What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy Analyst position at Alcorn State University?
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
EEO Statement: Alcorn State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, services, admissions, or employment practices. The following offices are designated to handle inquires and/or complaints regarding non-discriminatory policies and procedures of Alcorn State University: Complaints, inquiries, or specific requests in regard to Title IX and Section 504 directives should be made to: the Title IX Coordinator, Walter Washington Administration Bldg., Lorman, MS, 39096, (601) 877-6700. Complaints, inquiries, or requests in regard to non-discrimination in employment practices should be made to: the Director of Human Resources, Walter Washington Administration Bldg., Room 107, Lorman, MS, 39096, (601) 877-6188 Questions, complaints, or requests in regard to ADA/ADAAA compliance in employment practices should also be made to the department of human resources.
How to Apply to this Posting
How to Apply to this Posting
Special Instructions
Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title
Policy Analyst
FLSA Status
Exempt
Posted Salary Range
Commensurate with Experience
Employment Status
Full Time
Department
SDFR Policy Center
Job Summary
Policy Analyst will review agricultural policies and regulations and the field implementation of the policies and regulations for determining the impact on socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (SDFR) and socially disadvantaged communities and for making recommendations for changes in agricultural policies to advance the success of SDFR and socially disadvantaged communities.Under the direction of the Director of the (SDFR) Policy Research Center, the policy analyst collects current and proposed USDA policy documents and analyzes those documents to determine the impacts on SDFR and socially disadvantaged communities. The person will tract the status and timelines of farm bill implementation and prepare policy studies, papers and other written documents. The person will assist the Center Director in working with Community Based Organizations (CBO) and 1890 universities to determine the Center’s goals and objectives. Policy Analyst is responsible for identifying issues or policy areas to explore, collecting and analyzing the information, then reporting findings and proposing new policies for addressing the problems. Agriculture Policy Analyst will analyze research studies conducted by Alcorn State University’s SDFR Policy Research Center and develop policy recommendations based on the results of the research studies.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Applicant must have had experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
- Knowledge of agricultural policy
- Knowledge and experience in working with 1890 universities, CBO and USDA agencies.
- Knowledge and experience in working with SDFR and rural socially disadvantaged communities.
- Knowledge and experience of USDA programs and how they are implemented through rules, regulations, manuals, handbooks, directives and other means.
- Ability to analyze information, summarize findings and present them in ways easily understandable to decision makers.
- Demonstrate ability in collecting, designing and manipulating data using a computer database.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Ability to analyze public policy issues.
- Ability to write well and complete projects under tight deadlines.
- Ability to write in a public policy context.
- Ability to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals.
- Ability to search out sometimes hard-to-find information that will help identify the potential effects of legislation and be able to distill that information into a concise, readable format.
- Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations.
- Ability to think strategically, remaining focused on goals and objectives.
- Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis and consultation.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work well in team environment and under pressure.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and experience working with SharePoint and Access would be helpful.
Essential Job Functions
- Collect information on USDA existing and proposed legislation, rules, regulations, manuals, handbooks, funding notices, and field directives.
- Analyze the existing and proposed policy documents to determine the impacts of these policies on SDFR and rural socially disadvantaged communities.
- Collect and evaluate information on the extent to which section 10708 of the 2002 Farm Bill is being implemented.
- Collect and evaluate the extent to which USDA program benefits are provided to SDFR. Provide an annual report.
- Collect and evaluate information on USDA Civil Rights implementation to include Farm Bill requirements and the GAO Civil Rights Studies at USDA, the number of annual civil rights program and employee complaints filed with USDA Office of Civil Rights, and the number of findings of discriminations of program and employment complaints.
- Collect information on past class lawsuits and outline the needs for additional research and policy. Provide an annual report.
- Collect information and evaluate the extent to which USDA agencies are providing outreach and technical assistance to SDFR.
- Track funding from all sources that have the potential to impact SDFR policies, including, but not limited to, the 2501 program, various USDA agencies, and private sources.
- Review notices of proposed grants to evaluate impacts on SDFR.
- Collect and evaluate studies on heirs’ property to include information to be collected in the USDA Census.
- Collect and evaluate the racial makeup of USDA agencies’ staff at the local, state, and national levels.
- Collect and evaluate existing services to rural socially disadvantaged communities to include rural development community assistance, broadband and others.
- Recommend policy related to leadership development that will enable these communities to receive USDA services.
- Assist the Center Director in working with CBOs and 1890 universities in outlining policy concerns. · Develop policy document to be reviewed by the Policy Center Board.
- Work with the Research Coordinator to determine research needs.
- Develop recommendations for policy amendments to include farms bills that will improve the conditions of SDFR and rural socially disadvantaged communities.
- Review implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill and future Farm Bills for impact on SDFR and make recommendations for the 2023 and future Farm Bills.
- Develop policy recommendations to benefit SDFR and present to Policy Center Director, advisory board, committees, and other university leadership
- Through personal consultation, assist the Policy Center Director, advisory board, committees, and other university leadership and staff with consideration of legislative issues by providing information and analysis, and applying professional subject-area knowledge.
- Collect and analyze information to support policy recommendations
- Evaluate how policies affect SDFR, socially disadvantaged communities and 1890 land-grant colleges and universities
- Monitor events, policy decisions and trends and other issues with implications for the political and policy landscape
- Locate and/or provide information requested by university leadership and staff and committees of Congress or their staff.
- Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Prepare a variety of descriptive and background reports, memoranda, and written materials on agricultural or public policy issues within the employee’s area of professional knowledge.
- Prepare a variety of analytical reports, memoranda, and written materials on public policy issues within the employee’s area of professional knowledge to support university and congressional decision making.
- Participate in ASU seminars, workshops, and/or outreach programs for committees, members, and staff.
- Travel to meetings across the country.
- Write reports, publish findings and give presentations.
- Compose and distribute office correspondence.
- Other related duties, as assigned.
Qualifications
A PhD in economics, agribusiness, agriculture science, agriculture law, political science, public policy, public administration, sociology or related field is desired; 1 year of public policy administration or other relevant experience is required; two to three years of policy experience desired;
Licensing and Certifications
N/A
Physical Requirements
Work in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas
No
Sedentary Work - Exerting 10 pounds
Occasionally
Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds
Occasionally
Medium Work - Exerting 20-50 pounds
Not Required
Heavy Work - Exerting 50-100 pounds
Not Required
Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds
Not Required
Travel
Occasionally
Extended Work Hours
Occasionally
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1096
Number of Vacancies
1
Location
Lorman
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
01/13/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
EEO Statement
EEO Statement:
Alcorn State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, services, admissions, or employment practices. The following offices are designated to handle inquires and/or complaints regarding non-discriminatory policies and procedures of Alcorn State University:
Complaints, inquiries, or specific requests in regard to Title IX and Section 504 directives should be made to: Title IX Office, Walter Washington Administration Bldg., Room 519A, Lorman, MS, 39096, (601) 877-6700.
Complaints, inquiries, or requests in regard to non-discrimination in employment practices should be made to: Human Resources Department, Walter Washington Administration Bldg., Room 107, Lorman, MS, 39096, (601) 877-6188
Questions, complaints, or requests in regard to ADA/ADAAA compliance in employment practices should also be made to the department of human resources.
Advertising Summary
Excellent Benefits Package
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Letter of Recommendation (Professional)
- Letter of Recommendation (Personal)
- Letter of Recommendation (Professional or Personal)
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae
- Additional References (5)
