Policy Analyst (Workforce Development and Economic Policy)
@ National Governors Association

TITLE: Policy Analyst (Workforce Development and Economic Policy)

ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association

LOCATION: Washington, DC (onsite)

DURATION: Full Time

POSITION STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate

REPORTS TO: Program Director (Workforce Development and Economic Policy)

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND: Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps Governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s Government Relations group assists in ensuring the voice of Governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with Governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.

Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POLICY ANALYST (Workforce Development and Economic Policy): The Center for Best Practices Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors and other state executive branch leaders on a range of issues related to workforce development, including apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and other forms of work-based learning, efforts to increase workforce participation and success, and workforce system governance and innovation. This position will report to the Program Director overseeing workforce development policy issues. This member of the team will be expected to be full-time in Washington, DC.

Other important responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include:

• 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;
• Be committed to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors;
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors;
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Deputy Director or Director, Center for Best Practices.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public policy or a related field. One to three years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the workforce development policy portfolio, including apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and other forms of work-based learning, efforts to increase workforce participation and success, and workforce system governance and innovation. 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.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Have foundational content knowledge in federal and state policy in the issue area;
• Support multiple technical assistance projects;
• 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;
• 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;
• Have strong customer-service orientation.