Policy Research Assistant Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Thank you for your interest in employment with Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), System Administration and System Computing Services. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account.
• Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our Human Resources department at (775) 784-4901.
Job Description
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Principal Fiscal and Policy Analyst. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor and NSHE Budget Director. The position may be physically located in either Las Vegas or Reno, Nevada.
The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: three universities, four community colleges and a research institute. The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees.
The Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst is responsible for performing independent analyses, developing alternatives and making recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer, Chancellor, or Board of Regents.
SALARY/GRADE: This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the candidate's education, experience, and certification/training. In addition to base salary*, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, an employer paid long term disability plan is included.
• Outstanding Retirement Plan: professional employees are required to participate in the 401(a) Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA). Employee contributions of 19.25% are matched 100% by the employer and employees experience an immediate vesting in the plan. Employees who currently or previously participated in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada may be eligible to continue in the PERS plan.
• Paid Leave: generous annual leave (accrual of 2 days per month), sick leave (granted 30 days at time of hire), 12 paid holidays, and paid family leave.
• Education Benefit: employees and their qualified dependents may take advantage of a tuition savings benefit. Faculty may take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate and their dependents may access an unlimited number of credits, if they meet specific criteria.
• Additional Perks: Employee assistance programs and professional development opportunities.

*Pursuant NSHE Policy: "Initial placement must fall between the minimum salary and Q2/median/mid-range on the applicable salary schedule." To view the salary range for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select NSHE Administrative Salary Schedule, Grade D.
APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE: August 1, 2026
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in business, finance, accounting or public administration with five (5) years of related and progressive experience directly applicable to the position (or) a Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in business, finance, accounting or public administration with three (3) years of related and progressive experience directly applicable to the position. Alternatively, ten years of progressive experience directly applicable to the position may be substituted.
Experience in higher education or other public sectors of similar size and scope is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. Recommend that applicants for this position address some of the following elements in the resume or cover letter:

• Financial analysis, planning, research, program/policy development, and budget administration.
• Financial reporting; long range goals and objectives of an agency sufficient to develop appropriate and effective policy and procedures; and agency organizational structure and resources.
• Techniques of statistical analysis including data collection, evaluation, analysis, financial statements and manipulation; accounting, auditing, financial reporting and/or research/statistical methods and techniques.
• Legislative proceedings and processes; governmental agencies, resources and functions sufficient to locate and obtain needed information and/or resources, accepted practices and methods used in designing program reviews and audits.
• Research and analysis techniques and methodologies; accounting and budgeting; management and administration concepts, principles and practices sufficient to assist in evaluation, developing and recommending effective administrative and/or operational
• policies and procedures; and various computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Higher education policies and procedures.
• Read, interpret, and apply complex rules and regulations for various funding sources; read and interpret technical reports, governmental publications and federal directives.
• Write comprehensive reports and recommendations using correct English grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation. Produce clear, concise reports and other presentation materials.
• Analyze organizational and administrative programs, policies and procedures, prepare plans for revision, and make recommendations.
• Perform statistical computations such as correlation studies, variance analysis, averages and trends; analyze user needs and develop appropriate solutions and requirements.
• Operate a personal computer and related hardware and software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and institution representatives.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; compose business correspondence and reports; analyze information, problems or practices to identify relevant concerns, identify patterns, tendencies, and relationships, and formulate logical conclusions.
• Analyze issues, identify the strengths and weaknesses of proposed options as well as the development of alternative solutions and approaches to problems.
• Build consensus with a diverse group of institution representatives.
• Effectively time-manage projects and priorities to meet deadlines in an accurate and efficient manner.
• Designing, researching and interpreting study results; recommending courses of action based upon study outcomes and results.
• Developing computer generated reports; and organizing, developing and making oral presentations.
• Advanced level financial analysis, planning, preparation and administration.
• Advanced mathematical, financial, and statistical computation.
• Designing analytical research studies; identifying research needs and problems.
• NSHE and State budget processes, including biennial and annual budgets for State and Self-Supporting accounts
• An ability to communicate complex financial information to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, making it digestible for those who may not have as much experience with financial matters
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a propensity for finding creative solutions to complex challenges
• A history of strong analytic capabilities, with a clear record of using data to inform decisions.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties of this position will include, but not be limited to, the following areas of responsibility:

• Conduct a variety of studies, research and analysis of management and administrative areas such as budgeting and financial analysis; departmental operations such as policies and workflow; analysis of legislative bill drafts and policies; management research; and statistical and informational analysis.
• Conduct and/or assist in conducting financial, statistical or investigative studies; compile and analyze data; prepare and present reports summarizing study results/conclusions; may make recommendations regarding policies, procedures, the department's position on issues or a course of action, and the development of new programs or services based upon study findings.
• Participate in the preparation and development of comprehensive narrative and financial reports for presentation.
• Participate in ad hoc committees and task forces when needed
• Perform related duties as assigned.

TO APPLY: The application process will be managed through the Workday on-line search process. Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted. Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience. Applications will be considered incomplete without all requested materials. References will only be contacted for those who advance to the final phase of the search and with prior consent of the applicant. The review of materials will begin immediately. Materials should be addressed to Sherry Olson, Human Resources, and are to be submitted via on-line application at http://system.nevada.edu/Careers/index.htm For assistance with NSHE's on-line applicant portal, contact Sherry Olson at (775) 784-4901.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS: Current employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education MUST use the "Find Jobs" process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at NSHE institutions. Once you log into Workday and type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate the specific job posting by typing the requisition number (e.g., R0000000) in the search box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled. The review of materials will begin immediately, however, for full consideration applications should be submitted by Sunday, July 5, 2026.
For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our website at www.nevada.edu. The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. The NSHE is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Exempt
Yes
Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements. Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.
HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents.