Legislative analyst

Job Description

The Senate Fiscal Agency, a nonpartisan agency of the Michigan Legislature, is seeking a Legislative Analyst. Legislative Analysts are responsible primarily for writing summaries and analyses of bills referred to the Senate standing committees for which the analyst is responsible.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Write a summary of all Senate and House bills placed on the agenda for committees to which the analyst is assigned, and as otherwise assigned by the Associate Director.
• Attend meetings and public hearings of Senate Committees to which the analyst is assigned.
• Write subsequent summaries for bills originating from the Legislative Analyst's assigned committees throughout the legislative process, as prescribed by the Associate Director.
• Prepare detailed legislative analyses of Senate bills passed by the Senate that have been reported from a committee for which the analyst is responsible.
• Keep the Associate Director informed of the analyst's activities and perform work according to the priorities established by the Associate Director.
• Communicate confidentially with committee clerks and policy staff concerning legislative matters.
  
  

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• File documents as prescribed by the Associate Director.
• Perform additional responsibilities assigned by the Associate Director or the Director, such as writing articles or issue papers, participating in staff meetings, and serving on internal Senate Fiscal Agency committees.
  
  

Required Education And Experience

Successful candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's degree (an advanced degree is encouraged); excellent writing, research, and communication skills; the ability to perform objective and thorough policy analysis of State legislation; and the ability to complete projects under severe time constraints. Knowledge of specific public policy areas (e.g., tax policy) also is encouraged.

Alternate Education And Experience

• Must possess excellent writing skills to communicate highly technical and complex issues to a broad audience on a broad range of issues.
• Must be able to conduct research and analysis and write under severe time constraints.
• Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, the use of internet resources, and the ability to learn new technologies and software as needed.
• Must possess or develop a working knowledge of the legislative process.
• Must use discretion and good judgment in presenting highly political issues in a neutral way.
  
  

Physical Demands And Environmental Settings

This job is performed in a general office environment and generally requires minimal physical effort or exertion. A significant amount of each day is spent working at a personal computer. The incumbent will be required to attend committee meetings in-person within the Lansing area and will be required to communicate orally and in writing. The sensitive nature of the position and frequent contacts with the Legislature may create stressful working conditions. There is pressure to work with multiple priorities under tight time frames. The job duties may require more than a normal 40-hour work week, especially while the Legislature is in session, when evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be necessary.

Note: This position description is not intended to be exhaustive. Responsibilities and duties may change at the discretion of the Director of the Senate Fiscal Agency or his/her designee. Under MCL 4.1501(4), individuals employed by the Senate Fiscal Agency are nontenured, at-will employees. The Senate Fiscal Agency Governing Board may discipline, transfer, demote, suspend, or summarily discharge an employee.

Additional Requirements And Information

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, three references, and higher education transcripts electronically to:

Linda Scott

Business Manager Senate Fiscal Agency

Email: [email protected]

Review of applications will begin December 8, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is at-will, noncivil service. The Senate Fiscal Agency considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, height, weight, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. If you are a person with a qualified disability, you may request any needed reasonable accommodation to participate in the application, testing, and/or interview process by contacting the Senate Fiscal Agency ADA Coordinator at (517) 373-2768.

Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.