, as necessary

Benefits

• NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s governors daily, and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, to include healthcare and more, designed to support the needs of NGA employees.
• Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 annually. This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the lowest to the highest salary for this position. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience.