Legislative Research Analyst

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 74,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legislative Research Council in Pierre, South Dakota, seeks a permanent full-time Legislative Research Analyst to support the state legislative process. An applicant must have an interest in state government and public policy.

The role covers drafting and editing bills, staffing committees, conducting data and legal research, producing staff reports, reviewing rules, and writing issue memoranda for legislators, LRC staff, and the public.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in public policy, political science, public or business administration, economics, or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong writing skills.
• Willingness to develop expertise in various subject areas.
• Ability to clearly convey information to legislators and the public.
• Maintain objectivity and confidentiality in legislative matters.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and editing bills, resolutions, and amendments to implement legislators' ideas.
• Staffing standing committees during legislative sessions, developing agendas and obtaining testimony.
• Compiling data and conducting general and legal research for committees and legislators.
• Staffing interim committees and assisting with meeting arrangements and final reports.
• Reviewing administrative rules for form, style, and compliance.
• Researching and writing issue memoranda and developing resources for review.

Skills

Strong research skills

Strong writing skills

Oral and written communication

Analytical skills

Ability to work under tight deadlines

Nonpartisan/objective stance

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in public policy, political science, public/business administration, economics, or related field

Job description

This is a full-time position with the Legislative Research Council, in Pierre, SD. For more information on the Legislative Research Council, please visit the LRC website .

The Legislative Research Council, which is the nonpartisan research and support staff to the South Dakota State Legislature, is accepting applications for a permanent full-time Legislative Research Analyst. An applicant must have an interest in the legislative process or state government.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Drafting and editing bills, resolutions, and amendments to implement legislators' ideas;
2. Staffing standing committees of the South Dakota Legislature during legislative sessions, consulting with committee chairs to develop agendas and obtain testimony, and preparing committee reports;
3. Compiling data and conducting general and legal research for legislative committees and individual legislators and presenting alternative solutions for their consideration;
4. Staffing interim committees, consulting with committee chairs to develop agendas, assisting with meeting arrangements, preparing background materials, and preparing final reports;
5. Reviewing administrative rules for form, style, clarity, and compliance with statutory authority; and
6. Researching and writing issue memoranda and developing other resources on selected topics for review and use by the Legislature, Legislative Research Council staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A bachelor's degree or higher in public policy, political science, public or business administration, economics, or a related field;
2. Strong research and analytical skills;
3. Strong writing skills;
4. A willingness to develop expertise in various subject areas;
5. The ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a manner that clearly and efficiently conveys information to legislators and the public;
6. The ability to remain objective and nonpartisan in relation to all legislative matters, maintain confidentiality, and handle politically sensitive work; and
7. The ability to work under tight deadlines and extended hours during the legislative session.

Salary Range: The salary will range from $74,000 to $109,000. The actual starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.