NOTICE OF POSITION VACANCY
Public Policy Analyst

RESEARCH AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
UNITED STAFF UNION GRADE 10

Salary starts at: $77,206

This position is responsible for analyzing and formulating economic/health/social policy issues and legislation at the federal, state and local levels; for assessing the impact of proposed policy changes on members and the public; and for developing short and long range initiatives which advance member interests. The position covers mainly the social service field, which encompasses a number of specialty areas including child protective services, foster care, welfare and public assistance, workfare, job training, unemployment insurance and employment services, child care and Head Start, and food assistance programs. Incumbent may be expected to perform assignments outside of the major area of concentration.

DUTIES: Provides direct assistance to affiliates and councils in area(s) of concentration to conduct fact finding assignments, analyses of state and local legislative initiatives, writes testimony, develops strategies and issues for campaigns, analyzes and promotes job standards. Implements and follows through on all assistance offered. Keeps current with state and local statutes and conditions that impact on assigned area, as well as the economic impact that federal laws, funding and regulatory actions have on the states. Performs such analyses as day-to-day economic developments, briefings for press conferences and other public appearances; background information on state and local economic and fiscal conditions; analyses of federal budgets and congressional action; testimony on economic and taxation issues; analyses on public finance, public employees or economic markets. Conducts project research by reviewing federal/state/local laws and regulations, perusing scholarly publications and governmental reports, conferring with other AFSCME units, meeting with federal and state legislators and agency officials, and with advocacy groups and professional organizations. Prepares reports which outline and critique the issues, proposes options with implications, recommends best course of action and viable alternatives. Coordinates a publicity or legislative campaign, using affiliate and national field representatives to provide the necessary materials, services, and contacts. Periodically conducts interviews with mass media on pertinent policy issues. Goes on-site to explain issues to affiliate officials and members, state legislators, advocates and policy professionals. Serves in  an advisory/fact-finding capacity to affiliates, public officials and interested community and labor groups.  Alerts affiliates to emerging trends and specific legislative/legal actions with suggested courses of action to consider. Prepares and presents testimony before congress and state legislative committees and panels. Represents AFSCME at policy making meetings locally and around the country.  May brief the President and department directors on current policy issues in area(s) of concentration.  May accompany AFSCME's elected officers when they present testimony prepared by the incumbent. Speaks at international, state and regional conferences on issues.  Conducts seminars and workshops on specific topics of interest.  Also serves as a conference panelist sponsored by outside organizations. Prepares a portion of the department's reports for the quarterly Executive Board meetings and the biennial Convention. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, with major course work in economics, finance, public policy or public administration and seven(7) to ten(10) years of relevant experience. Knowledge of economic, finance and revenue principles, public policy issues procedures and processes governing federal, state and local governments. Knowledge of unions and their internal and external working relationships. Familiar with the various interest groups involved in relevant policy issues.  Knowledge and skills in the use of computer programs, hardware, software and databases. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AFSCME officials, councils, affiliates, the public and established partnerships. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work independently on projects and complex tasks. Travel required.

Posting Date: April 22, 2013

AFSCME is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

To be considered, submit resumes to: recruiting@afscme.org