Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

Research Analyst - Office of the Senate President

AT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Research Analyst - Office of the Senate President

Boston, MA

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Analyst (RA) is a junior member of the Senate President's policy team and supports the work of the other members of the policy team in managing the Senate President's and the Senate Majority's legislative agenda. The RA, under the direction of senior policy staff, conducts research on all legislative matters including, but not limited to: legislation before the Senate, and legislative concerns from constituents. The RA assists in the development of policy positions and legislative initiatives. The RA reports to the General Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Research policy issues and provide analysis of legislative proposals, including, but not limited to, drafting memoranda comparing different policy options and making recommendations to the policy team.
  • Assist senior policy staff in monitoring and maintaining up-to-date knowledge on legislation as it progresses through the Senate and the House, compile and summarize the adopted amendments to legislation, and assist with the reconciliation process between the chambers.
  • Respond to legislative-related inquiries and communications from constituents, organizations, legislators, and other stakeholders, coordinating with the communications and district teams.
  • Brief senior policy staff on key issues prior to meetings, caucuses, and Senate sessions.
  • Conduct research in preparation for meetings with senior policy staff and the Senate President.
  • Participate in meetings with senior policy staff and various stakeholders regarding the Senate President's legislative priorities.
  • Draft and edit speeches, talking points, and remarks, coordinating with the communications team, to assist in the rollout of legislation.

Want more jobs like this?

Get jobs in Boston, MA delivered to your inbox every week.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.

Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

  • Research, track, and analyze legislation and budget items of interest to the Senate President.
  • Monitor committee hearings or floor debates and report legislative action or developments to the Senate President or appropriate office staff.
  • Assist with messaging, media relations, and constituent outreach regarding the Senate President's or the Senate Majority's legislative agenda.
  • Monitor newspapers and media for emerging issues and information related to legislative business.
  • Provide staff support to Senate President in the state house or district.
  • Attend events with the Senate President or on their behalf.
  • Assist with general administrative duties: answering phones, ordering supplies, sorting mail.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • One to two years of college or technical school and at least 1 year of relevant experience, or any of the following combinations of education and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree; or
  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience with and knowledge of the legislative process, public policy, or special-interest advocacy.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, positive, and professional manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively and professionally in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends.
  • PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Two or more years of professional experience in public policy, law, government relations, or community engagement.
  • Demonstrated experience working with office computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • The Senate's total compensation package features an outstanding set of state employee benefits for eligible employees which you may consider towards your overall compensation, including, but not limited to:

    • 75% state-paid medical insurance premium
    • Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
    • Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs
    • Low-cost basic and optional life insurance - Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
    • 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
    • Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave - Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
    • Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
    • Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
    • Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

    The Massachusetts Senate is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, military, and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Our goal is to be a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the diverse commonwealth we serve, and women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

    Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA, USA
    Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-250005FJ
    Employment Type: Full Time

    Perks and Benefits

    • Health and Wellness

      • Health Insurance
      • Health Reimbursement Account
      • Dental Insurance
      • Vision Insurance
      • Life Insurance
      • Short-Term Disability
      • Long-Term Disability
      • FSA
      • HSA
      • Mental Health Benefits
    • Parental Benefits

      • Adoption Assistance Program
      • Family Support Resources
    • Work Flexibility

      • Flexible Work Hours
      • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Office Life and Perks

      • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Vacation and Time Off

      • Paid Vacation
      • Paid Holidays
      • Personal/Sick Days
      • Volunteer Time Off
    • Financial and Retirement

      • Pension
      • Financial Counseling
    • Professional Development

      • Promote From Within
      • Mentor Program
      • Access to Online Courses
      • Lunch and Learns
      • Internship Program
      • Leadership Training Program
      • Associate or Rotational Training Program
    • Diversity and Inclusion

      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program