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Senior Policy Analyst, GOPP

AT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Senior Policy Analyst, GOPP

Boston, MA

Job Description

About the Office of the Inspector General (OIG or Office)

Since its creation as the nation's first state-level inspector general's office, the Massachusetts OIG has been at the forefront of promoting effective government and the responsible use of public money and property. The OIG is an independent agency charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse in the use of public funds and public property. By statute, the Inspector General (IG) has broad authority to oversee the use of state, local and federal funds by state and local governments, as well as by those who receive government funds or use public property. This includes state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities and districts, as well as individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations that do business with the government.

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The Office is led by the Inspector General of the Commonwealth, who is appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and Auditor "...solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, investigation or criminal justice administration." M.G.L. c. 12A, § 2.

The OIG is organized into three bureaus: Specialty & Government, Legal & Compliance, and Operations, Training & Publications. Each bureau contains divisions that focus on specific agencies, issues or functions. Together the bureau work to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse of public resources in the Commonwealth. Additional information about the office may be found at Welcome to the Office of the Inspector General | Mass.gov.

The OIG enabling statute is Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 12A). Further details may be found at Chapter 12A (malegislature.gov).

The Legal & Compliance Bureau

The Legal & Compliance Bureau is managed by the General Counsel. This bureau consists of three divisions: The Office of the General Counsel; Audit, Oversight and Investigations; and Government Outreach and Public Policy. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal support across the office related to human resources, procurements, compliance, litigation and investigations. The Audit, Oversight and Investigation Division investigates possible fraud, waste and abuse of public resources across state and local government. The Government Outreach and Public Policy (GOPP) Division oversees the OIG's government outreach, municipal engagement, and policy and legislative initiatives and is responsible for legislative mandate such as the review of land dispositions.

Government Outreach and Public Policy

GOPP is responsible for regular communication with state and local elected leaders, identifying common issues of concern, and advocating for oversight policies and legislative changes based on the OIG's investigations. The division is also responsible for legislative mandates, including review of Construction Management At-Risk projects and public land dispositions.

Senior Policy Analyst: Position Overview

As part of the OIG's GOPP Division, the Senior Policy Analyst will track legislative developments, prepare research briefings, and assist the GOPP Division in carrying out its legislative mandates. The Senior Policy Analyst will be responsible for conducting research on public policy issues. The Senior Policy Analyst will also assist in drafting reports, letters and other work products. The Senior Policy Analyst will work with senior staff and colleagues in the GOPP Division to expand the OIG's efforts to collaborate and enhance the work of government.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Perform background research on public policy issues and entities.
  • Prepare briefings for the OIG's external meetings.
  • Attend legislative hearings, track and analyze bills, and inform division staff of legislative proceedings.
  • Lead OIG projects through research, analysis and review of government documents, reports and budgets.
  • Draft and assist in the preparation of reports, testimony, letters and other work projects.
  • Represent the OIG at external meetings and events.
  • Assist division staff with statutorily mandated reviews including public construction application and real property appraisal reviews.
  • Monitor state and municipal government developments for topics of interest to the OIG.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.


Qualifications

Key Abilities, Skills and Experience:

  • 6 or more years of experience in related areas, such as policy analysis, government, budget analysis or public administration.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with agency personnel, and state and local officials.
  • Excellent research, writing, editing and verbal skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Ability to identify risks and issues on projects and assignments and use sound judgment to determine which require consultation with others.
  • In-depth understanding of state and municipal government.
  • Ability to keep meticulous and consistent documentation of projects, files and assignments in an organized and complete manner.
  • Works independently and demonstrates the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks at once.
  • Works well with others, supporting a positive team environment.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office 365.

Preferred Abilities, Skills and Experience include:

  • A bachelor's or master's degree with experience or classwork in one or more of the following areas: government, law, public administration, finance or another related field.
  • Ability to review, analyze and understand government statutes, regulations, policies and procedures including budgets and legislation.
  • Knowledge of public construction laws and real property transactions.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000

Other Position Information: Full time/Exempt

Hybrid Work Schedule:

The Office of the Inspector General offers a hybrid work schedule. Under this policy, employees may request one of the following weekly hybrid schedules: 1) four days telework and one day onsite; 2) three days telework and two days onsite; 3) two days telework and three days onsite; or 4) one day telework and four days onsite. The onsite location is at OIG"s Boston office and employees may work remotely the remainder of the time at a location approved by their supervisor, so long as they comply with the requirements of the Hybrid Work policy. Employees will be assigned to their onsite workspace based on their approved schedule. The approved telework location must be located within Massachusetts or within an approximately two-hour driving or train commute distance. OIG does not reimburse employees for travel to the office. In addition, the successful candidate may be required to work primarily on site in Boston during the initial training and orientation period and/or for certain positions a primarily one-site role may be necessary.

Benefits:

We value our employees and offer benefits that support their lives and well-being, while promoting an environment focused on inclusion, flexibility, professional growth, trust and respect. The Office therefore is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position, hours worked per week and other variables. Consequently, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process.

The overall benefits available include paid vacation; sick and personal leave time; health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission; and optional pre-tax health savings account plans. To view the details of the various plans and the cost split between employer and employee, go to the Group Insurance Commission website.

Employees also participate in the Commonwealth's state retirement plan, which may become a defined benefit plan for those who both vest and subsequently retire from state service. For more information, visit the Massachusetts State Retirement Board website.

In addition, the Office provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long-term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs.

This position may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program administered by the federal government.

How to Apply

Submit cover letter and resume via email:

Sarah Hoover, Director of Human Resources & Recruitment

Office of the Inspector General

IGO-employment@mass.gov

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Diversity Officer: Sarah Hoover

The Office of the Inspector General is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. The Office does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

The Office promotes access, inclusion and diversity for all staff, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding working environment and in keeping with its mission. The Office actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce and is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA, USA
Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-240009PX
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