Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

Researcher-Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

AT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Researcher-Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Boston, MA

Job Description

Position Title: Researcher
Office of State Representative Bud L. Williams House Chair, Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Agency Overview:
The Massachusetts House of Representatives ("House") is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.

Position Overview:
The Researcher performs research related to matters that come before the Committee. They interact with legislators, administrative officials, and stakeholders to support Committee legislative priorities. They are responsible for research, communication, general administration, and other duties as assigned.

Want more jobs like this?

Get Legal Services jobs in Boston, MA delivered to your inbox every week.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.


Reports to:
Reports to the Chair of the Committee and at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff Director or Research Director.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
• Under the direction of the Committee Chair, Staff Director and/or Research Director
provides information for public hearings and executive sessions, writes memoranda and prepares research material as required;
• Prepares drafts of legislative documents and outgoing communication such as amendments, press releases, hearing notices, letters of testimony, legislation, bills, and talking points;
• Assists in coordinating hearings and informational briefings;
• Maintains records and compiles background materials and information; Tracks bills through the legislative process;
• Summarize and analyze committee-related legislation
• Conduct research on issues facing the committee
• Prepares briefing materials and bill summaries;
• Responds to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives, constituency groups and/or the general public regarding bill language and/or bill status;
• Assists with organizing committee hearings, providing support throughout the hearing process such as recording votes, filing amendments, posting hearing notices, reserving hearing rooms, and obtaining necessary supplies;
• Performs various administrative tasks necessary for carrying out legislative functions including taking notes during strategy meetings, scheduling and maintaining the committee calendar, email, and the Joint Committee Sharepoint;
• Provides coaching and guidance to Legislative Aides and interns as needed;
• Utilizes research databases;
• Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite;
• Able to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Attributes:
• Ability to interact and work with different communities and personalities in a professional
and helpful manner;
• Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently and meet deadlines on short notice;
• Experience presenting complex data, analyses and information in easily understood formats;
• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive
feedback professionally;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly about maintaining confidentiality of internal
policy documents and strategy:
• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology;
• Ability to follow-up and complete tasks.

Education/Experience Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required in relevant field;
• Prior legislative or related work experience for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups or non-profit organizations is preferred.

Position Type:
This position operates in a professional office environment; must be able to communicate both
in person and by telephone. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets, and multifunction copiers/printers.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to Cynthia.Lewis@mahouse.gov with "RECRI Researcher Applicant" in the subject line.

Benefits
As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, staff have access to a wide variety of health
plans including coverage of health, vision, and dental benefits. Furthermore, retirement benefits are
available, depending upon one's length of employment.

The House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.

Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA, USA
Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-2400080P
Employment Type: Full Time

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • Pension
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program