Legislative Research Specialist - Government Affairs Division

Agency

Office of the State Auditor

Division

Job Classification Title

Program Manager I (NS)

Position Number

65042391

Grade

NC20

About Us

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is your fiscal watchdog. We audit more than $100 billion in state assets and liabilities each year, bringing transparency to local, state, and federal government. Our reports and findings include recommendations that result in good government reforms. OSA thoroughly investigates alleged cases of fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, working with law enforcement on prosecution when warranted.

Description of Work

This position is designated as Exempt Policy-Making under G.S. 126-5(c)(3) and is considered an at-will appointment.

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is seeking a Legislative Research Specialist to serve in our Government Affairs Division. In this role, you will get the opportunity to support the development of legislative, policy, budgetary, and government affairs initiatives through research, analysis, monitoring, and executive briefing support for the office.

As part of our team, you will get to: 
Design and conduct research on legislative, regulatory, fiscal, and public policy issues affecting the Office of the State Auditor
Monitor legislation, committee activity, budget proposals, agency actions, administrative rules, and emerging policy developments
Prepare policy briefs, issue papers, legislative summaries, research memoranda, presentations, and executive briefing materials
Analyze proposed legislation and identify potential operational, legal, fiscal, and policy impacts on the office
Provide historical, statutory, and comparative research on government accountability, public finance, auditing, Medicaid, local government, and other issues as assigned
Support preparation of testimony, talking points, correspondence, and informational materials used by agency leadership
Coordinate research projects and special assignments from the Government Affairs Director, Chief of Staff, or State Auditor
Assist with administration of the Government Affairs Team and maintenance of stakeholder, committee, and policy databases

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Range: $82,000 - $101,000

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong research, analytical, writing, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to evaluate complex public policy issues and communicate findings clearly and concisely
• Working knowledge of state government operations, legislative processes, and public administration principles
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and project management skills

Management Preferences:  

• At least 2 years of experience working in or around the North Carolina General Assembly
• Experience conducting legislative, fiscal, legal, or policy research
• Experience preparing executive briefings, reports, or policy recommendations
• Familiarity with North Carolina appropriations, budgeting, and state government operations
• Knowledge of governmental auditing, accountability, public finance, program evaluation, or regulatory policy

This position is designated as Exempt Policy-Making under G.S. 126-5(c)(3) and is considered an at-will appointment.

OSA is the state’s Fiscal Watchdog. We hold state government and entities that receive public money accountable, working on behalf of North Carolinians to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. 

Learn more about our office here! Why Work for the NC Office of The State Auditor? - YouTube

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits including:

• Work-Life Balance:
  • 40-hour work week with flexible schedule options and the ability to earn compensatory time off
  • Generous paid time off each year, including:
    • 12 paid holidays per year
    • 1 paid personal observance leave day
    • At least 14 vacation days accrued per year (increase with years of service)
    • 12 paid sick days accrued per year
    • 24 hours paid community service leave
  • Competitive pay and affordable health insurance options
  • NC OSHR: Total Compensation Calculator
• Enrollment in the state's pension plan and options for additional supplemental savings
• If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more

Supplemental and Contact Information

• The Office of the State Auditor uses the Merit-Based Recruitment & Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) with highly qualified individuals.
• In order to receive credit for work history and credential you must complete the online application completely. Any information omitted from the application cannot be considered for qualifying credit. 
• You can attach resumes, cover letters, reference information as supplemental information, but this will NOT be used in lieu of a completed state application.
• If you have earned a foreign degree, an official evaluation for United States equivalency is required and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification purposes. 
  • The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification: https://www.naces.org/members
• Reference checks will be performed on all top finalists. 

 The Office of the State Auditor is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
• If applicants are a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22 along with their state application.
• It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the Office of the State Auditor that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.  We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).  
• Office of the State Auditor is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.  However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time.
• Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), Office of the State Auditor is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:

Office of the State Auditor (OSA)

Division of Human Resources

Email: [email protected]

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

A bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and 3 years of program experience related to the area of assignment, including 1 year of supervisory program experience

OR

An equivalent combination of training and experience

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Olivia Ann Gillespie

Recruiter Email:

[email protected]