Principal Analyst for Ongoing Oversight

Title: Principal Analyst for Ongoing Oversight

State Role Title: Principal Legislative Analyst

Hiring Range: $90,000 - $120,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission

Location: JLARC Office

Agency Website: Work for JLARC (virginia.gov)

 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job role   As Principal Analyst for Ongoing Oversight, you will provide legislative oversight of three large state agencies for the Virginia General Assembly   • Virginia Retirement System (VRS); • Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), which provides IT infrastructure services and IT oversight to state agencies; and • Commonwealth Savers Plan (CSP), formerly Virginia529, which administers Virginia’s college savings plans and a state-sponsored private retirement plan.   You will produce three to six statutorily required oversight products annually and conduct in-depth reviews on topics that you identify through your oversight. Recent in-depth reviews have addressed VRS and CSP’s investment benchmarks, the eligibility of public safety occupations to receive enhanced retirement benefits, the strategic use of surplus funds in CSP’s prepaid tuition programs, and VITA’s organizational structure and staffing. You will conduct research, write reports, and provide briefings to members of the General Assembly. Additional analysts may be assigned to assist you, under your direct supervision, as needed. There may also be opportunities to work with other JLARC study teams if topics within your areas of oversight arise, such as IT services. Your work will be a valuable source of information to the General Assembly in making decisions related to VRS, VITA, and CSP. It will also help ensure that these key state government agencies operate efficiently and fulfill their public missions.   More information about JLARC’s oversight responsibilities, including recent oversight reports, can be found on the VRS, VITA & Virginia529 oversight page of the JLARC website.   Primary job responsibilities   • Evaluate operational and strategic decisions at VRS, VITA, and CSP by observing meetings of their governing boards and interviewing senior agency officials; • Conduct in-depth special studies, as needed; • Complete all aspects of research needed to conduct thorough oversight, including but not limited to, literature reviews, surveys, interviews, and data analysis; • Oversee external consultants, including actuarial and investment experts, when specialized expertise is needed; • Produce up to six oversight reports annually; and • Make regular presentations to the Commission, standing committees of the General Assembly, and agency boards and key officials. Required • Master’s degree in public policy or administration, program evaluation, or a related research-based discipline; • At least three to five years of applied research or oversight experience in a policy-related area; • Ability to consistently exercise independent initiative, objectivity and skepticism, and good judgment; • Strong writing and presentation skills; • Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously; and • Highly effective interpersonal skills.   Investment and IT experience are not required, but a natural curiosity and interest in these topics, as well as a commitment to good government, is required.   About JLARC   The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is a highly respected agency that has been providing nonpartisan program evaluation for the Virginia General Assembly for 50 years. We were recognized in 2020 by the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society for our organizational excellence. You can learn about our agency and the impact we have had improving state government on our website.   JLARC’s core values are integrity, rigor, objectivity, and nonpartisanship. Our skilled staff are driven by our mission to serve the public interest by making government work better.   What we offer   • Starting salary range of $90,000 to $120,000 with opportunities for future salary increases for strong performance; • Good work-life balance, including teleworking two days per week when work demands permit; and • Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid holidays, leave, and retirement plan.   Location   Richmond, Virginia, the state capital, is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, arts scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and outstanding dining and breweries. VCU, a major research university and health system, is located downtown. The Blue Ridge mountains, spectacular beaches, and the nation’s capital are all within a two-hour drive.