JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Policy Analyst is responsible for providing research, analysis, and technical assistance to our member cities on a variety of topics including, but not limited to: transportation, land use, health and human services, public safety, government operations, the environment, and economic and community development. The Senior Policy Analyst staffs a variety of committees at King County and the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), as well as the Public Issues Committee (PIC) of SCA.

The Senior Policy Analyst must have proven ability and extensive experience in researching and analyzing complex issues in order to ensure that policy positions adopted by the organization are well-grounded and well-informed. The Senior Policy Analyst must also have superior communications skills, both written and oral, excellent interpersonal skills, and an ability to work effectively with internal and external partners. Given the complex relationships among our 38 member cities, the County, the State, and other regional cities and institutions the candidate should bring deft intergovernmental skills to protect and advance the priorities of our member cities. The successful candidate will be a creative problem solver in fast-paced, changing environment and in an organization that values collaboration, cooperation, and innovation, and will have the ability to work independently and as a member of a team to achieve results and provide value to member cities.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

The Senior Policy Analyst shall be responsible for duties of a policy analyst, which include:

Coordinate and/or conduct research and analysis on issues related transportation, land use, health and human services, public safety, government operations, the environment, economic and community development, and other organizational priorities;
Prepare reports and other written materials, and communicate the results of research and analysis to SCA members;
Provide staffing to elected officials on a variety of regional boards and committees;
Prepare background materials for SCA’s Public Issues Committee (PIC), the policy making arm of the SCA;
Assist with staffing a variety of educational and networking events for SCA member cities;
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

In addition, the Senior Policy Analyst shall have the following additional responsibilities:

Provide mentorship and guidance to policy analyst(s) in the organization, and assist as needed with reviewing and editing materials;
Monitor activity of the legislature, King County Council, PSRC, the media, and other sources relating to items of importance to SCA members, and brief SCA staff and members as appropriate;
Draft correspondence for the Board regarding items on which the SCA Board has adopted positions;
Draft talking points and remarks for SCA members upon request;
Maintain a level of familiarity with the work of other SCA policy analysts, and cover the workload of SCA policy analysts when they are on vacation, sick, or otherwise unavailable.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and five years of progressively responsible experience in policy analysis, public administration, intergovernmental affairs, or a related area. An advanced degree in public policy or a related field may substitute for one year of experience;
Proven ability to perform technical analysis and to provide sound policy recommendations to members;
High degree of initiative, including the ability to work independently and handle numerous projects and assignments simultaneously;
Must be adaptable and flexible to changing priorities and demands, able to shift focus and efforts quickly to deal with emerging issues on a frequent basis, while ensuring accountability for a wide range of on-going issues at all times;
Strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work product on a deadline with minimal supervision;
The proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of people and groups, including elected officials and their staff;
Exceptionally strong communications skills, both oral and written. Must be able to effectively convey complex information in an understandable manner. Must be able to communicate with a broad range of audiences and be able to organize effective presentations to synthesize and communicate technical information in an understandable and clear manner;
Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend and analyze complex documents, such as ordinances, bills, state statutes and administrative codes and to determine and articulate the policy and technical implications of those documents;
Familiarity with major regional political issues such as growth management, transportation, housing and homelessness, watershed protection, finance and revenue, and governance;
Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher;
Extensive background and experience working with elected officials, including local elected officials.

WORK SCHEDULE:

The Senior Policy Analyst position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is not overtime eligible. The typical workweek is 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.An ability to cover evening, early morning, and occasional weekend meetings as needed is required for the position. Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to travel throughout the county for meetings. Infrequent overnight travel may be required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Starting Salary: $90,000 - $105,000, with potential for an increase upon successful completion of six months of service. SCA pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for eligible employees. Extremely generous vacation and paid sick leave.

SCA follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.

State of Maryland

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Senior Policy Analyst