Policy Analyst - Seasonal

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Colorado PERA retirement plan

Paid time off & family medical leave

Parking or RTD EcoPass

Job summary

The State of Colorado seeks a strategic Policy Analyst for the 2027 legislative session. You will deliver in-depth research, analytical policy work, and data-driven insights to the Policy Director and caucus leadership.

Responsibilities include tracking legislation, preparing memos and presentations, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders in a fast-paced, high-energy office environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 1 year of political research, legislative staffing or public policy analysis preferred.
• Strong understanding of Colorado politics and General Assembly procedures.
• Excellent writing skills for communicating complex data clearly.
• Mastery of policy research methods and quantitative data tools.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze daily General Assembly activity and proposed legislation.
• Conduct rigorous policy research and prepare memos, backgrounders, and presentations.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, lobbyists, and experts.
• Use Excel/Google Sheets to manipulate and analyze legislative data.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research

Data interpretation

Communication under deadlines

Stakeholder engagement

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Public Policy/Economics or related field

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

The Colorado House of Representatives Republican Caucus is seeking a strategic, analytical, and sharp Policy Analyst for the 2027 legislative session.

In this fast-paced, high-energy role, you will serve as a key technical advisor and policy lead. You will deliver in-depth research, comprehensive legislative analysis, and data-driven insights directly to the Policy Director and House Minority Caucus leadership. Your work will help inform member talking points, media messaging, and legislative strategy during committee and floor debates.

Key Responsibilities

• Legislative Tracking & Analysis: Monitor daily General Assembly business, evaluate proposed bills and regulations, and identify policy opportunities or risks.

• Research & Reporting: Conduct rigorous research on complex political and policy issues. Prepare clear memos, backgrounders, and presentations.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain collaborative professional relationships with policymakers, lobbyists, and subject matter experts.

• Data Mastery: Use Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets daily to manipulate and analyze technical legislative data.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Schedule: Requires a seasonal schedule working during the legislative session from January to May. You must be willing to work extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to align with the needs of the legislative calendar.

• Environment: A professional, high-pressure, and high-energy legislative office environment.

• Physical Work: Prolonged desk work utilizing computer monitors, sharp visual acuity for editing legal text, and the mobility to navigate the Capitol building quickly to attend hearings and deliver materials to members.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field is highly preferred.

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience in political research, legislative staffing, or public policy analysis is preferred.

• Political Acumen: Strong understanding of the Colorado political landscape, state government, and General Assembly procedures.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to write under tight deadlines, turning technical legal data into simple, actionable narratives.

• Technical Skills: Mastery of legal/policy research methods and advanced proficiency in quantitative data tools (Excel/Google Sheets).

• Diplomacy & Ethics: Ability to work tactfully with elected officials and staff while upholding strict House communication and ethical standards.

Schedule

Seasonal - During the interim months of October, November, and December, this position will be part-time and in-person, working three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Once the session begins, the role will transition to full-time from January 1, 2026, through May 14, 2026. During this period, the person will be expected in the office Monday through Friday, with optional weekend hours.

This position is not part of the state classified personnel system and therefore does not have an appeals procedure.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $150- $200 a day, commensurate with experience.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance (paid primarily by the employer) plus employer-covered life insurance.

• Retirement: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement plan (Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution options).

• Paid Time Off: 10 paid sick days and 12 paid vacation days per year (excluding state and federal holidays). Eligible for 8 weeks of paid family medical leave after one year.

• Commuter Perks: Complimentary parking space or a regional RTD EcoPass.