Policy Analyst

Southern Arkansas University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 69,611 - 113,118; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Virginia is looking for a Policy Analyst to lead complex organizational studies and manage legislative processes. The ideal candidate will develop agency-wide policies, monitor legislation, and drive strategies for the organization's strategic plan. Required skills include strong communication abilities, experience in quantitative analysis, and knowledge of project management. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $69,611 to $113,118 annually.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in quantitative analyses using industrial engineering principles.
• Ability to lead strategic planning and policy development efforts.
• Skills in using software applications relevant to data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor proposed legislation for agency impact.
• Develop position papers and draft policies.
• Lead business process documentation efforts.
• Direct activities related to VDOT's Strategic Plan.
• Prepare comprehensive reports with recommendations.

Skills

Research methodologies

Oral and written communication

Quantitative analyses

Business information systems

Project management

Computers and software applications

Education

Training in Industrial Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Category: Policy Analysis and Planning

Apply Before: 03/27/2026, 11:59 PM

Job Schedule: Full time

Minimum Salary: $69,611.00

Maximum Salary: $113,118.00

Job Specific Insights

What drives you? Whether it's knowing the work you do makes a difference, having a great work/life balance, working on exciting and challenging projects, leading innovation and championing change or simply working with a great group of people who are committed to professionalism.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is excited to share a new opportunity to serve the Governance & Legislative Affairs Division focusing on Legislative Process and how we interact with our constituents.

Job Description

Lead, facilitate and conduct advanced, complex and often difficult organizational, operational and performance related studies and economic analyses that often have statewide impact and may be of a sensitive nature. Provide analytical support to management. Review evaluative analyses conducted by others, both internal and external, that may affect VDOT policies and procedures. Prepare sensitive responses and position statements.

How you will contribute:

• Monitor Legislation: Monitor proposed legislation from inception to end during the General Assembly sessions for potential impact on agency. Prepare or act as a liaison to responsible entities on impact statements.
• Policy Analysis: Develop or oversee development of VDOT-wide position papers, draft policies, regulations, and legislation. Serve as VDOT liaison with inter-agency policy study teams and represent VDOT positions. Review and evaluate analyses of VDOT operations conducted by entities internal and external to VDOT. Prepare sensitive responses for VDOT Commissioner and Cabinet Secretary, or on their behalf, to be submitted to other branches of state government involved in legislation, policy analysis, public relations, economic and operational impact assessments.
• Process documentation: Lead or conduct business process documentation and re-engineering efforts by observing, measuring, examining, analyzing, and documenting key business processes and selected functions.
• Strategic Plan: Lead and direct activities, programs, and projects associated with the implementation of VDOT's Strategic Plan. Propose and coordinate strategies for meeting stated Purpose, Mission, Goals and Values. Assist Commissioner's staff on issues related to strategic planning and performance management issues. Support communication of the Strategic Plan.
• Work Plan Development: Develop methodologies and work plans and prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations based on analyses. Establish performance measures, targets, and reporting methodology to assist Commissioner's staff and ensure agency direction and policies are incorporated into organizational performance, workforce planning, resource planning, and individual performance planning. Assist divisions and districts with development of business plans.

What will make you successful:

• Ability to develop research methodologies, communicate research results, develop recommendations and oversee development of agency-wide position papers, draft policies, regulations, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct quantitative analyses using methods and techniques that reflect industrial engineering, operations research, or statistical analytical best practices.
• Knowledge of business information systems.
• Knowledge of project management, productivity analysis, performance measurement, strategic planning, policy development and analysis, and public administration.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Experience conducting quantitative analyses using methods and techniques that reflect industrial engineering, operations research, or statistical analytical best practices.
• Experience developing research methodologies, communicating research results, developing recommendations and overseeing development of VDOT-wide position papers, draft policies, regulations, etc.
• Experience in project management, productivity analysis, performance measurement, strategic planning, policy development, analysis, and public administration.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

Additional Considerations:

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Economics, Statistics, or related field desired.
• Knowledge of business information systems.
• Progressively responsible experience in business planning, management or policy making.