Policy-Focused Budget Research Analyst (Nonpartisan)

Chicago City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) seeks a Legislative Budget Analyst (Policy Team) to conduct rigorous research on City operations, budgets, and financial policies, and to produce neutral, clearly written analyses and fiscal notes that inform Aldermen’s oversight and policy decisions.

Based in Chicago, IL, this full-time role requires strong quantitative and communication skills, the ability to translate complex information into accessible language, and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Strong research and writing abilities.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear language.
• Experience in public-sector research is a plus.
• Familiarity with data-driven policy analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis related to City operations, budgets, programs, and financial policies.
• Review departmental budgets, financial statements, and revenue projections.
• Support the production of mandated COFA reports, fiscal notes, budget analyses, and policy briefs.
• Respond to Aldermanic requests by developing clear, objective summaries and analyses of budget or policy questions.
• Synthesize complex information from City departments, financial documents, and external data sources into well-structured, neutral written products.
• Perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis, including data validation, descriptive statistics, and comparative research.
• Contribute to cross-team projects, analytical models, and data visualization efforts.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy, neutrality, and technical rigor in all written work.
• Participate in meetings, briefings, and hearings as needed to support Council members and COFA leadership.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Analytical skills

Education

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

Tools

Spreadsheets

Job description

Chicago City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) seeks a Legislative Budget Analyst (Policy Team) to conduct rigorous research on City operations, budgets, and financial policies, and to produce neutral, clearly written analyses and fiscal notes that inform Aldermen’s oversight and policy decisions.

Based in Chicago, IL, this full-time role requires strong quantitative and communication skills, the ability to translate complex information into accessible language, and a commitment to