Policy Analyst - Office of the House Minority Leader

Job Description

Agency Overview:

The Massachusetts House of Representatives ("House") is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people. The House meets year-round in either formal or informal sessions. The House is led by the Speaker of the House who is elected by the Members.

Position Overview

The Republican Caucus of the Massachusetts House of Representatives is comprised of 25 members. Currently, the House Republican Leader is Brad Jones, State Representative of the 20th Middlesex District. The office physically houses the operations of the fiscal and policy staff of the Republican Caucus, as well as the Office of the Minority Leader, Assistant Minority Leader, Assistant Minority Whip, The Ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee and their respective legislative/administrative staff.

The Republican Leader's Office (RLO) performs fiscal and policy analysis for the Republican members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and serves the constituents of districts from where the Republican leaders serve. The Analyst's primary responsibility is to become an expert in the current policies surrounding a particular set of issue areas for the House Republican Leader, Brad Jones, and the other members of the House Republican Caucus. The Policy Analyst must perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reports to:

This position reports to the Minority Leader and at the discretion of the Leader, the Legislative Director and Chief of Staff

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Research and track legislation for assigned issue areas (i.e. Transportation, Education, etc.).

• Spend time, at your own discretion, learning how the industries of your issue areas operate.

• Research, analyze, and become familiar with the laws and available literature in your issue areas.

• Develop and maintain contacts with legislative, administrative, and intergovernmental staff, as well as industry groups and nonprofit organizations in the assigned policy areas.

Regularly attend committee hearings and public gatherings associated with your policy areas.

• Serve as the lead analyst, when necessary, on any conference committees established between the House and Senate. (These committees are convened when these two branches of government disagree on legislation.)

Each analyst uses this expertise to:

• Identify and analyze budget and policy issues in order to develop options and recommendations to Republican members.

• Actively participate in the analysis of the annual state budget and help with the production of any reports summarizing such legislation.

• Write issue-briefs and memos about any legislative matters requiring particular attention within your assigned areas.

• Draft and prepare legislation, legislative amendments, and budget amendments at the request of the Republican Leadership.

• Provide testimony and "talking points" to Republican House members for testimony and debate.

• Serve as a fiscal and program resource to Republican House members whenever needed.

• Brief Republican members on matters to be considered before full, formal sessions of the House of Representatives.

• Assist the Legislative Director as directed.

Qualifications

Minimum Skill Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively through clear and concise writing;

• Work well with others in a fast-paced and production-oriented environment;

• Learn quickly, show initiative, and be willing to take on increasing levels of responsibility;

• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent writing and communication skills;

• Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally;

• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology;

• Ability to follow-up and complete tasks;

• Willingness to work outside of traditional office hours when the House is in session.

Education/Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in government, public policy, public or business administration, economics, or a related field.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This position operates in a professional office environment; must be able to communicate both in person and by telephone. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets, and multifunction copiers/printers.
• This is a full-time 37.5 hour per week position. Days of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours vary and may include evening and weekend work to support the legislator's constituents and to support legislative or constituent activities.

How to apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to Melissa Cavanaugh at [email protected]

The House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.