Legal Policy & Research Analyst 2 at State of Georgia

Atlanta, GA 30301

About the Job

Job Title: Legal and Policy Research Analyst 2

Division: Legislative Affairs

Job Profile Summary

The Legal and Policy Research Analyst works closely with the Director of Legislative Affairs to provide support on Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA) statutory, research, and legal matters. ERSGA administers five separate and distinct cost-sharing, multiple employer defined benefit pension plans for various employer agencies of the State of Georgia, as well as three defined contribution plans and a life insurance plan.

Strong knowledge and understanding of regulatory and legal issues is preferred. Highly proficient research skills are necessary, as is the ability to efficiently evaluate, edit, and organize information. Technical skills required include in-depth internet research capabilities, as well as an understanding of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Incumbent must be familiar with state and/or federal rules, regulations, and statutes.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Conduct research to ascertain proper interpretation of authorizing legislation, applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures for all ERSGA Plans
Analyze new State and Federal changes, alerts, laws and regulations to determine impact to plans, processes and procedures, and make suggestions to leadership based on such research
Maintain and update legislative tracking for State and Federal level bills
Attend legislative committee meetings
Construct sound legal arguments based on legislative or regulatory changes
Develop, organize, and maintain electronic library of laws, legal interpretations, opinions, and board decisions
Complete research on various issues such as plan eligibility determination based on statutes, regulations, and board procedures
Work with subject matter experts to prepare responses to legal discovery requests such as interrogatories, production of documents, etc.
Assist with completion and maintain documentation for all incoming Agency Open Records Requests, Request for Production of Documents, and Freedom of Information Act Requests
Draft white papers, summaries, issue briefs, talking points, AG opinion requests as assigned
Maintain documentation related to internal ethics inquiries
Review and update Board Rules and Regulations filed with the Secretary of State as needed for each respective Plan
Maintain and document mandated fiduciary educational Trustee Training required for Board of Trustees members for each respective Board
Review ERSGA communications as needed
Participate in staff meetings to discuss status of various projects
Maintain knowledge of legal and research software programs
Analyze and evaluate information from multiple sources
Accept tasks and special projects as assigned by management

Technical Competencies Required for Job

Research and Policy	§ Ability to research and analyze regulations, laws, policies, and procedures
	§ Strong command of gathering statistical data
	§ Ability to research complex issues and recommend solutions
	§ Ability to research and understand policy surrounding Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans
Computer/Technical Ability	§ Skills with MS Office and strong Excel skills
	§ Knowledge of Lexis Nexus and Ga Law on Disk
	§ Knowledge of Adobe software products
Project Management	§ Ability to manage multiple projects
Project Management	§ Proven success with managing deliverables from various sources
Communication	Writing skills, such as the ability to construct sound legal arguments, produce position papers, fact sheets, issue guides, etc.
Communication	§ Ability to successfully interact/interface with third parties such as lawyers, research associates, or public officials

Statewide Core Behavioral Competencies Required for Job

Advanced Level Competencies Highly developed knowledge, understanding, and application of the competency required to be successful in the job and organization (total mastery); Can apply knowledge outside the scope of one’s position; Is able to coach or teach others on the competency; Has long-term perspective; Helps develop materials and resources in the competency.
Organizing	Able to keep projects moving toward completion; able to keep track of many things that must be done within a given timeframe; able to act according to priorities; able to balance workload demands
Proficient Level Competencies Detailed knowledge, understanding, and application of the competency required to be successful in the job; Ability to handle non-routine problems and situations; Requires minimal guidance or supervision / works independently; Consistently demonstrates success in the competency; Capable of assisting others in the application of the competency.
Accountability	Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to delivering on his/her public duty and presenting oneself as a credible representative of the Agency and State to maintain the public’s trust
Results Orientation	Consistently delivers required business results; sets and achieves achievable, yet aggressive, goals; consistently complies with quality standards and meets deadlines; maintains focus on Agency and State goals
Basic Level Competencies Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency.
Judgment and Decision Making	Analyzes problems by evaluating available information and resources; develops effective, viable solutions to problems which can help drive the effectiveness of the department and/or State of Georgia
Teamwork and Cooperation	Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across his/her department to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; values the contributions of others
Transformers of Government	Develops innovative approaches to address problems and drive continuous improvement in State programs and processes; drives effective and smooth change initiatives across the State by communicating, confirming understanding, and actively working with stakeholders to overcome resistance

Additional Behavioral Competencies Required for Job

Proficient Level Competencies Detailed knowledge, understanding, and application of the competency required to be successful in the job; Ability to handle non-routine problems and situations; Requires minimal guidance or supervision / works independently; Consistently demonstrates success in the competency; Capable of assisting others in the application of the competency.
Problem Solving	Applies creative problem-solving skills his/her work to develop solutions to problems; recognizes and demonstrates the value in taking “smart” risks and learning from mistakes; ability to identify the root cause of a problem; able to apply general rules or principles to arrive at a solution
Communication	Respectfully listens to others to gain a full understanding of issues; comprehends written material; presents information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand his/her ideas; appropriately adapts his/her message, style, and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences
Flexibility	Adapts to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively; does not shy away from addressing setbacks or ambiguity; deals effectively with a variety of people and situations; appropriately adapts one’s thinking or approach as the situation changes
Negotiation and Influence	Effectively represents his/her position on issues to gain support and buy-in from others; generates multiple alternatives to a problem to meet the needs of other stakeholders; works to achieve win-win outcomes that others can accept; appropriately utilizes settlement strategies, such as compromise

Basic Level Competencies Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency.
Creativity and Innovation	Applies creative problem-solving skills to his/her work to develop solutions to problems; recognizes and demonstrates the value in taking “smart” risks and learning from mistakes; develops multiple alternatives and understands the feasibility of each; effectively shares and implements his/her ideas
Cultural Awareness	Demonstrates an open-minded approach to understanding people regardless of their gender, age, race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability status, or other characteristics; treats all people fairly and consistently; effectively works with people from diverse backgrounds by treating them with dignity and respect
Project Management	Effectively manages project(s) by appropriately focusing attention on the critical few priorities; effectively creates and executes against project timelines based on priorities, resource availability, and other project requirements (i.e., budget); effectively evaluates planned approaches, determines feasibility, and makes adjustments when needed
Initiative	Proactively identifies ways to contribute to the State’s goals and missions; achieves results without needing reminders from others; identifies and takes action to address problems and opportunities
Flexibility	Adapts to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively; does not shy away from addressing setbacks or ambiguity; deals effectively with a variety of people and situations; appropriately adapts one’s thinking or approach as the situation changes
Conflict Management	Addresses conflicts by focusing on the issues at hand to develop effective solutions when disputes or disagreements occur; helps others resolve conflicts by providing impartial mediation when needed
Professional Development	Demonstrates a commitment to professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge; acquires the skills needed to continually enhance his/her contribution to the State and to his/her respective profession
Customer Service	Understands that all State employees have external and/or internal customers that they provide services and information to; honors all of the State’s commitments to customers by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service

ERS Career Development Levels

· Legal and Policy Research Analyst 3

Work Environment

This is a general office environment consisting of cubicle desk space. Ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment are provided as found in a typical office environment.

Physical Demands

Individuals working in this job are required to multi-task while seated. This includes answering phone calls, research information, and typing using computers throughout the workday. Also may require walking periodically, primarily on a level surface. Must be able to reach above shoulder height, below the waist, or lift (up to 25 pounds) to file documents or store materials.

ERS Preferred Qualifications

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Business, Political Science/Government, History, Law, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or similar field of study AND at least two years of relevant professional experience. As an alternative to a degree, candidate may have six years of relevant professional experience.

Statewide Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, business administration, public administration or related area from an accredited college or university AND One year of related experience in area of assignment OR Four years of experience in the related area of assignment OR One year of experience required at the lower level Legal Analysis Spec 1 (LEP040) or position equivalent.