Director of Policy and Research

The mission of The Council of State Governments' Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among its 15 member states. In large measure, this is achieved through the ongoing work of the Conference's six standing committees and supporting groups. Through member outreach in state capitols, policy research, international member delegations, staff exchange programs, meetings and fly-ins, staff support state policymakers in their work to build a stronger region. To learn more about the Southern office visit us at www.csgsouth.org. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Policy and Research will provide management, leadership, and support for the organization's non-partisan research and policy work, supporting all state governments in the CSG Southern region. The role requires analytical capability, strong communication skills, adaptability, sound judgment, and political savvy. It will entail the production of reports and presentations and the development of partnerships internal and external to the organization. An ideal candidate will be well acquainted with the Southern region's political landscape and the issues and politics covering various topics. As CSG South is a boutique office, a premium is placed on ambition and the ability to work independently. Accountability, credibility, and follow-through are essential. Passion for the organization's mission and an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit are necessary for success in this position. The Director of Policy and Research will assist in crafting the annual strategic policy and research goals and possess the skills to adapt the strategy to the realities of a complex policy and political environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• With guidance from the South Regional Director and the Executive Committee, prepare and execute the CSG South's strategic policy and research goals.
• Lead and motivate a high-performing team of four to five policy professionals; ensure effective training, coaching, and development; manage staff workloads; resolve challenges; and coach and evaluate performance that aligns with the overall CSG South strategy.
• Exhibits appropriate interpersonal skills and relationships with internal and external partners and maintains open and frequent communication with legislative members.
• Ensures all policy and research elements of CSG South work are evidence-based and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a non-partisan perspective.
• Provides policy, research, evaluation, and program management leadership.
• Acts as the primary liaison between the CSG South office, the CSG Center of Innovation, and the CSG Justice Center to increase collaboration and coordination.
• Conducts and manages research projects and strategy development by staying current on all national and state trends of the Southern region's policy priorities and CSG South standing committees.
• Manages policy team efforts to track state sessions, coordinate travel to member state Capitols, and establish professional relationships.
• Collaborates with the Director of Marketing and Programs and Regional Director to develop publications, website content, and materials that assist the policy team with member engagement, promotion of policy initiatives, and public policy documents.
• Serves as the editor on policy content for Regional Resources, Issues to Watch, Issue Briefs, and Special Series Reports.
• Prepares issue briefs, testimony, and news articles as needed to advance the CSG South position within the region.
• Evaluates and assists with complex or contentious information inquiries initiated by members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• Assists with database management and tracking of operational protocols for the policy department.
• Provides support concerning the coordination and execution of the Southern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting and other events; identifies policy topics and presenters and coordinates for the Policy Plenary; International Relations Forum; supports the Women in Leadership Forum; prepares written summaries for the closeout report; and provides final oversight for the policy team sessions and site tours.
• Assists the policy team with developing and implementing domestic policy convenings (i.e., Policy masterclasses).
• Identify, develop, and implement international fly-in delegations that benefit the Southern region members.
• Regularly engage with the Development Director to assess potential partners and/or grant opportunities to advance CSG South's overall mission and goals.
• Strategizes and coordinates with the Development Director to transition special projects from the development cycle into implementation and oversees the designated policy team member responsible for work products and ensuring quality assurance.
• Establishes, monitors, and adheres to programmatic budgets and demonstrates knowledge and adherence to general funding financial and reporting practices.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to build relationships and maintain a network of state government contacts and resources.
• Ability to build trust and open communication as an approachable and accessible leader.
• Superior writing and presentation skills; ability to distill complex issues into accessible language in issue briefs, memos, newsletters, and other formats.
• Exceptional research and analytical abilities (e.g., review and synthesize research; skill using/interpreting data), with the experience and skills to conceptualize, coordinate, and implement projects with value.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment, prioritize multiple assignments, allocate time accordingly, and work independently and as a team.
• Strong project management skills focused on policy and project outcomes and proven ability to complete complex projects on time.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, problem-solver with outstanding interpersonal skills who is hard-working, persistent, resilient, and diligent in follow-through.
• Proficient in the full suite of Microsoft Office and the ability/affinity to learn new technology applications.
• Travels by plane and vehicle overnight for varying lengths to fulfill duties and responsibilities as needed (30 percent of the time).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a related field preferred
• Continuing education attainment relating to team management, leadership development, project management, or public policy
• Minimum of five years of work experience in government affairs or public policy
• Minimum of three years of experience leading a team
• Experience with developing an organizational or departmental strategy

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary range for this position, based in Atlanta, GA, area is $100,000 to $125,000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates must complete the online application and include their cover letter and resume.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. CSG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.