Policy Research Analyst Location: Nashville, Tennessee Join us in our mission to make government work better. Role Snapshot The Policy Research Analyst supports the Office of Research and Education Accountability by cond…
Conduct objective research and evaluations on education and public policy to strengthen legislative understanding of government performance. Produce detailed publications and analyze the fiscal impact of legislation for state officials.
Requirements
Requires a Master's degree in a research-related field or a Bachelor's degree with at least one year of relevant research experience. Candidates must possess strong writing skills and basic knowledge of Tennessee education policy and government operations.
Full job description
Policy Research Analyst
Location: Nashville, Tennessee Join us in our mission to make government work better.
Role Snapshot The Policy Research Analyst supports the Office of Research and Education Accountability by conducting objective, fact-based research, evaluations, and analyses on education and other public policy areas. In this role, you will examine programs, initiatives, and government operations; interpret data and documents; and translate complex information into clear, accurate publications that strengthen legislative understanding of state and local government performance.
Why You’ll Love This Job • Meaningful work that impacts communities across Tennessee • Flexible schedules and a standard 37.5-hour workweek • Opportunities for professional growth and development • Collaborative and supportive team environment • Comprehensive benefits and work-life balance
What You'll Do • Work independently and collaboratively to analyze complex issues across a variety of topic areas • Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data • Conduct interviews with stakeholders • Develop and administer surveys and compile results • Produce detailed publications including text, graphs, tables, and exhibits • Respond to information requests from legislators, the Comptroller, and other officials • Monitor legislative committees and analyze the fiscal impact of legislation
What We're Looking For Required:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field requiring knowledge of research methodology, or a Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of relevant research experience
Ability to produce publication‑quality written work
Basic knowledge of Tennessee Education policy, state and local government operations, the legislative process, and general research methodology
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely
Professionalism when working with the public, co-workers, and members of the General Assembly
Strong organizational skills for managing documentation and workflow
Preferred:
Knowledge of statistical methods
Ability to use spreadsheets for analysis
Additional education or experience deemed equivalent and relevant
Logistics • Travel: Minimal • Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits, including annual and sick leave, insurance plans, pension, 401(k), college fee waivers, and flexible schedules.
About the Office The Office of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury audits state and local government entities and oversees financial and administrative management of state government. We are nationally recognized for professionalism and accountability and consistently rank as a Top Workplace. Learn more at www.comptroller.tn.gov
Equal Opportunity Employer We are committed to fair and equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, veteran status, or any category protected by law.
NOTICE This position requires a criminal background check. You may be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered for this position.
Additional Requirement: A cover letter must accompany an application to be considered. The cover letter should address:
Quantitative and/or qualitative research experience
Knowledge of Tennessee education policy
Knowledge of state and local government functions
Additional relevant skills or experience may be included. Cover letters should not exceed 2 pages.
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The Office of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury is responsible for the audit of state and local governmental entities and participates in the general financial and administrative management and oversight of state government. The Office is led by Comptroller Jason E. Mumpower, a constitutional officer who is elected by the Tennessee General Assembly.
In the Comptroller's Office, we strive to deliver on our mission to make government work better, and we've been recognized as a Top Workplace for ten years in a row. In 2025, our Office was named the #1 Large Top Workplace in Middle Tennessee and the #3 Top Workplace in the United States for our size. We believe our success as an Office depends on finding opportunities for employees to accomplish our Office’s mission to make government work better and respond to the challenge to make things better.
We want every member of our team to be excited to come to work every day. Through dedicated hard work and commitment, every Comptroller’s Office employee accepts personal responsibility to accomplish our mission and uphold it.
Learn more about our Career Opportunities at https://comptroller.tn.gov/careers.html
Offices: State Capitol, Nashville, Tennessee 37243, US · 1100 England Dr, Suite 3A & 3B, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501, US · 425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville, TN 37243, US · 980 Old Stage Rd, Greeneville, Tennessee 37745, US · 225 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Tower A, Suite 400 & 405, Jackson, Tennessee 38301, US
The Office of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury is responsible for the audit of state and local governmental entities and participates in the general financial and administrative management and oversight of state government. The Office is led by Comptroller Jason E. Mumpower, a constitutional officer who is elected by the Tennessee General Assembly.
In the Comptroller's Office, we strive to deliver on our mission to make government work better, and we've been recognized as a Top Workplace for ten years in a row. In 2025, our Office was named the #1 Large Top Workplace in Middle Tennessee and the #3 Top Workplace in the United States for our size. We believe our success as an Office depends on finding opportunities for employees to accomplish our Office’s mission to make government work better and respond to the challenge to make things better.
We want every member of our team to be excited to come to work every day. Through dedicated hard work and commitment, every Comptroller’s Office employee accepts personal responsibility to accomplish our mission and uphold it.
Learn more about our Career Opportunities at https://comptroller.tn.gov/careers.html
Offices: State Capitol, Nashville, Tennessee 37243, US · 1100 England Dr, Suite 3A & 3B, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501, US · 425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville, TN 37243, US · 980 Old Stage Rd, Greeneville, Tennessee 37745, US · 225 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Tower A, Suite 400 & 405, Jackson, Tennessee 38301, US