Lead Fiscal Policy Analyst

Agency Overview:
The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.

Position Overview:

In addition to performing fiscal analysis, the Lead Fiscal Policy Analyst holds responsibility for managing the workflow of other Analysts, ensuring adherence to deadlines, and guiding the team’s overall output. The Lead Fiscal Policy Analyst is responsible for overseeing the work of Fiscal Policy Analysts, ensuring their timely and accurate completion of assignments, and providing leadership on fiscal and budgetary matters before the House Ways and Means committee. The Lead Analyst partners with agency staff and engages stakeholders to develop annual budget recommendations related to both spending and revenue. They assist Fiscal Policy Analysts with analyzing agency and external stakeholder requests; tracking spending, revenue, and staffing within agencies and departments; making budget-related recommendations based on their independent analysis. Actively participate in leadership meetings and take an instrumental role in fostering team development, including organizing professional growth opportunities for Fiscal Policy Analysts.

Reports to:

Reports to the Chair of the Committee and, at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff Director, the Budget Director, and the Deputy Budget Director.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Review and approve the work products from Fiscal Policy Analysts, providing constructive feedback and ensuring all outputs meet quality standards before submission.

• Design, update, and lead onboarding and training programs for new Fiscal Policy Analysts, providing mentorship to develop their skills and ensure alignment with office policies and expectations.

• Provide feedback to Analysts and act as a go-to source for Analysts’ questions regarding office structure and best practices.

• Assign, delegate, and prioritize tasks among Analysts based on expertise and workload capacity to ensure smooth operations.

• Oversee and manage multiple fiscal projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of all deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards in all analyses.

• Work alongside the Budget Director, and with the rest of the committee staff, on constructing the annual State Budget, supplemental budgets, and guiding the overall fiscal policy of the Commonwealth.

• Liaison with counterparts in the Senate and the Administration on fiscal and revenue issues.

• Make recommendations to the Budget Director, Staff Director, and the Chair on budgetary matters.

• Researching historical spending and revenue trends and presenting background information to senior staff on policy issues.

• Recommending spending and policy initiatives to the Budget Director and Committee Chair.

• Drafting and finalizing legislative language.

• Utilize LAWS.

• Represent the Chair at meetings and forums as needed; sometimes on policy areas outside your assigned accounts.

• Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Chair, legislators, state officials, staff, agency personnel, and stakeholders in the development and advancement of budget related legislation.

• Utilize Microsoft 365; including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Create reference materials on topical issues.

• Utilize NCSL and/or other research databases.

• Work with committee staff to develop materials and prepare briefings for the Chair.

• Attend hearings, events, and meetings on behalf of the Chair; sometimes on policy areas outside your assigned accounts.

• Research revenue/budgetary issues through meeting attendance, review of news reports and/or communication with stakeholder groups.

• Collaborating with and supporting other analysts by sharing information, assisting with technical skills development and analysis.

• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Skill Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to produce thorough, accurate results and to meet project milestones and deadlines;

• Effectively manage multiple priorities during peak periods, particularly during legislative sessions, ensuring timely delivery of budgetary reports under tight deadlines;

• Ability to guide and mentor a team of analysts, provide feedback, and manage multiple priorities;

• Ability to take initiative on assignments and work independently;

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer-based tools, including spreadsheets, database management, word processing, and presentation software;

• Ability to interface and work with diverse communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner;

• Ability to multi-task effectively and meet deadlines on short notice;

• Outstanding organizational and administrative skills.

Education/Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, public policy, or business preferred

• Prior legislative or related work experience for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups or non-profit organizations is preferred

• Demonstrated experience in advanced fiscal analysis, policy development, and providing actionable budget recommendations in a government, non-profit, or public policy setting.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience leading teams or managing complex projects, including overseeing the work of junior staff or colleagues, and providing constructive feedback and mentorship;

• Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently and meet deadlines on short notice;

• Outstanding analytical skills with experience in gathering, interpreting and summarizing data;

• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent writing and communication skills; and

• Technologically proficient.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This position operates in a professional office environment; must be able to communicate both in person and by telephone. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets, and multifunction copiers/printers.

This is a full-time 37.5 hour per week position. Days of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours vary and may include evening and weekend work to support the Committee and to support legislative or budgetary activities.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter by email to Brian Donahue, Budget Director at brian.donahue@mahouse.gov

Application Deadline: On a rolling basis until the position is filled

Benefits:
As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, staff have access to a wide variety of health plans including coverage of health, vision, and dental benefits. Furthermore, retirement benefits are available, depending upon one’s length of employment.

The House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.