The Research and Appropriations Unit is responsible for drafting the annual state budget, as well as analyzing and drafting substantive legislation. Analysts draft legislation, analyze policy issues, monitor parliamentary procedure during the committee process, and work closely with all House Democratic members to advance their individual and collective caucus interests. The Research and Appropriations Director manages a staff of approximately 18 analysts and support personnel.
- Train and supervise a team of analysts and support personnel;
- Coordinate, assign and review analysts’ work;
- Develop, delegate and review materials for caucus and public distribution, including bill analyses, budget documents, and legislative summaries;
- Supervise legislative drafting;
- Quickly and accurately digest large volumes of fiscal and policy data;
- Work collaboratively with the Speaker, Chief of Staff, and senior leadership team to develop and advance policy initiatives;
- Work closely with all legislative budget leaders to negotiate, formulate, and draft Illinois’ annual fiscal budget while advocating for House Democratic Caucus priorities;
- Plan and execute staff and member training and professional development; and
- Serve as a general advisor to the Speaker and Caucus leadership, assisting in other projects and duties as assigned;
- Proactively work to identify policy and budgetary issues;
- Work closely with House Democratic Caucus members, state agencies, the executive branch, and third-party organizations to identify and negotiate legislative and budget priorities.
- Bachelor’s degree minimum required;
- 3 years of prior management experience strongly preferred;
- Experience in large scale budgeting, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in state-level budgeting;
- Prior Illinois General Assembly experience preferred;
- Confident decision-making and strong leadership skills;
- A commitment to an unpredictable work environment and the willingness to work long hours when needed around the legislative session;
- Ability to work effectively and accurately in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly in explaining complicated concepts in an accurate and concise manner;
- Ability to plan and carry out budgetary preparation, analysis and management;
- Professional demeanor and the ability to adapt and work with different or difficult personalities;
- Ability to build consensus;
- A demonstrated interest in state government, politics and policy, current affairs, public service or non-profit work, particularly in Democratic politics.
Application Information:
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to:
Pamela Lassiter
Human Resources Director and EEO Officer
Illinois House of Representatives
Office of the Speaker
Stratton Building Room 419
401 S. Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62706
jobs@hds.ilga.gov
Compensation:
- Competitive salary starting at $125,000 based on experience;
- Health, dental, vision, prescription, behavioral health, and life insurance; for details, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/StateEmployee/Pages/StateInsuranceProgram.aspx
- Participation in State Employees’ Retirement System with immediate service credit;
- Optional participation in health savings account, employee assistance program and deferred compensation programs; and
- Competitive vacation, sick, and personal time.
Work Environment:
- Work is largely performed in the Illinois State Capitol Building Complex in Springfield, Illinois, which is open to the public. Security for the Capitol Complex is provided by Illinois Secretary of State Police.
- The working environment can be noisy, and the building can be congested with constituents, lobbyists, tour groups, and demonstrators.
- The person in this position needs to be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, as well as to move about inside the capitol building and grounds as necessary.
- The person in this position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, legislators, lobbyists, and members of the public, and must be able to professionally exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Typical work hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on non-session days and 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on session days. Hours are subject to change. Weekend hours, particularly during the legislative session, are expected.
- This position is not remote-eligible.
- Some travel may be required.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.
The Office of the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, age, military discharge, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.
