Research Policy Analyst

**Candidates are highly encouraged to officially apply through the company's application system at:
https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=00050764
 

Please note that this job posting can be closed without notice and earlier than the closing date indicated in the posting if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage applicants to submit and complete the application promptly.

Are you ready to grow, make a positive impact? If you are seeking to gain knowledge, build your career, and network among goal-oriented professionals, this is the place for you!

Innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence best describes the culture here at the Comptroller’s Office. We take pride in the work we do serving as Texas' accountant, tax collector, treasurer, and much more! The Comptroller’s office serves virtually every citizen in the state. As Texas’ chief tax collector, accountant, revenue estimator, treasurer and purchasing manager, the agency is responsible for writing the checks and keeping the books for the multi-billion-dollar business of state government.

Our agency workforce is as diverse as the people of Texas we serve. We value our employees and take very seriously our collective commitment to public service.  Personal development opportunities are strongly encouraged through available workshops, teambuilding exercises, and on the job training. We offer flexible scheduling that helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Click here to see an inside look at the Texas Comptroller’s office!

ABOUT THE Division

General description

We’re looking for a Research Policy Analyst to join our Data Analysis team in the Data Analysis and Transparency division to provide accurate, data-driven, unbiased economic research on relevant issues affecting the Texas economy. Your day-to-day will involve policy and statistical analysis to support the Comptroller’s fiduciary responsibility, to facilitate sound decision-making by state lawmakers and agencies, and to inform the public. As a Research Policy Analyst, you will produce articles for publication on important economic topics impacting the state, produce legislatively mandated reports and update databases to help Texas citizens stay continuously informed. You will conduct research to provide agency leadership and other divisions with information necessary for public engagement.

This position is part of a team of people who are open-minded, collaborative, adaptable and dedicated to getting the numbers right. You would be a great fit for this role if you are self-motivated, resourceful, can deliver results as a sole contributor and as part of a team.

Work Hours

40 hours a week between the hours of 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. with occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Hours may change based on business needs; especially during legislative sessions.  This position may be eligible for a flexible/hybrid work schedule if certain conditions are met; working arrangements may change at any time as business necessitates.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three (3) years of full-time work experience in research and planning, data analysis and/or policy development relating to general government or non-profit programs, initiatives and measures. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in business administration, public administration, government, political science, economics, statistics, finance, research methodology, social science, journalism or related field.
• Experience with Texas financial and/or policy issues. 
• Experience working in a Texas state agency or in the Texas state legislature.
• Experience researching, analyzing and writing reports or Web content related to state and/or local government data, financial data or debt data.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting state or local economies. 
• Experience conducting complex data analysis using software programs such as Excel, Stata, SAS or SPSS.
• Experience managing projects, including project planning, developing project timelines and managing multiple team members.

Substitution

A master's degree with major course work in public administration, history, research methodology, sociology or related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience working in research and planning, data analysis, policy development relating to general government programs.

In this role you will: 

• Plans, coordinates, conducts and administers data analysis and research projects. Develops plans, policies and procedures for data analysis and research projects focusing on local, regional and state economies. Designs research studies and methodologies. Oversees the methods of analysis and the presentation of results, for printed and Web-based reports. Reviews and organizes data collection and applies statistical methods. Writes reports or articles on data analysis and research projects. May lead small teams on data analysis projects. Serves as a liaison to staff, other government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to explain and provide technical assistance on research and data analysis.
• Prepares project completion timelines, maintains records of work accomplished and prepares necessary reports. Translates complex data and information into relevant and valuable content for public and internal publications. Monitors trends in data tools, concepts and technologies. Analyzes economic trends affecting Texans and explains these in an understandable form for printed and Web-based agency publications.
• Prepares and presents reports for publication. Reviews data, legislation, regulations and policies to determine impact. Evaluates findings relative to specific projects. Monitors consultant contracts. Provides input to and prepares correspondence, speeches, articles, press releases, reports, etc. Delivers presentations to outside groups and individuals. Testifies at hearings and legislative meetings. Drafts and reviews legislation, as requested by management. Drafts fiscal notes and determines administrative costs for pending legislation, as requested by management. Monitors legislative hearings of interest as appropriate.
• Reviews data, legislation, regulations, and policies to determine divisional and agency impact. Assists in preparing justifications for the implementation of procedural or policy changes. Assists in determining requirements for project development, evaluates findings, and provides input to other divisions and agencies for specific projects.
• Prepares and provides work status briefing to management. Works with other federal, state, and local agencies, legislators and/or constituents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Comptroller’s Office is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed applications. The application must contain the necessary information in the work history for the applicant to qualify for the position.

An applicant must be eligible to work in the United States to be hired at the Comptroller's office and must remain eligible, without sponsorship or any assurance of financial or other assistance from this agency, during the term of their employment.