LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

Key Responsibilities

• Data Management and ETL Load expenditure data and statistical/demographic data from the ARKANSAS PUBLIC SCHOOL COMPUTER NETWORK (APSCN) State Data Warehouse into the BLR SQL Server database.
  • Load data from other external sources as required.
    • Utilize Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) / Visual Studio Designer to perform ETL tasks, including establishing data flows between input files (typically comma-separated delimited files) and database tables.
      • Execute SQL statements for data updates and computations within the Visual Studio environment.
• Business Intelligence and Reporting
  • Serve as the primary user of the COGNOS suite of software.
    • Create data models using IBM COGNOS FRAMEWORK MANAGER, create database and/or other views, and publish packages for use in other COGNOS tools.
  • Design, build, and publish dimensional data structures (CUBES) for analytical and reporting purposes using IBM COGNOS TRANSFORMER SERVICES, incorporating various demographic dimensions.
• Ensure access to structured, modeled, and high-quality data.
  • Support reporting requests of Legislative members and Bureau staff.
    • Utilize Excel and other data tools to prepare and communicate data.
• Documentation and Process Management
  • Document analytical processes, data sources, and report logic to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
• Collaboration and Maintenance
  • Collaborate with IT staff and vendors regarding software installation, deployment, operation, maintenance, and backup of the database and dedicated server.
    • Monitor changes to coding and reporting requirements.

Experience

• Experience demonstrated through application of knowledge, skills, abilities, and technologies towards work products required (i.e., data collection, data loading, data transformation, querying, report development, statistical stratification/grouping).
• Experience with data management, including collecting, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis is required.
• Experience organizing large volumes of current and historical data for efficient querying, analysis and reporting.
• Experience with IBM COGNOS ANALYTICS or equivalent program for reporting and administration.
• Experience with Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and SQL sufficient to create, update and maintain database tables and execute queries and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) / Visual Studio sufficient for ETL package creation and maintenance.
• Strong working knowledge of IBM COGNOS FRAMEWORK MANAGER or equivalent software for data modeling and package publication.
• Strong working knowledge of IBM COGNOS TRANSFORMER SERVICES or equivalent software for creating dimensional data cubes.
• Ability to create and execute SQL stored procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed demographic and financial calculations.
• High level of analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to apply these skills in various situations.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and identify potential barriers and strategies, providing timely communication.
• Ability to show data in a user-friendly format for a variety of audiences.
• Willingness to accept change and demonstrate flexibility.

Qualifications/Skills

• Formal education equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years experience with the Bureau as a Legislative Research Specialist or other relevant experience as determined by the Director of the Bureau and Deputy Director for Research Services; OR Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and the functions of state and federal agencies.
• Knowledge of objective research methodology and diverse information resources.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Windows Applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to extract and compile information from various sources.
• Ability to express the results of research in concise written or verbal form.
• Ability to organize and create data visualizations in chart, map, and table form for presentations and reports.
• Knowledge of and experience utilizing statistical, survey, and mapping programs.
• Ability to provide public presentations.
• Ability to develop and maintain a good working relationship with legislators and state administrators.
• Knowledge of the laws and procedures related to the General Assembly.
• Ability to work with other section staff to produce cohesive reports, briefs, and memoranda.
• Ability to communicate with Bureau staff, state agency staff, members of the General Assembly, and members of the public.

Production Standards

• Provides accurate and clear policy research and analysis.
• Adept in communicating with Bureau staff, members of the General Assembly, state agency personnel, and members of the public, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates proficient time management skills, including the ability to complete work under strict time deadlines.
• Maintains high standard of professional ethics and exercises appropriate discretion with confidential matters.
• Effectively organizes and monitors the status of projects and work flow.
• Works cooperatively at problem solving and assists co-workers with a variety of tasks.
• Attends job-related trainings.
• Proficiency in in-house software programs.