Senior Policy Analyst (Cybersecurity)

TITLE: Senior Policy Analyst (Cybersecurity)

ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association

LOCATION: Washington, DC

DURATION: Full Time

POSITION STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate

REPORTS TO: Program Director, Cybersecurity

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps Governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s Government Relations group assists in ensuring the voice of Governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with Governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.

Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership.

Key Responsibilities Of The Senior Policy Analyst (cybersecurity)

NGA is looking to add a bright, resourceful, and organized Senior Policy Analyst to our Center of Best Practices team. The Senior Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors on a range of cybersecurity issues, including state cybersecurity policy development, establishing cybersecurity governance programs, cyber disruption response planning, improving state cybersecurity workforce readiness, coordinating critical infrastructure security, and state-local partnerships in cybersecurity. This position is vital for improving state capacity to plan for and respond to cybersecurity incidents on state networks and throughout the state ecosystem. This member of the team will be expected to be full-time in Washington, DC, and travel as necessary.

Other important responsibilities of the Senior Policy Analyst include:

• Lead the development of virtual, in-person, and hybrid events to include: workshops, seminars, meetings, and presentations. Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other events for governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on program and policy issues areas;
• Manage ongoing projects and new project development; including contributing to new project development, drafting grant proposals, engaging with partners and funders, working with sub-contracts and consultants, and ensuring the timely completion of deliverables;
• Establish and maintain relationships with key individuals and groups within and outside NGA to support successful program and policy issues;
• Manage and update NGA websites and electronic portals related to relevant issue programs and utilize web-based communication vehicles;
• Maintain topical experience in state and federal program and policy issues;
• Provide ‘best practice’ and state technical assistance to governor’s policy advisors, other state policymakers, NGA committees, task forces, and other workgroups;
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Deputy Director, and Director, Center for Best Practices.
• Gather and write reports, articles, issue briefs, case studies, guides, tools, and memoranda on program and policy issues and best practices of relevance to Governors and their policy staffs and other state policymakers;

Qualifications

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, preferable in public policy, cybersecurity, or related field. Five plus years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the cybersecurity portfolio, including expert knowledge and experience working on issues related to state cybersecurity, including exposure to private sector or federal cybersecurity policymaking.

Knowledge and expertise could include experience with a spectrum of policies and programs that help Governors and their staff design and implement policies focused on achieving positive outcomes. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or non-profit organizations is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Conduct qualitative evaluations of projects and produce subsequent reports;
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner;
• Manage multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
• Have foundational content knowledge and experience related to federal and state policy in the issue area;
• Customer-service orientation with strong interpersonal skills, including the skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations, and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers, as well as enthusiasm for collaboration with colleagues;
• Have knowledge and understanding of MS Office suite and web tools; and
• Have strong research, analytical skills, including ability to synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
• Travel, as necessary.
• Prepare grant applications and reports on grant progress;
• Identify and track key issues of concern to Governors and develop initiatives to address those concerns;
• Ability and willingness to work independently and take a proactive approach to problem-solving;
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in verbal forms, with particular emphasis on the ability to communicate with policymaking audiences;
• Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues;
• Understand state policy and policymaking and the role of Governors in advancing specific policies;

How To Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed. Please include:

• Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
• A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company)

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s Governors daily and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of NGA employees.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/D/F/V). NGA is committed to fostering an energetic, collaborative, diverse and inclusive workforce. We promote diversity and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, or any other legally protected factor. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.