Legislative Analyst

This is an exciting time to join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. Below are some employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

About the role

The Legislative Analyst serves as a central hub for legislative coordination—organizing departmental analysis, synthesizing operational and fiscal impacts, preparing briefing materials, and supporting the City’s positions during the Virginia General Assembly session and throughout the year. The position also helps maintain cohesion between internal information flows and external advocacy efforts, ensuring Richmond’s intergovernmental work is strategic, credible, and aligned. The Legislative Analyst manages policy analysis and bill-tracking operations, conducts policy research, and coordinates timely and accurate departmental staff input to ensure external advocacy is grounded in the City’s diverse expertise. This position strengthens strategic relationships with partner localities, policymakers, and statewide coalitions by aligning internal processes with the City’s legislative and fiscal priorities. The position reports to the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Internal Policy Operations
  • Coordinate citywide workflows to ensure OIA’s external advocacy is informed by timely, accurate departmental expertise.
  • Develop systems, templates, and training to facilitate efficient feedback loops that quickly elevate high-priority bills and subject matter expert analysis and input.
  • Proactively assess intersession legislative development opportunities, identifying topics for further exploration with departments and the Director.
  • Conduct policy research, legislative history analysis, and stakeholder mapping to assess engagement options on high-priority issues.
• Legislative Monitoring, Analysis, and Coordination
  • Perform initial review and analysis of a high volume of bills across diverse policy areas to identify impacts, emerging risks, and opportunities for the City.
  • Serve as the internal expert and coordinator for the City’s bill-tracking software; manage continuous monitoring of legislation through designated cloud platforms.
  • Assign bills to departmental subject matter experts, organize feedback, and ensure legislative positions reflect accurate operational, legal, and fiscal information.
  • Track amendments, compile daily and weekly bill dockets, and maintain up-to-date status reports for City leadership.
• Intergovernmental and Advocacy Support
  • Support the Director in preparing for committee hearings, legislative meetings, and opportunities to testify.
  • Represent the City’s positions within legislative processes, testifying or providing timely analysis for consideration.
  • Coordinate fiscal impact projections with the Virginia Commission on Local Government and ensure accuracy of internal submissions.
• Development of Legislative and Funding Priorities
  • Facilitate department-level input for the City’s legislative agenda.
  • Collaborate with the City’s contract lobbying firm to solicit subject matter expert input and draft legislative priorities.
  • Assist with grant narratives and funding applications involving elected officials by preparing persuasive materials and ensuring alignment with policy goals.
• Communication, Briefings, and Representational Duties
  • Prepare legislative summaries, briefing materials, talking points, and executive-level presentations.
  • Develop process improvements that enhance legislative coordination, communication, and interdepartmental efficiency.
  • Represent the City in intergovernmental meetings, workgroups, and legislative proceedings as assigned.
• Perform related work as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of legislative processes, public policy research, and governmental affairs.
  • Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into concise recommendations and executive summaries.
  • Ability to manage high-volume and diverse priorities, coordinate complex workflows, and deliver on deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills to work productively with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legislative tracking systems.
• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Law, Communications, or a related field.
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in legislative affairs, policy analysis, governmental relations, public administration, or a related field.
  • Experience conducting policy research, legislative analysis, and preparing executive-level briefing materials.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in local or state government.
  • Knowledge of Virginia legislative processes.
  • Experience supporting legislative sessions or public sector advocacy initiatives.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional evening meetings, extended hours during legislative sessions, and limited travel within Virginia.