JOIN OUR MISSION
This is not simply a research role-it is a position that directly supports the policymakers shaping the future of the South. The Senior Policy Analyst advances CSG Souths mission by delivering timely credible and nonpartisan policy research that informs state leaders and strengthens collaboration across our 15 Southern states. Working closely with the Director of Policy Programs and Strategic Partnerships and colleagues across the organization the Senior Policy Analyst helps ensure policymakers have access to high-quality analysis relevant data and practical insights. If you are motivated by rigorous research meaningful engagement with public officials and contributing to solutions that strengthen state government we invite you to join our team.
Policy Expertise Areas Energy Environment Agriculture and Rural Development
WHO WE ARE
The Southern Office of The Council of State Governments CSG South empowers and elevates public servants across the 15 Southern states. Through policy innovation leadership development and regional collaboration we equip leaders to serve their constituents with excellence. We live out our core values in all that we do
Servants Heart - We lead by serving others. Ambitious - We set bold goals and pursue them relentlessly. Adaptable - We respond to challenges with innovation and agility. Accountable - We honor commitments and own our outcomes. Credible - We earn trust through excellence and integrity.
1BPOSITION SUMMARY
CSG South seeks a highly organized and collaborative Senior Policy Analyst to support the organizations policy research analysis and member engagement work. This position plays a key role in ensuring policy deliverables are well organized completed on time and aligned with CSG Souths standards for quality credibility and nonpartisanship. The Senior Policy Analyst manages multiple research projects publications and program responsibilities simultaneously-maintaining clear timelines coordinating internal efforts and ensuring policy products and member services are delivered with consistency and excellence.
The Senior Policy Analyst also builds and maintains strong relationships with state policymakers legislative staff and external partners serving as a trusted resource for policy information while contributing to collaborative work across the organization. Through strong organization thoughtful analysis and disciplined execution this role helps ensure CSG South consistently delivers meaningful policy insights and high-quality experiences for its member states.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Research & Analysis Leads two standing committees - and task forces or interim committees as needed. Committees Energy and Environment Agriculture and Rural Development Produce written policy deliverables including issue briefs research reports and other analyses supporting committee work and organizational initiatives. Tracks and monitors relevant policy and state-level news for four states within the CSG South region as assigned and works with colleagues to track regional and national news and trends. Monitor regional and national policy developments in collaboration with colleagues across the policy team. Respond to policy and research inquiries from members of the legislative executive and judicial branches. Prepare interpret and analyze surveys and other research instruments used to collect policy information. Maintain a consistent commitment to nonpartisan policy research and analysis in all deliverables and member engagement activities.
Member Engagement & State Outreach Build and maintain relationships with state policymakers legislative staff and other key stakeholders. Travel to member state capitols with the CSG South team as assigned and participate fully in state visit planning and execution to strengthen relationships support policy engagement and promote CSG South programs and services. Maintain a network of government and external policy contacts to support research and member services. Present research findings and policy analysis to legislative committees professional groups or other external audiences at least once annually. Serve as an alternate presenter or representative when other policy staff may be unavailable. Maintain regular communication with legislative members and staff to support policy research committee work and member services.
Policy Programs & Convenings Support planning and execution of Policy Masterclasses delegation workshops and other policy-focused convenings for state officials. Identify opportunities for virtual or digital policy programming to expand engagement with members specifically the policy webinar series. Coordinate policy sessions for the Southern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting including identifying topics recruiting speakers and organizing program content. Prepare for policy committee meetings in-person and virtually including written summaries of committee sessions brief committee leadership on relevant issues and agenda and roundtable facilitation. Assist with special conference components such as policy plenaries policy tours international relations forum and committee programming as needed.
Publications Data & Communications Produce policy publications and online content in collaboration with the Director of Policy Programs and Strategic Partnerships and the Deputy Director of Policy and Programs- in support of assigned standing committees and related initiatives. Senior Policy Analysts are responsible for a minimum of seven 7 policy publications. Contribute to the organizations policy publication goals and meet individual deadlines and deliverables including print and digital outputs. Collaborate with communications and design staff to ensure edits from the editing process are properly executed and translate policy insights into visual materials such as maps infographics and data visualizations. Monitor policy data and emerging trends that can inform new research products and member resources. Develop proficiency in policy research data analysis and visualization tools used to identify trends and translate policy data into accessible insights.
Organizational Support & Special Projects Contribute to the organizations database management and operational tracking systems. Contribute to emerging policy initiatives special projects and new organizational programs. Maintain effective collaboration with colleagues across departments and external partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
5-7 years of relevant professional experience in public policy government programs nonprofit administration or a related mission-driven environment. Demonstrated experience managing complex projects timelines and deliverables in fast-paced settings. Strong editing writing and quality-control skills for policy and programmatic materials. Exceptional organizational skills attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to work collaboratively across teams while exercising sound judgment in policy research analysis and member engagement. Familiarity with state government structures legislative processes and policy environments. Experience supporting conferences convenings or multi-state programs. Comfort using project management tools shared workspaces and tracking systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and policy research and project management tools e.g. legislative databases CRMs Monday.com. Exceptional communication and facilitation skills with the ability to present complex policy issues in nonpartisan and actionable ways. Genuine interest in and commitment to advancing the organizations mission values and goals. Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness sensitivity and valuing others. Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds. Bachelors degree in public policy public administration political science or a related field. Willingness to travel occasionally up to 30 for state visits conferences events meetings and policy or programmatic convenings as needed.
WE ALSO OFFER
A hybrid work schedule Based in Decatur GA with the option to regularly work from home on Tuesday and Thursday unless traveling discontinued or temporarily suspended for business reasons. Generous personal paid and sick leave policies plus 12 paid holidays. Office closure the week between Christmas and New Years Day a paid day off in the month of your birthday and other periodic telework or paid days off. These benefits are at the discretion of the Regional Director. A recently renovated office with amenities such as beverages an in-office business casual dress code and a collaborative floor plan with options for various workstyles and sit-to-stand desks. To learn more about CSG South visit us at www.csgsouth.org. To learn more about careers at CSG and about our comprehensive benefit offerings including medical dental vision retirement paid time off PSLF eligibility and more please visit our website here.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position based in Decatur GA is 75000 to 85000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested applicants must complete the online application and include resume and cover letter. Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.