Research Analyst I / Research Analyst II - Health Program

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is hiring for 1-2 research analysts in our Denver office.

Research analysts are an entry-level position that work on a variety of health policy issues and contribute to a range of projects. NCSL seeks up to two research analysts with knowledge or experience in one or more of the following policy domains: 1) Medicaid, health care access and financing; 2) health care workforce; 3) public health; and/or 4) maternal and child health.

ABOUT NCSL:

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.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Health is a complex and costly policy area with tremendous implications for our daily lives and long-term success. Join NCSL’s Health Program to deepen your knowledge and experience in health policy while contributing to a strong team and assisting state legislators and legislative staff nationwide. The Denver-based Health Program is a group of motivated, nonpartisan, fun and flexible individuals dedicated to tracking state policy developments, strengthening their expertise on evolving topics, and supporting state legislators and staff around complicated health policy topics.

We seek up to two research analysts with knowledge or experience in one or more of the following policy domains: 1) Medicaid, health care access and financing; 2) health care workforce; 3) public health; and/or 4) maternal and child health. If you have experience in health policy, natural curiosity, a strong desire to learn and grow, and excellent communication skills and initiative, consider applying for this opportunity.

Research analysts are an entry-level position that work on a variety of health policy issues and contribute to a range of projects across the team, including legislative tracking, answering research requests from members, contributing research to publications and presentations, assisting with planning meetings/convenings for NCSL members, and more. As a research analyst, you can expect to focus primarily in one or more of the policy domains listed above, but successful candidates are willing to contribute to a variety of policy issues and tasks. All of the Health Program’s work is nonpartisan and nonadvocacy. This position will report to a senior-level staff in the Health program and work with several other policy staff on tasks or projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS:

As a research analyst, you will contribute to a variety of tasks across policy areas with a focus on policy research, legislative tracking and writing. Please note: This is not a scientific research position.

1. Prepare concise, accurate and nonpartisan written responses to legislative requests for information. Research analysts respond to a variety of general policy research requests received daily and weekly from NCSL’s members. Responses are written memos that typically incorporate research, state examples, and legislative summaries and tables.
2. Collect, monitor and analyze data on legislative actions and state and federal programs, using the internet, available state legislative databases, public and private organizations, and other trusted resources.
3. Track state legislation in assigned policy areas. Research analysts track state legislation in 1-2 externally facing databases on a weekly or biweekly basis, and maintain internal tracking on a number of other issues to stay up-to-date on state action.
4. Maintain and update webpages with new research, data and policy information. Research analysts are expected to independently monitor policy areas and initiate updates as needed (weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually) for a suite of webpages (~10-15 webpages). Create new webpages based on emerging policy areas, or as assigned.
5. Contribute to written publications. Research analysts are expected to summarize legislation, describe specific state programs or activities, and provide other research for reports, short publications or articles. Research analysts may independently author shorter publications such as blogs and two-page LegisBriefs.
6. Provide logistical support and assistance with meetings and other convenings for NCSL’s members. The Health program hosts more than a dozen in-person and virtual meetings, as well as webinars, on policy topics for small groups of health-focused state legislators and staff. Research analysts may contribute to planning tasks, such as research, background information, and speaker identification, as well as agenda development and on-site support.
7. Contribute to presentations. Research analysts may provide research, state examples, background material and other information for slides and presentations. Depending on the candidate, research analysts may have the opportunity to provide some public speaking/presentations.
8. May perform related research and project tasks, as assigned.
9. Expect to travel by air approximately 5-8 times per year to support meetings with NCSL’s members and/or external partners. Most trips are for one to three nights. Due to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, no travel is anticipated before August 2021. This date is subject to change.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is a mostly performed in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  You will utilize standard office equipment such as filing cabinets, copy machines, laptops, printers, scanners, and smartphones. Travel by airplane including overnights and weekends required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, expectations, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:

• Research analyst I and Research analyst II positions have similar responsibilities and duties. Whether a candidate is considered for RAI or RAII depends on education and years of relevant experience.
  • Research analyst I: Bachelor’s degree plus one year of work experience. Relevant work experience preferred, such as general policy research, legislative or state government experience. A post-baccalaureate or graduate degree (i.e. masters degree, professional degree, or doctoral degree) may be substituted for one year of the required work experience.
  • Research analyst II: Bachelor’s degree plus two years of work experience. Relevant work experience preferred, such as general policy research, legislative or state government experience. A post-baccalaureate or graduate degree (i.e. masters degree, professional degree, or doctoral degree) may be substituted for one year of the required work experience.
• Excellent, clear and professional written and oral communication skills. Skill and competence in oral communication to deal effectively with legislators and legislative staff by phone. Written communication includes policy publications as well as memos and emails.
• 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.
• Ability to work independently, be self-directed and take initiative. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively on a team, both as a leader and as a member.
• Competence in basic policy research, including skill with internet searches; accessing and analyzing federal, public and private policy documents, white papers and other resources; and analyzing and synthesizing other research.
• Basic knowledge of the legislative process and state government.
• Experience reading, analyzing or tracking legislation preferred.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with relevant health policy issues preferred.
• Skill in analyzing and organizing information and solving problems.
• Ability to work on tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail, including reading, tracking and summarizing detailed or complicated legislation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, including maintaining professional appearance and demeanor as well as regular and punctual attendance.

BENEFITS:

NCSL offers an outstanding benefits package including low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, paid family leave, telework, pet insurance, discounted bus / train passes, in-office dry cleaning pick up, access to 24-hour fitness memberships, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply online and include a cover letter and resume highlighting skills and qualifications no later than February 26, 2021 by 5pm MST. 

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better.

Experience

Required

2 years: Research analyst II: Bachelor’s degree plus two years of work experience.

1 year: Research analyst I: Bachelor’s degree plus one year of work experience.

Apply here before Feb. 26:

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/NAT1060NATS/JobBoard/2a60216b-c3d4-44bc-8412-88e21e324b41/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=93e7ce86-3cd7-4ed4-9558-916b3b30341f