Senior Policy Analyst, Environment, Energy & Transportation
National Governors Association
This position is located in Washington, DC.
Department:
Environment, Energy and Transportation
The NGA Center for Best Practices seeks an outstanding public policy professional to join the Environment, Energy & Transportation Division as a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full time position in Washington, D.C. The Analyst will provide assistance to governors and their senior staff to develop innovative policies and practices that support their energy, environment, and infrastructure strategies. A large focus of this position will be on infrastructure policy including transportation, water and energy. The position includes periodic travel to states and the U.S. territories.
Responsibilities:
- Provide state policy “best practice” information and technical assistance to governors’ policy advisors, other state policymakers, and to NGA committees, task forces, and other work groups. Establish and maintain relationships with key individuals and groups within and outside NGA to stay current on policy issues and complete projects.
- Execute on multiple aspects of projects, including with states and external partners. This includes assistance with managing projects and fundraising, i.e., writing proposals, developing project budgets, developing and managing relationships with funders, working with sub-contracts and consultants, and ensuring the timely production of deliverables
- Lead the development of and participation in workshops, conferences, and seminars as well as make presentations and facilitate panel discussions and state strategy sessions.
- Write reports, articles, issue briefs, case studies, guides, and memoranda on policy issues and best practices of relevance to governors and their policy staffs and other state policymakers.
- Update NGA websites and electronic portals related to relevant issue areas and utilize web-based communication vehicles.
Examples of Recent/On-going Projects:
- Support of NGA infrastructure taskforce;
- Roundtables and guidance on energy assurance and infrastructure resiliency;
- Workshops on alternative fuel vehicles and related infrastructure;
- Institutes on state energy, water and transportation policy and technology innovations;
- Retreats on innovative transportation financing and project delivery;
- Policy Academy on helping states examine power sector modernization; and,
- Retreats on state policy innovations to support energy efficiency and “lead by example” efforts to support clean energy in state facilities.
Qualifications:
The preferred candidate will have solid experience and content knowledge related to state-level policy in one or more infrastructure areas including transportation, water or energy, and in interest in working in all areas. A degree in public policy, environmental studies, energy or environmental law or relevant disciplines is required and a master’s degree is strongly preferred. A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience related to state policy is required to be considered (for instance at a state or federal agency, policy development organization, company or business entity).The ideal candidate will also possess:
- An understanding of state policy and policy making and the role of governors in advancing states’ energy, water and/or transportation strategies;
- Ability to identify and track key issues of concern to governors and develop initiatives to address those concerns;
- Strong research, analytical and skills, including the ability to collect, analyze and use data to inform conclusions about policy and program effectiveness, to synthesize complex issues into clear and concise language, and to develop key policy considerations and recommendations for state decision makers;
- Proven ability to work on multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
- Strong communication skills including writing, speaking, listening and advising state officials;
- Interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with a variety of colleagues, funders and state and federal officials as well as enthusiasm for collaboration and learning from colleagues;
- Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility and take independent action and to work in a fast-paced and high profile policy environment;
- Commitment to NGA’s bi-partisan mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all governors; and,
- Competency in the use of relevant software packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc. and knowledge of electronic communications.
About The NGA Center for Best Practices:
Salary
The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 per year, depending upon experience and salary history.
Physical/Sensory Demands:
Fast-paced working environment, extensive computer usage. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applications being considered for employment.