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Workforce Development Policy Analyst - Economic Opportunity (EO) Division, National Governors Association, Washington, DC

Posted: Friday, September 1, 2017


The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) seeks an experienced professional to join the Economic Opportunity (EO) Division. This position will support the workforce team which focuses on state policies and programs to develop the skilled and knowledgeable workforce required for states to be economically competitive in the global economy.

NGA is the bipartisan organization of the nation's governors. Through NGA, governors share best practices, speak with a collective voice on national policy and develop innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism. The NGA Center is the nation's only dedicated consulting firm for governors and their key policy staff. Its mission is to assist governors to develop and implement innovative solutions to public policy challenges.

The EO Division provides information, research, policy analysis, technical assistance and resource development for governors and their staff across a range of policy issues. The division covers economic development and innovation; workforce development focused on industry-based strategies, pathways to employment and populations with special needs; human services for children, youth, low-income families and people with disabilities; and postsecondary education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide best practice information and technical assistance to governors' policy advisors and other state policymakers, as well as to NGA committees, task forces and other work groups on an occasional basis;
  • Work effectively as part of a team on projects related to advancing promising state policies and practices, including writing concept papers, working with sub-contractors and consultants and contributing to the timely production of project deliverables;
  • Assist in the design, collection and analysis of information needed to provide high-quality technical assistance to states and produce quality publications;
  • Write reports, articles, issue briefs, case studies, guides and memoranda on policy issues and best practices of relevance to governors and their policy staff and other state policymakers;
  • Design, organize, participate in, and conduct workshops, seminars, conferences and presentations and facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions and other meetings;
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key individuals and groups within and outside NGA to stay current on policy issues and complete projects; and
  • Update and maintain relevant NGA websites and electronic portals related to issue areas and use web-based communication vehicles.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS The preferred candidate will have experience and content knowledge related to policies and programs that fall within the portfolio of the Economic Opportunity Division with specific expertise related to workforce
issues. Workforce knowledge and expertise could include credential attainment, occupational licensing, sector strategies, and apprenticeship and other forms of work-based learning. A master's degree in public policy, public administration, political science or other relevant disciplines is desired, along with applicable work experience related to policy analysis.

The ideal candidate will also possess:

  • Commitment to NGA's bipartisan mission and goals.
  • An understanding of state policy and policymaking and the role of governors in advancing workforce development efforts;
  • Proven ability to work on multiple projects and with diverse state policymakers in a variety of settings responding effectively to their information requests and technical assistance needs;
  • Knowledge of state and federal government policy;
  • Strong research and analytical skills;
  • Strong communication skills, including writing, speaking, listening and advising customers;
  • Ability to collect, analyze and use data to inform states on relevant policy and practices;
  • Ability to identify and track key issues of concern to governors and develop promising initiatives to address these concerns;
  • Strong organizational and project team skills;
  • Interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with a variety of colleagues, funders and state and federal officials;
  • Ability to assume responsibility and take independent action;
  • Competency in the use of relevant software packages, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Survey Monkey or similar vehicles and knowledge of electronic communications; and
  • The ability to travel, up to 20 percent.

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.

Interested applicants can apply online at:  https://www.nga.org/cms/careers

NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employment M/D/F/V