Research Analyst

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. To learn more about CSG please visit our website at www.csg.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.

This hybrid position is based in our Washington, DC office, requiring three workdays in the office.

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Analyst provides day-to-day research support to ongoing projects including conducting or assisting with data analysis, developing and conducting surveys of state policy, responding to research inquiries from state officials and writing policy reports for the CSG audience of state elected officials and policymakers.

The chosen candidate will also help the research team track state government policies regarding the use and governance of emerging technology and artificial intelligence. In addition, the Research Analyst will assist CSG in preparing a state legislator's guide to AI and emerging technology. Similarly, the Research Analyst will assist the Director of Research with convening tasks related to state technology policy topics. We seek professionals with excellent research, organizational, and communication skills. The chosen candidate will produce high-quality reports and analyze state policy data for internal and external constituents.

The Research Analyst reports to the Director of Research and in cooperation with other colleagues. The Research Analyst will work with elected leaders, agency officials, researchers, and a variety of other stakeholders while having the opportunity to use a skillset focused on acquisition and analysis of key data to help assess current policy and practice, design and implement new approaches, and develop estimates of impact relating to the various changes proposed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Collection and Research

• Organize, analyze and disseminate policy information and secondary data.
• Analyze state-level data using basic statistical techniques.
• Create appealing data visualizations for a general audience.
• Develop public-facing data dashboards for use by CSG members.
• Identify new and emerging policy trends impacting the states.
• Ensure CSG projects are evidence-based by directly contributing to the development of CSG reports and other work products.
• Perform and assist in legislative and legal research.
• Provide technical assistance to state and local governments through the collection and analysis of data, identification of trends and determining where opportunities might exist for policymakers to improve and make public programs more efficient.
• Assist policy staff in collecting and analyzing data on a per project basis.

Publications and Writing

• Synthesize and communicate research findings for a non-technical audience.
• Develop and write reports that are highly relevant to policy deliberations and easily understood by the public, media and policymakers, often in collaboration with CSG Communications staff, external writers and other consultants.

Other

• Assist in the administration of collaborative research projects aimed at addressing issues of top concern to state officials in one or more states.
• Interact with national organizations, researchers and national policy experts in carrying out work on collaborative projects.
• Participate in efforts to provide timely policy information to state policymakers, such as online webinars, state visits or through other forums.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong research skills and knowledge of scientific research methods.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and application to data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully translate data and research into practical insights in ways that are clear, concise, compelling and actionable
• Proficiency in the use of Power BI, MS Excel, Quorum, Qualtrics, STATA, R, Python, or ArcGIS.
• Strong writing skills, including research reports, memos, and articles.
• Able to work independently and to handle a variety of tasks concurrently while adhering to specific instructions, technical direction and deadlines.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Strong customer service-oriented commitment.
• Self-motivated, able to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
• Knowledge of state government, policy issues and programming as well as the state policy development process preferred.
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively present complex information in a concise way.
• Efficient, organized work style, and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently.
• 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree required, Master's degree in Data Analytics, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy Analysis, Data Science, or a related quantitative field preferred.
• Two years' work experience in statistics, data analysis, and/or research.
• Experience using statistical tools to interpret data sets, including descriptive and diagnostic analytics.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of conducting relevant policy research.
• Superior research, writing, and editing skills demonstrated by authorship or joint authorship in research reports.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position, based in Washington, DC is $67,000 to $75,000. 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.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Equal Employment Opportunity employer (veterans/individuals with disabilities).