MISSION OF NATIONAL SKILLS COALITION 

National Skills Coalition is a broad-based coalition working toward a vision of an America that grows its economy by investing in its people, so that every worker and every industry has the skills to compete and prosper. We engage in organizing, advocacy and communications to advance state and federal policies that support these goals – polices that are based on the on-the-ground expertise of our members and allies.

 POSITION SUMMARY

In collaboration with the Managing Director of State Strategies and other NSC staff, engage in efforts to advance NSC’s policy platform within states. The State Policy Analyst will principally be responsible for conducting discrete policy research and advocacy as requested by state partners, as well as conducting policy research and analysis in support of cross-state policy issues.

The State Policy Analyst will:

• Respond to questions regarding specific federal and state policies from NSC members;
• Monitor policy development in the states and provide in-depth analyses of both proposed and existing state workforce policies;
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research in support of policy development and advocacy, including research addressing cross-state policy issues;
• Assist state and local leaders in advocacy on NSC issues in states, in coordination with NSC network and communications staff; and
• Assist state officials and stakeholders in adopting and implementing policies.

In performing these duties, the State Policy Analyst will assist the Managing Director of State Strategies, NSC’s state team and other NSC staff in identifying common policy issues, trends, and challenges across states. The State Policy Analyst will conduct research to support topical briefs, blogs, and/or reports that address the issues, trends and challenges as appropriate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy

• Policy Analysis: Analyze specific state policies, both existing and proposed. Collect, analyze and provide data for use in policy development and advocacy. Develop, write, and contribute to a variety of products such as reports, policy briefs, memos, and blog posts.
• Policy Development: Develop policy frameworks, templates, and proposals. Work with state and federal policy staff to align state and federal policy proposals.
• Policy Adoption and Implementation: Assist state and local officials and network partners in the adoption and implementation of policies advocated by NSC.

Advocacy

• Policymaker Engagement: Advocate for NSC’s policy platform with governors, legislators, and agency administrators.
• Policy Advocacy: Help develop NSC’s state advocacy strategies, in collaboration with NSC network and communications staff, as well as state network members.

Outreach & Communications

• Network Development: Represent NSC in state network meetings and peer-learning work groups that address state policy.
• Member Support: Collaborate with network staff to respond to technical questions regarding specific federal and state policies from NSC members, partners, and funders.
• Public Education: Promote NSC and its agenda to potential allies and the larger public through presentations, press engagement, etc.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Skills: The ability to tackle a problem by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated depth of knowledge and skill in a technical area
• Project Management: Plans and organizes tasks and work responsibilities to achieve objectives, as well as allocating and using resources properly.
• Organizational Awareness: Using knowledge of the organization and the organization’s business environment to turn data into insight.

ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES

• Interpersonal skills: Exhibits respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationship.
• Problem Solving: Solves problems while ensuring rules and directives are followed.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively engage and communicate with target audiences.
• Initiative: Takes independent action, seeks out new responsibilities, acts on opportunities, generates new ideas, practices self-development.
• Attention to Detail: Committed to accuracy and excellence, looks for improvements continuously, monitors quality levels, finds/owns/acts on quality problems.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education & Experience:

• Knowledge of postsecondary and workforce development policy and policymaking
• Written communication (ability to effectively communicate to target audiences)
• Public speaking (ability to effectively engage and communicate with target audiences)
• Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to independently manage tasks and projects and meet deadlines
• Proactive, problem-solving orientation
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Effectively uses technology to communicate/collaborate with colleagues and manage work 

COMPENSATION: Salary range for this position is $60,000-$85,000; salary depends on relevant experience and new staff rarely start at the top of the range. Excellent benefits package, including employer-paid health and dental, retirement plan, life and disability insurance and generous vacation policy.

National Skills Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.