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Job Profile

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

This position is unclassified, non-standard, Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm.

Flexibility is required.

Opening Date

Closing Date

Job Requisition Number

Pay Grade

Classification

Class Definition

Position Overview

The Senior Policy Analyst will support Commerce’s mission to strengthen Rhode Island’s economy and foster a competitive, business-friendly environment. This role will lead high-level research and policy analysis, track legislative and regulatory developments, and help shape proposals that promote investment, job creation, and economic opportunity. The Senior Policy Analyst will work closely with leadership on policy research and the drafting of legislation, support engagement with the General Assembly, and help administer programs that support Rhode Island businesses.

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, strong writing skills, and experience navigating legislative processes in fast-moving policy environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on legislation, regulations, and economic policy proposals affecting Rhode Island businesses.
• Track and analyze state legislation and committee activity; develop concise policy briefs and recommendations for Commerce leadership.
• Assist with development, review, and advocacy of a business-friendly policy agenda.
• Administer and support implementation of programs designed to assist and strengthen Rhode Island businesses, including coordinating with internal teams and external partners.
• Draft policy memos, issue briefs, testimony, talking points, and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with legislative staff, state agencies, business leaders, and partner organizations on policy priorities.
• Attend sessions of the General Assembly, monitor hearings, and provide real-time analysis and updates.
• Testify before legislative committees, as needed, and support Commerce leadership and partners in preparing for testimony.
• Monitor federal policy developments and identify risks, opportunities, and funding implications for Rhode Island.
• Maintain organized systems for legislative tracking, deadlines, and action items across multiple initiatives.

 Qualifications (Preferred)

• MA/MSc in relevant field or J.D.
• At least 3 years of experience in a comparable policy, legislative, legal, or research role (government, business association, think tank, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience analyzing legislation, budgets, and regulatory proposals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Familiarity with legislative processes and experience engaging with policymakers.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.

• Experience working directly with state legislatures or executive agencies.
• Knowledge of economic development, business climate, workforce, or regulatory reform issues.
• Prior experience testifying or representing an organization in public or legislative settings.
• Experience working with coalition partners, business groups, or advocacy organizations.

Core Competencies

• Strategic policy analysis and problem-solving.
• Legislative tracking and budget literacy.
• Stakeholder engagement and trusted relationship-building.
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and reliability.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams.

Supplemental Information

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
 

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.