Policy Associate

JOB TITLE:                    Policy Associate
PROGRAM:                  Children & Families
LOCATION:              Denver, CO-Hybrid
SALARY:                        $58,380 annually
STATUS:                    Full-time

ABOUT NCSL:
Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge, and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful – strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission. NCSL has a flexible remote work policy.  Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four consecutive days each month.  The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:
If you have an interest in child and family well-being policy and like learning, sharing your knowledge and working with influential people, this could be the job for you! NCSL’s Denver-based Children and Families Program is looking for a policy associate to join a powerhouse team focused on policies affecting child and family well-being. This is a great opportunity for an early career policy professional with experience in policy research and analysis, writing and event planning. The ideal candidate has entry-level knowledge and/or interest in policies and practices related to housing, homelessness and economic security, particularly as they intersect with the well-being of children, youth and families. You can expect to have frequent contact with legislators, legislative staff and other public officials.

All members of the Children and Families team are responsible for contributing to a culture of program innovation and excellence and ensuring NCSL’s work is completed in an objective and nonpartisan manner. This position reports to a project manager of the Children and Families Program and has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Collect, monitor and analyze data on legislative actions and state and federal programs through internet searches, legislative databases and interaction with subject-matter experts in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
• Prepare concise, accurate and nonpartisan responses to legislative research requests.
• Maintain one or more externally facing legislative databases.
• Research and write policy publications, including briefs, articles and website and newsletter content.
• Contribute to event planning through agenda development, attendee and faculty identification and invitations, material preparation and on-site support.
• Engage directly with state legislators, legislative staff and other NCSL partners.
• Contribute to or deliver online and in-person presentations.
• Support planning and delivery of technical assistance to states.
• Travel for NCSL meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other tasks as needed.

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE:
Supervisor/Management Responsibilities:
N/A

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT: This full-time position is mostly performed in an office environment, on or off-site, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. NCSL provides a unique hybrid remote work policy with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development. Employees routinely use standard office equipment such as laptops, printers, scanners, copy machines, and smartphones. Occasional travel by airplane, including overnights and weekends, is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, plus two years of work experience with state legislatures, government, public policy or other relevant field.
• Entry-level knowledge of housing, homelessness and economic security policies and practices and how they intersect with the well-being of children, youth and families is a plus but not required.
• Ability to communicate information, in writing and verbally, in a clear and credible way to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others and to work independently. 
• Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality when required.
• Demonstrated competence in research skills and tasks requiring attention to detail, including internet searches; accessing and analyzing government documents, academic reports, white papers, and other resources; and analyzing and synthesizing research and legislation. 
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changes in workload.  
• Knowledge of state legislative and political processes and the separation of power between the branches of government.
• Ability to travel by air up to 6 times per year, with most trips being 1-3 nights, as well as work extended hours, possibly evenings and weekends, usually associated with events/travel.

YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLANCE: 
NCSL has a flexible remote work policy.  Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four days each month.  The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development.  We are committed to offering a full range of other benefits for you and your eligible family members, including domestic partners.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Our outstanding benefits include low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, generous time off plans and paid family leave, floating holidays, identity theft protection, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, paid time off to volunteer, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

HOW TO JOIN OUR TEAM:
If you are a purpose-driven, dedicated professional looking to give as much as you get – submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59 PM MT, July 20, 2025 for best consideration. Learn more about working with NCSL by visiting our careers page: https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/ncsl-careers.aspx. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace. NCSL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation.