Legislative Fiscal Analyst

Agency: Legislative Research Council • Location: Pierre, SD

About the role

The Legislative Research Council, the nonpartisan research and support staff to the South Dakota Legislature, is seeking a permanent, full-time Legislative Fiscal Analyst based in Pierre.

Responsibilities

• Compile data and research public policy issues for legislators.
• Write reports and other documents on the inner workings and fiscal condition of state government.
• Analyze state agency budgets and present budget information to legislative committees.
• Staff the Joint Committee on Appropriations, including acting as secretary for meetings.
• Draft legislation, especially appropriation bills, and amendments.
• Develop effective relationships with legislators and agency personnel.
• Evaluate proposed legislation and ballot measures for potential fiscal impacts and prepare fiscal notes.
• Improve internal processes and systems and learn new skills and subject areas over the interim.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree; preferred degrees include public or business administration, public policy, finance, economics, accounting, operations research, data science, or other advanced degree in a related field, such as law.
• Strong research skills, including the use of appropriate source materials and methodologies.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, to convey information to legislators and the public.
• Motivation to gain knowledge and develop expertise in several skills and subject areas depending on the needs of legislators.
• Ability to work objectively and impartially with members of all political parties and independents.
• Ability to work cooperatively under pressure with legislators, colleagues, and state government staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work long hours when necessary and under tight deadlines; employees earn compensation time for extra hours worked.

Pay

Salary range: $75,000 to $117,000. Actual starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.