Policy Analyst (Government Relations Analyst)

Intelligence and National Security Alliance; Kansas City (KS); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Community and Human Services is looking for a Policy Analyst dedicated to developing innovative policy solutions that address critical human services issues in King County. This role involves extensive collaboration with various teams, focusing on promoting equity and effective communication while working in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in legislative affairs or public policy.
• Experience with budget analysis and report preparation.
• Strong track record in advocacy or legislative analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and recommend policies on human services issues.
• Monitor state and federal legislative activities.
• Draft policy documentation and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Political sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, or related field

Job description

The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences.

King County'sDepartment of Community and Human Services (DCHS)provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.

King County Department of Community and Human Services is seeking a Policy Analyst to analyze, develop, and advise on innovative policy solutions for the Department and King County more broadly. The Analyst will work on a broad portfolio of human services issues including affordable housing, behavioral health, education and employment, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other related policy areas.

The position is part of the Department's External Affairs team in the Director's Office and reports to the Policy Director. The position will work closely with the Department's other government relations and communications staff and will have the opportunity to learn about and work with the Department's various divisions and subject matter experts. The ideal candidate for this position will be detail-oriented, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

WHO MAY APPLY:This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.Interviews for this selection process will take place on or around 1/29/2025.

APPLICATION PROCESSIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

• NeoGov Job Application(The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Supplemental Questions(The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

WORK SCHEDULE/CONDITIONS: This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime. Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.

MISSION CRITICAL POSITION STATUS:This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visitHR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and theKing County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:The work associated with this position will be performedthrough a combination of teleworkingcomplemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a county-issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including thewearing of masks in some situations.King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.King County has a robust collection oftools and resourcesto support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

RECRUITER:Greg Mallory,[e-mail]

• Support DCHS’ state legislative engagement in coordination with the Policy Director and the King County Executive’s Office. This will include:
  • tracking and triaging state legislative activity including monitoring committee calendars and disseminating time-sensitive information,
  • coordinating bill and budget analysis with subject matter experts on DCHS’ cross-divisional policy team;
  • identifying, compiling, and communicating recommended actions to inform and shape the County’s state advocacy;
  • tracking implementation of priority DCHS-related state policies and investments;
  • coordinating timely identification of state legislative priorities; and
  • contributing to the development of materials about King County priorities or major legislation for internal and external audiences and public events.
• Support and coordinate the preparation of DCHS’ reports and proposed legislation to the County Council, in partnership with the Policy Director. This will include:
  • maintaining and disseminating policy development resources and templates, and mentoring and training staff in their use;
  • convening planning groups, and tracking and monitoring timelines for division project teams;
  • refining policy documents to fulfill legislative requirements, uphold the mission and values of DCHS, meet King County Executive Branch standards, and effectively advance DCHS’ policy interests; and
  • coordinating with DCHS leaders and the King County Executive Office on transmittal of materials to the County Council.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on state, county, city, and federal legislative activity for DCHS-related issues, including affordable housing, behavioral health, and related policies.
• Respond to legislative inquiries regarding DCHS programs and budgets.
• Provide strategic advice with key partners, leadership, and staff that help advance the DCHS legislative agenda.
• Draft legislative analysis on local, state, and federal legislation on DCHS-related issues.
• Draft policy fact sheets, talking points, research briefings, legislation, infographics, timelines, and other handouts for use by DCHS in educating policymakers and community partners.
• Oversee preliminary policy research, develop issue briefs, summaries, and presentations on relevant topics, including DCHS-related issue activity regionally, statewide, and nationally.
• Analyze King County budgets as adopted by the County Council, and maintain tools to disseminate budget information and track the department’s implementation of priority investments.

• Approach legislative analysis and policy development with a focus on equity and inclusion, consistent with DCHS’ efforts to undo and mitigate systemic inequities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 3 or more years of experience and/or any combination of education and experience working on county, state, local, or federal legislation, including but not limited to:
  • tracking and analyzing legislation,
  • tracking the legislative process with familiarity,
  • staffing an elected official,
  • lobbying, or
  • project managing key initiatives such as legislatively directed plans or reports.

• Demonstrated skill in effectively communicating, summarizing, and tracking complex information and analysis in a simple and straightforward manner that supports action.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a politically sensitive environment with changing needs and multiple competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Commitment to furthering the County's efforts to pursue equity and social justice, including an interest in leveraging public policy and programs to empower historically underserved communities.
• Commitment to contributing to a respectful workplace that values the contributions and backgrounds of diverse individuals with varying opinions.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference?Come join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.