Legislative Analyst

The Legislative Analyst supports Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Office of Government Relations by monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on state legislative and executive activities that impact the university and the State University System (SUS). This position plays a key role in the university’s legislative strategy by tracking proposed legislation, budget actions, and policy developments; preparing detailed briefings and written reports; and supporting advocacy efforts. The Legislative Analyst assists in coordinating legislative outreach, managing office operations related to legislative affairs, and supporting the execution of special projects and events. The role requires strong knowledge of Florida legislative processes, including House and Senate rules and protocols, excellent research and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders. This position works under the direction of the Director of Government Relations and collaborates closely with other university departments and external partners to support FGCU’s strategic legislative goals.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

Essential Responsibilities

• Monitors actions of key legislative committees and tracks all state legislation affecting FGCU, including bills, amendments, and appropriations, through relevant committees of reference and floor actions.
• Participates in strategic planning for legislative sessions, including developing budget and policy priorities aligned with institutional goals.
• Assists in the development, review, and analysis of legislative budget requests to ensure alignment with FGCU’s strategic plan and compliance with state legislative and policy requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of and applies Florida House and Senate Rules, legislative protocols, and joint legislative policies and procedures.
• Monitors and reports on Executive and Legislative Branch activities, including press releases, policy announcements, and social media updates relevant to higher education and FGCU.
• Monitors or attends legislative and applicable governing body meetings as assigned; briefs the Director on legislative activities both verbally and in writing.
• Assists with resolving constituent inquiries and stakeholder issues received through elected officials or other government offices.
• Supports office operations, including budgeting, maintaining calendars, managing travel arrangements and reimbursements, maintaining records, and tracking office supplies and property.
• Conducts research, compiles data, and prepares reports and summaries on legislative and higher education topics, including analyses of proposed legislation and end-of-session summaries.
• Assists in preparing and delivering legislative updates and briefings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinates and supports planning and execution of government relations special projects on behalf of the Office of Government Relations.
• As directed, assists with FGCU advocacy efforts at the state level.
• Coordinates with the Government Relations Officer to assist with creating and distributing marketing and social media content related to governmental affairs.
• Supports the planning and coordination of campus visits and presentations by elected officials and government representatives.
• Operates office software and tools to perform word processing, database entry, and spreadsheet functions.

Other Duties:

• Performs other duties and special assignments as required to support the Office of Government Relations.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either eight years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with the Florida Legislature, including knowledge of legislative processes, bill drafting, committee procedures, and stakeholder engagement within the Florida legislative environment.
• Experience coordinating with contract lobby consulting firm.
• Experience working in executive or legislative branch of state government as a legislative aide or in management of governmental administration.
• Experience with legislative and agency reporting.
• Strong existing relationships with current legislators and key members both in and out of the Southwest Florida legislative districts.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the position.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply Florida House and Senate rules, protocols, and the Legislature’s Joint Policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge of budget control principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of State and Federal government organization and legislative processes, including budget and appropriations processes.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively in a team environment.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to understand, interpret, apply, and explain legislation.
• Ability to analyze problems and develop creative solutions to complex issues.
• Ability to prepare concise, meaningful and timely written reports in a clear and logical manner.
• Ability to operate a personal computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to multi-task and manage conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and drive to solve problems in a team environment with high energy and a positive attitude.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to act independently upon information and make decisions that achieve optimal results.

Pay Grade 18