Policy Associate (50651)

JOB TITLE: Policy Associate

PROGRAM: Fiscal Affairs

LOCATION: Denver, CO -Hybrid

SALARY: $58,380 annually

STATUS: Full-time

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. NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four consecutive days every six (6) weeks. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office for four days every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

If you like state fiscal policy, traveling to exciting places, meeting influential people and sharing your knowledge, this is the job for you! NCSL's Fiscal Affairs team is seeking a policy analyst to work on state budget and tax issues. The person in this position will be expected to help track legislation and keep up with state budget and tax policy trends to contribute towards informational resources for members of NCSL, including legislators, legislative staff and private sector partners. Work is performed independently and as a member of the fiscal team. Our goal is to meet the information needs of state legislators and legislative staff across the nation. The person in this position will contribute to presentations and reports, as well as help plan and staff meetings. This position will report to the director of the fiscal program.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Collect information and analyze state fiscal policy trends to assist legislators and legislative staff with their research and information needs.
• Prepare concise, accurate, and nonpartisan responses to legislative research requests. Responses may be oral or written and could include background/research, state examples, and legislative summaries and tables.
• Track state budget and tax legislation or activity in NCSL's externally facing databases or webpages and maintain internal tracking to stay up-to-date on state actions.
• Maintain and update webpages with new research, data, policy, and legislative information. May create new webpages based on emerging issues, or as assigned.
• Contribute to meeting planning tasks, such as research, background information, and speaker identification, as well as agenda development and on-site support.
• Plan, research and write for newsletters, issue briefs, short research reports or articles.
• Contribute to presentations and technical assistance workshops. May provide research, state examples, background material, and other information for slides and presentations. Make presentations as needed with supervisor guidance.
• Coordinates with NCSL staff in other issue areas that overlap with the assigned program.
• May travel to assist with NCSL meetings and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed.

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE:

Supervisor/Management Responsibilities:

n/a

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT: This full-time position is mostly performed in an office environment, on or off-site, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. NCSL provides a unique hybrid remote work policy with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office for four days every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development. Employees routinely use standard office equipment such as laptops, printers, scanners, copy machines, and smartphones. Occasional travel by airplane, including overnights and weekends, is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, plus two years of work experience with state legislatures, government, public policy or other relevant field.
• Subject-specific knowledge is preferred, but not necessary.
• Ability to communicate information, in writing and verbally, in a clear and credible way to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated abilitytoworkcollaborativelywith othersand to work independently.
• Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality when required.
• Demonstrated competence in research skills and tasks requiring attention to detail, including skill with internet searches; accessing and analyzing government documents, academic reports, white papers, and other resources; and analyzing and synthesizing research and legislation.
• 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.
• Knowledge of state legislative and political processes and the separation of power between the branches of government.
• Ability to travel by air up to 4 times per year, with most trips being 1-3 nights, as well as work extended hours, possibly evenings and weekends, usually associated with events/travel.

YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLANCE:

NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four days every six (6) weeks. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development. We are committed to offering a full range of other benefits for you and your eligible family members, including domestic partners.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Our outstanding benefits include low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, generous time off plans and paid family leave, floating holidays, identity theft protection, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, paid time off to volunteer, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

HOW TO JOIN OUR TEAM:

If you are a purpose-driven, dedicated professional looking to give as much as you get - submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59 PM MT, May 26, 2026 for best consideration. Learn more about working with NCSL by visiting our careers page: https://www.ncsl.org/about-us/careers. We look forward to receiving your application!

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace. NCSL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation.