Position Description

The Legislative Branch of Anne Arundel County is looking for a well-qualified individual(s) to perform advanced legal and policy analysis to support the legislative and policy roles of the County Council. Duties include conducting legal and policy research; analyzing legislation before the Council; providing policy recommendations to the Council; drafting legislation; and staffing legislative committees and commissions. This position reports to and is supervised by the Legislative Counsel of the County Council.

This posting will be used to fill either a Legislative Analyst I ($69,127 - 134,279) or Legislative Analyst II ($80,172 - $155,734)

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

An employee in this classification is responsible for analyzing the policy and legal implications of legislation and regulations; preparing reports or written memorandums on policy issues and legislation before the Council; researching, analyzing, and revising legislation and ordinances; assisting with drafting bills and amendments; and tracking federal, State, or County legislation. Completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness of methods and procedures used, and conformity to established policies and procedures. This position requires a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail for drafting technical or legal documents and extensive problem solving and critical thinking skills. An employee in this classification regularly engages with and distributes information to Councilmembers in formal and informal settings.

A Legislative Analyst II position is distinguished from a Legislative Analyst I by serving as a project coordinator, receiving more complex legislative, policy or legal assignments.

Examples Of Duties And Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Conducts policy and legal research for the Council.
Analyzes proposed legislation and prepares legislative summaries based on policy and legal implications.
Coordinates internal and external resources to complete assigned projects.
Identifies trends, policies, model programs, and issues pertinent to Councilmember interests.
Serves in a non-partisan capacity.
Monitors and reports on the impact of State and federal policy on local government operations and policy.
Drafts legislation and amendments for the Council.
Maintains effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials and staff of the Legislative and Executive branches.
Presents information to Councilmembers in formal and informal settings.
Develops and maintains expertise in issue areas based on Councilmembers needs and priorities.
Attends Council meetings and work sessions.
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of legislative process and general local government operations, organization, and responsibilities.
Thorough knowledge of policy and legal research and evaluation methods.
Knowledge of government capital and operating budget processes, particularly at the local government level.
Knowledge of general legislative drafting and statutory interpretation.
Knowledge of zoning and land use.
Ability to convey complex legal, fiscal and policy information clearly and concisely.
Ability to work independently, in teams, and sometimes under extreme time pressure.
Ability to read critically and think analytically.
Ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and adapt when necessary.
Ability to remain neutral in a political environment.
Effectively communicate complex information clearly and concisely.

Minimum Qualifications

Legislative Analyst I ( $69,127 - 134,279) : Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in political science, public or business administration, public policy or a related subject; two (2) or more years of experience in professional level programming for a subject area relevant to local government administration; two (2) years experience working with a legislative body or committee; or an or a combination of education and experience.

Legislative Analyst II ($80,172 - $155,734): Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in political science, public or business administration, public policy or a related subject; four (4) or more years of experience in professional-level programming for a subject area relevant to local government administration; two (2) or more years experience working with a legislative body or committee; or a combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preferred Criteria:

JD or Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, law or related field.
Demonstrated experience reviewing and analyzing legislation.
Demonstrated experience drafting legislation.
Demonstrated experience working for the legislative branch at the State or local level.
Demonstrated in-depth experience in a policy area (i.e., zoning, affordable housing, etc.).

Anne Arundel County Office of Personnel

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Legislative Analyst I/II