Budget & Policy Analyst Agency-Advanced (Madison)

Wisconsin State Public Defender; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

The Wisconsin State Public Defender's Madison office is seeking a Budget & Policy Analyst at the Agency-Advanced level to analyze budgets and policy issues guiding the SPD's services to indigent clients.

Under the Budget & Policy Director, you will perform professional quantitative and qualitative analyses, develop recommendations, and communicate findings to leadership. This in-office role offers a comprehensive benefits package and generous leave.

Qualifications

• Evaluating statutory and regulatory requirements and related budget outcomes.
• Performing complex financial calculations and forecasting using advanced Excel functions or databases.
• Communicating results verbally and in writing to inform managers about budgets, policies, or related issues.
• Managing multiple time-sensitive analytical assignments and handling confidential data.

Responsibilities

• Analyze budgets and policy issues for SPD.
• Develop budget and policy recommendations and track implementation.
• Prepare narrative summaries, issue papers, and web content to inform stakeholders.

Skills

Budgeting

Data analysis

Financial forecasting

Policy analysis

Communication

Project management

Tools

Excel

STAR ERP data

Job description

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your skills to the State Public Defenders' office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Budget & Policy Analyst Agency-Advanced position, based in our Madison office.

SPD’s mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality, cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.gov.

What We're Looking For

SPD is looking for a talented Accountant-Journey professional who is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, has great attention to detail, and can juggle multiple priorities. If you have a passion for accounting and love helping people, then we want you to apply!

What We Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with SPD. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation in one of the nation's top-rated pension plans. Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To learn more about the value of SPD's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator.

Why work with us?

At SPD, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture, where everyone is encouraged to bring their "whole self" to work. Professional development is encouraged and supported, and we offer a wide variety of training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Our leadership's goal is to provide a work environment dedicated to ensuring that each and every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about the SPD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan here.

Who We Are

SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the Wisconsin State Public Defender is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do. To learn more about the various career paths and opportunities at the SPD, please click here.

Where We're Located

SPD is located just off of the Capitol Square of award-winning Madison, Wisconsin, at 17 South Fairchild Street. We are within easy walking distance of many shopping and dining options, a weekly farmer's market, the State Capitol Building, and two beautiful lakes with walking & biking paths. There are numerous public transit options and multiple parking lots nearby.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Budget & Policy Director, this position performs professional, confidential work related to the analysis of budgets and policies for the State Public Defender (SPD). The position is involved in analysis and development of budget and policy issues relating to the direction and management of services provided to clients of the SPD.

Salary Information

The starting hourly pay range will be between $28.24 and $46.59 and is in pay schedule-range (81-03). A one-year probationary period may be required. Please note that this is an in-office (i.e., non-remote) position.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

Job Details

Background Check

We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.

Eligibility to work in the US

The SPD does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Veterans

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for the application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Qualifications

LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS & RESUME

You must submit both documents to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your cover letter and/or resume.

Minimally Qualified Applicants Must Have The Following Experience

• Evaluating statutory and regulatory requirements and associated outcomes related to program policies, procedures, or budgets.
• Performing complex financial calculations, revenue/expenditure forecasting, analyzing data, identifying trends, and data reconciliations using advanced Excel functions or specialized database software.
• Providing results from analysis or research through verbal and written communications (e.g. presentations, narrative policy summaries, web content, issue papers, or similar) to inform others (e.g. managers, colleagues) about information related to policies, legislation, budgets or similar issues that affect programs and services.
• Independently managing multiple time-sensitive analytical assignments, handling sensitive, or confidential organizational data.

Well-qualified applicants will have experience in the at least two of following areas

• Using State of Wisconsin Enterprise Resource Planning data (i.e. data housed in STAR modules) to inform financial decisions.
• Developing and monitoring an operating budget or spending plan with multiple cost drivers and state and/or federal revenue sources.
• Analyzing data to determine the variables and factors that influence changes to costs and revenues and to make projections about future counts, costs, or similar.
• Knowledge of how to conduct quantitative or qualitative analysis on public policy issues.
• Performing fiscal, policy, or program analysis within legal services, court administration, public defense, prosecution, or related legal systems or organizations.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply online is 11:59pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026.