The Policy Associate will work in NCSL's Redistricting and Elections Program. Broadly, this job includes research, analysis, and program/meeting planning. With experience, the job will also include contact with legislators, legislative staff and subject-area experts. The work is performed in collaboration with other redistricting and elections team members within established program guidelines or project specifications. While operating largely in support of and at the direction of supervisors, the policy associate may have responsibility for independent projects, substantive newsletters or major research publications.

All major work products are reviewed by more senior professionals or program managers/directors for quality, policy considerations, form, and substance. The employee will have, or will develop, expertise on redistricting and to a lesser degree on elections administration, state-level politics and campaign finance. The work includes research, writing, maintaining internal and external documents and resources, developing connections with state legislators and legislative staff as well as meeting planning. Public speaking will be minimal at the beginning, but will expand with experience.

This position is grant-funded and is subject to reduction in percentage of time covered or elimination if grant funding becomes unavailable.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reviews and updates NCSL's data on redistricting procedures . Tracks legislation on redistricting, and prepare this information in a succinct form for a legislative audience. Creates and maintains a consistent system for data and research that will be used by NCSL's elections team. Will have, or will develop, expertise in redistricting procedures, legislative activities, administrative practices, relevant case law or judicial interpretations, and intergovernmental relationships as these relate to redistricting and elections. Updates and maintains a dedicated section of NCSL's website devoted to redistricting, and develops a new interactive web tool. Writes for NCSL's magazine and NCSL's blog using a reader-focused style. Over time, may be asked to provide oral presentations to state legislators and legislative staff and other audiences. Edits and reviews the written work of other professionals on the redistricting/elections team in a collaborative fashion. Coordinates the writing, editing and production of Redistricting Law: 2020. Develops and maintains effective relations with state legislators, legislative staff, redistricting experts and others in the field. In collaboration with the program director, develops redistricting seminars for 2019 and beyond. Assists with planning the redistricting portion of NCSL's major meetings. Cross-trains with other members of the redistricting/elections team on all professional responsibilities and topics. Assists NCSL in providing election coverage and political analysis to our constituents. Maintains cooperative relations with current funders relating to project schedules and deliverables, under the direction of supervisor. Represents NCSL services and activities when interacting with other groups.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, copy machines, scanners and smartphones.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, lift small objects up to 30 lbs., open filing cabinets and bend, stoop, or stand on a stool as necessary. Requires the ability to travel locally, regionally and nationally, including overnight and weekends.

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Education
Bachelor's degree plus three years of relevant work experience, including at least one year of professional research or public policy experience with NCSL, in state government or with similar organizations. A graduate degree maybe substituted for a year of professional public policy experience. Knowledge of redistricting, election administration and related fields is preferred but not required. State legislative experience is preferred but not required. Experience in statutory and legislative research a plus.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Skill and competence in a wide range of research skills and tasks. Skill and competence in writing clearly and communicating orally. A reader-friendly written style is preferred. Skill and competence in working effectively with legislators, legislative staff, subject area experts, state and local election officials and with a small team of co-workers. Able to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work in a bipartisan environment. Organizational skill so that multiple projects can be managed simultaneously. Flexibility to adjust well to shifting priorities and assignments. Experience organizing meetings and seminars.