Fiscal Legislative Analyst

Job Description

This is a non-merit position with the Legislative Services Agency.

Effective immediately, applications are being taken by the Legislative Services Agency for the position of Fiscal Legislative Analyst. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to the Fiscal Services Division Director, Legislative Services Agency, online at: www.legis.iowa.gov/careers The Legislative Services Agency is an equal opportunity employer. Applications must be received by end of day on August 15, 2024.

The LSA is a nonpartisan central legislative staff state agency of around 100 employees serving members and committees of the Iowa General Assembly. The LSA’s workforce pans three divisions and multiple offices where individuals contribute their unique expertise and talents to advance a shared mission of serving the Iowa General Assembly in a nonpartisan manner.

The LSA offers meaningful work with great benefits. Our employees participate in the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) pension plan, the LSA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF), and low-cost, high-quality health and dental insurance is offered.

FISCAL LEGISLATIVE ANALYST

The position provides non-partisan budget and policy analysis for the Iowa General Assembly, including data analysis and forecasting, policy analysis, and cost estimates. The position staffs an appropriations budget subcommittee and other committees as required. Excellent analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills are required.

The position requires proficiency in the usage of data analysis software and Microsoft Excel. A master's degree in Economics, Public Policy Analysis, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a degree in law; accounting; or a related field is preferred.

Beginning annual salary $50,814.40. Partisan political activity and legislative issue advocacy is prohibited.

Duties (list is not all-inclusive):

• Analyze legislation and prepare fiscal notes (estimates of cost and/or revenues generated as a result of the legislation).
• Research and prepare written documents on topics of interest to state legislators and legislative staff.
• Conduct budget analysis, monitor state agency and institution budgets, and prepare related reports.
• Provide staff services for committees, including direct planning and facilitation for the assigned appropriations subcommittee, and attend and monitor standing committees in assigned subject areas.
• Keep Division Administrator and Division Director informed about activities and developments within assigned subcommittee and policy areas.
• Make oral presentations and respond to questions regarding state budget and fiscal matters.
• Establish and maintain awareness regarding statutory provisions and department rules in the assigned subcommittee area.
• Establish and maintain awareness of private and federal funds relating to the assigned subcommittee area.
• Attend and monitor meetings of boards and commission related to assigned budget and policy areas.
• Other duties as directed by management or supervisory staff.
• Meet with department directors, program managers, and agency budget personnel to determine budgetary needs as they relate to program operations and objectives.
• Evaluate agency performance to ensure effective operation and optimal compliance with legislative intent.
• Duties are accomplished with direct guidance from an experienced Fiscal Legislative Analyst (1, 2, 3, or Senior) and/or Division Administrator.
• Overtime is required both to accomplish the required workload and to be available as needed by the legislators and legislative committees, with partial compensatory time provided.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor of arts or science degree in business administration, political science, economics, public administration, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred. Education and/or experience in fiscal and policy analysis and knowledge of state government and the legislative process are also preferred.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Other Qualifications, Skills, and Ability:

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Ability to work well with other persons, both individually and in a team environment (group projects).
• Ability to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with subcommittee members (legislators) and both partisan and nonpartisan staff in assigned budget and policy areas.
• Proficient in use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs.
• Ability to learn and apply new technical knowledge as required.
• Ability to work in a nonpartisan manner in a partisan environment and provide objective information regardless of the issue or personal opinions.
• Ability to maintain composure and work efficiently to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision and within severe time constraints.
• Must be available to work more than 40 hours per week during the legislative session (typically January through late April or early May).
• Willingness to volunteer for projects.
• Willingness to further professional development skills.
• Employees in this position must possess the ability to be cross-trained and to perform related duties included in the Fiscal Legislative Analyst job series.