Public Policy Research Assistant Jobs in Indiana

Overview Agency Summary The City-County Council is the legislative branch of our local government. In addition to adopting budgets, levying taxes, and authorizing financial appropriations to fund city and county operations, the council is responsible for enacting, repealing, and amending local laws. The Council appoints members to boards and commissions that serve the community, and all meetings are open to the public.

Job Summary Position is responsible for executing the Council's public policy and intergovernmental strategy and works on behalf of the Council with local, state, and federal elected and appointed officials; neighborhood groups; and business and trade organizations. The position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer/Policy Director and provides strategic policy and legislative support to Council leadership. The Manager - Legislative Affairs & Policy oversees the development, coordination, and implementation of the Council's legislative and policy initiatives.

The manager supervises the Legislative Liaisons and coordinates cross-departmental policy research, legislative analysis, and strategic advocacy. This position also evaluates the long-term policy and fiscal impacts of enacted legislation and develops frameworks for measuring legislative performance. The Manager - Legislative Affairs & Policy analyzes, consolidates, and interprets data; prepares policy and fiscal reports; assists in the city-county budget process; and maintains a comprehensive understanding of state and federal policy trends affecting local governance.

The role advises Council leadership on legislative drafting best practices and ensures strategic alignment between Council priorities and citywide initiatives. Strong written and verbal communication skills, professional integrity, and the ability to manage confidential information are essential. Independent judgment is regularly utilized when there are no available policies or procedures.

Errors in judgment may result in regulatory, fiscal, or operational challenges. This position carries out broad and complex assignments requiring comprehensive knowledge-or the ability to obtain such knowledge-of public policy, legislative processes, and intergovernmental affairs in order to interpret and apply policies and provide information that supports decision-making. Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve. Position Responsibilities Manages the planning, development, and implementation of policies and objectives in alignment with the priorities and strategic direction established by the Council. Advises Council on legislative options, policy implications, and procedural considerations to support informed decision-making

Supervises the Legislative Liaisons and provides leadership and staff support for special projects, study commissions, and community outreach initiatives. Serves as a liaison between the Council and community stakeholders, including neighborhood associations, advocacy groups, and business or civic partners-facilitating engagement, transparency, and collaboration on key legislative initiatives. Coordinates with the Mayor's Office and external agencies on strategic policy alignment, grant opportunities, and the implementation of state and federal mandates.

Builds and maintains effective relationships with City and County departments, municipal corporations, and other governmental partners to efficiently exchange information and respond to inquiries. Monitors and tracks state and federal legislation that may impact local government policy, operations, or fiscal capacity, and provides timely updates to Council leadership. Conducts policy research, analyzes program data, and prepares concise policy briefs and recommendations to support Council decision-making on legislative and community initiatives.

Collaborates with the General Counsel to prepare and review legislative documents and proposals for Council introduction, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and procedures. Assists the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Administrative Officer/Policy Director in the formulation, review, and adoption of the annual budgets for the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and the five municipal corporations under Council oversight. Collaborates with the CFO on fiscal analyses related to budget, bond, and economic development legislation, ensuring financial data is accurately represented in Council materials.

Oversees the development of a framework for evaluating the fiscal, social, and administrative impacts of Council-enacted legislation to measure outcomes and inform future policymaking. Attends Council meetings, committee hearings, and relevant boards or commissions to monitor and report on the progress of policies, programs, and budget initiatives. Notifies Council staff of procedural considerations related to proposed legislation and coordinates with the General Counsel to ensure compliance.

Maintains confidentiality, demonstrates sound judgment, and adapts to shifting priorities and deadlines, including attending evening and weekend meetings as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer/Policy Director. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field is required, with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. Must be able to manage multiple tasks and projects, lead teams and working groups, maintain effective internal and external relationships, and clearly present information to support policymaking.

Responds to inquiries from City-County personnel, regulatory agencies, and members of the business community. Must demonstrate the ability to lead executive-level legislative and regulatory initiatives, including drafting, statutory interpretation, and oversight of policy development, implementation, and cross-departmental coordination. Must possess comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative processes and intergovernmental affairs.

Ability to use Microsoft 365 programs. Ability to work with various computer accounting and management system software and databases. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to communicate effectively in all formats (oral, verbal, and written) and to present information in an easily understood and professional format. Ability to meet deadlines and coordinate a variety of projects simultaneously. Knowledge of government accounting procedures preferred.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications In addition to the minimum job requirements, Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Working Conditions Essential functions are regularly performed in a standard office environment without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. This position requires flexibility in work hours and may involve working outside of normal business hours.

The employee must be available to stay late, arrive early, and work evenings or weekends as needed to attend Council meetings and community events. Physical Conditions Sitting at a desk the majority of the day Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals Tasks require the ability to communicate orally