Policy Advisor
West Virginia, Charleston, WV, United States
Reports To:
Policy Director or Chief of Staff
Executive Summary A
Policy Advisor
supports the Governor by researching policy issues, analyzing legislation, and producing clear recommendations that guide executive decisions. The role converts policy goals into legislative strategies and collaborates with stakeholders while maintaining high analytical rigor, discretion, and strong communication skills.
1. Policy Research, Analysis, and Writing
Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research on assigned issue areas (e.g., healthcare, education, energy, and economic development).
Analyze proposed state and federal legislation to determine its fiscal impact, vision alignment, and impact to the state.
Track national trends and "best practices" from other states to adapt successful models for local implementation.
Prepare written documents that synthesize complex policy issues into digestible form for decision-makers summarizing key aspects of legislation.
2. Legislative Analysis
Draft high-level policy memos and white papers.
Work closely with the legal and legislative affairs team to translate policy goals into formal legislative bill language.
Monitor committee hearings and floor debates, providing real-time analysis and recommendations to senior leadership.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Meet with advocacy groups, industry leaders, and community organizers to gather input and build coalitions around specific policy proposals.
Negotiate policy details with relevant stakeholders, including agency and legislative staff, to reach clarity on the administration’s perspective.
Serve as the administration’s technical expert in meetings with legislators and lobbyists.
4. Support Governor’s Policy and Communications
Assist members of the Governor’s policy and communications teams as directed in support of their policy development and oversight responsibilities over state departments and agencies.
Education
Education:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Law, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA, MPP, MPA) is desirable but not required.
Experience
Experience:
2-3 years of professional experience in legislative tracking, policy development, or working within a government agency/think tank.
Technical Skills
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in data analysis, fiscal modeling, and research and persuasive writing.
Communication
Communication:
Ability to summarize legislation and complex policy matters into 1-page "Decision Memos" that highlight risks and benefits for the Governor.
Core Competencies
Analytical Rigor:
The capacity to dissect complex policy and fiscal data using sound methodologies and logical frameworks. It involves moving beyond surface-level information to identify core issues, underlying causes, and potential second- and third-order effects of proposed policies. A successful Policy Advisor uses this skill to provide evidence-based recommendations that withstand scrutiny and rigorous debate.
Objectivity:
Successful Policy Advisors will have the ability to craft data-driven and fact based policy briefs. These briefs must inform rather than confuse high level decision making.
Discretion:
Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential, and political information with absolute integrity.
Agility:
Capacity to pivot quickly between diverse topics—within the same hour.
Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to work across multiple teams and within various levels of state government.
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Policy Director or Chief of Staff
Executive Summary A
Policy Advisor
supports the Governor by researching policy issues, analyzing legislation, and producing clear recommendations that guide executive decisions. The role converts policy goals into legislative strategies and collaborates with stakeholders while maintaining high analytical rigor, discretion, and strong communication skills.
1. Policy Research, Analysis, and Writing
Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research on assigned issue areas (e.g., healthcare, education, energy, and economic development).
Analyze proposed state and federal legislation to determine its fiscal impact, vision alignment, and impact to the state.
Track national trends and "best practices" from other states to adapt successful models for local implementation.
Prepare written documents that synthesize complex policy issues into digestible form for decision-makers summarizing key aspects of legislation.
2. Legislative Analysis
Draft high-level policy memos and white papers.
Work closely with the legal and legislative affairs team to translate policy goals into formal legislative bill language.
Monitor committee hearings and floor debates, providing real-time analysis and recommendations to senior leadership.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Meet with advocacy groups, industry leaders, and community organizers to gather input and build coalitions around specific policy proposals.
Negotiate policy details with relevant stakeholders, including agency and legislative staff, to reach clarity on the administration’s perspective.
Serve as the administration’s technical expert in meetings with legislators and lobbyists.
4. Support Governor’s Policy and Communications
Assist members of the Governor’s policy and communications teams as directed in support of their policy development and oversight responsibilities over state departments and agencies.
Education
Education:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Law, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA, MPP, MPA) is desirable but not required.
Experience
Experience:
2-3 years of professional experience in legislative tracking, policy development, or working within a government agency/think tank.
Technical Skills
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in data analysis, fiscal modeling, and research and persuasive writing.
Communication
Communication:
Ability to summarize legislation and complex policy matters into 1-page "Decision Memos" that highlight risks and benefits for the Governor.
Core Competencies
Analytical Rigor:
The capacity to dissect complex policy and fiscal data using sound methodologies and logical frameworks. It involves moving beyond surface-level information to identify core issues, underlying causes, and potential second- and third-order effects of proposed policies. A successful Policy Advisor uses this skill to provide evidence-based recommendations that withstand scrutiny and rigorous debate.
Objectivity:
Successful Policy Advisors will have the ability to craft data-driven and fact based policy briefs. These briefs must inform rather than confuse high level decision making.
Discretion:
Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential, and political information with absolute integrity.
Agility:
Capacity to pivot quickly between diverse topics—within the same hour.
Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to work across multiple teams and within various levels of state government.
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