Deadline: July 6, 2023
JOB VACANCY NOTICE – Policy Analyst
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the Texas lottery, criminal justice system, or other key government functions? The Sunset Commission is seeking motivated, analytical, curious, and innovative individuals with a desire to help government work better.
Opening Date: June 6, 2023 Closing Date: July 6, 2023
Job Title: Policy Analyst (multiple entry-level positions)
Starting Salary: $65,000
Expected Start Date: September 5, 2023
Job Description
A policy analyst works as part of a team to conduct nonpartisan, objective evaluations of Texas state agencies. A policy analyst takes a deep dive into an agency’s operations; collects and analyzes information and data; identifies state laws and operations needing improvement; writes concise reports recommending changes; makes oral presentations on the results of reviews; and provides information and assistance to legislators and their staff.
In a nutshell, a policy analyst looks for creative ways to improve state government and agency operations, learns about a wide variety of policy issues, works with the top management of state agencies, interviews stakeholders both in and outside state government, and participates in the legislative process. Periodic travel and occasional long hours are components of this job.
We are a fun, hard-working team of intellectually curious people who believe in our mission to improve government operations. The Sunset Commission is an equal opportunity employer.
Required Qualifications
Education
- A bachelor’s degree.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong research skills and ability to analyze and synthesize information and data, identify problems, investigate issues, and develop effective solutions supported by evidence.
- Ability to objectively assess current state policy and agency practices, and develop workable recommendations for consideration by the Sunset Commission and Legislature.
- Ability to write clearly and persuasively, and summarize complex information accurately and concisely.
- Ability to independently and effectively create timely, relevant, and accurate work products.
- Strong communication skills, including team, interpersonal, and interviewing skills. Ability to build effective working relationships with team members, agency personnel, stakeholders, and legislative staff.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple work assignments to meet tight project deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree in public policy, law, social sciences, business administration, journalism, or a similar field.
- Program evaluation, policy analysis, project management, government, or other relevant professional experience.
Benefits
- State of Texas benefits package, including health insurance, employer-matched retirement plan, and paid vacation and sick leave. Dental, vision, and disability insurance; health and dependent care savings accounts; 401(K); and an employee assistance program are also available.
- Small, professional office located in the Capitol Complex in downtown Austin with parking.
- Hybrid remote work based on needs of job.
- Merit increases, bonuses, and opportunities to advance based on individual performance and initiative.
- Emphasis on professional development, both through in-house training and opportunities to attend external training sessions, workshops, and seminars.
- $2,000 relocation bonus for new hires residing 250 miles or more from Austin, TX.
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in the policy analyst position with the Sunset Commission. Our initial application process has two steps. Please read the following instructions carefully before you begin the process.
Step 1
Please submit the following documents to sunset@sunset.texas.gov in Word or PDF format.
- State of Texas application
- Your resume
- Three references with email addresses and phone numbers
If you do not provide all three documents, your application will not be considered further. Please do not submit a cover letter.
Step 2
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements (bachelor’s degree) will receive a confirmation email containing three questions designed to assess their interest in Sunset and critical thinking skills. You will receive the email within one business day of submitting the documents required under Step 1. Please be sure to check your spam folder for any correspondence from Sunset.
To be considered further, you must submit your responses to the three questions within 48 hours of the email timestamp. Please do not start the application process unless you will have time to answer the questions within the required timeframe. Once submitted, you will not be allowed to revise your responses.
What Happens Next?
A selection committee of Sunset staff will evaluate and score the responses. Based on their qualifications and responses, selected applicants will then be interviewed, asked to complete a writing exercise, and undergo a background check.
Persons with disabilities or who wish to request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation with the application process may contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator at (512) 463-1300. Individuals using a TTY, VCO, or HCO assistive device may contact Relay Texas at 7-1-1 for assistance in contacting the Sunset Commission by phone. The Sunset Commission will work with anyone making a request to provide reasonable accommodations.