03/20/2007 07651

DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF POLICY, PLANNING & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, DMVA

DEFINITION: This is responsible professional work directing the policy, planning and legislative affairs functions in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The employee in this job is responsible for organizing and directing the policy, planning and legislative functions for the Department. Work involves directing and participating in the centralized development or review of all departmental policies to ensure consistency with the strategic mission of the Department and with the broader policies of the Governor and federal government; and managing the development of the Department’s strategic planning initiatives, including establishing goals and formulating long term strategies. Work also includes managing, through subordinate staff and program offices, the review of legislation for its impact on the Department; representing the Department at legislative committee meetings and hearings; directing the coordination of proposed legislation with the Governor’s Office, the Office of General Counsel, the Governor’s Policy Office, and other state agencies and stakeholders; coordinating research into grant development opportunities; and serving as the principal adviser to the Adjutant General and other high-level departmental decision-makers on state and federal policy and legislative issues to include recommending substantive public policy changes. Work is assigned in the form of broad program goals and objectives. Work is performed with a high degree of independence under general direction of the Adjutant General and is evaluated through conferences, written reports, adherence to departmental goals and objectives, and effectiveness of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provides advice and recommendations to the Adjutant General and senior staff on a wide variety of complex and sensitive policy and legislative issues and initiatives.

Formulates or directs the development of departmental policies consistent with the Department’s strategic mission and broader policies of the Governor and the federal government.

Oversees the development, analysis, modification and implementation of the Department’s strategic planning initiatives.

Conducts policy, program, and research studies in connection with the development of departmental policy, plans, and initiatives. Provides long-range policy recommendations on departmental plans, programs, and initiatives.

Directs and coordinates the review and development of proposed legislation with department staff, the Governor’s Office, the Office of General Counsel, the Governor’s Policy Office, the Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs, the appropriate general assembly and senate committees, other state agencies and stakeholders.

Acts on behalf of the Adjutant General to implement key initiatives for the Department.

Directs interdepartmental management work groups and committees.

Researches and prepares position papers for the Adjutant General and other senior departmental staff.

Represents the Department at legislative committee meetings and hearings.

Directs the preparation of or prepares materials to be used at legislative committee meetings or hearings.

Directs research into issues affecting departmental program operations.

Oversees the development of grant opportunities for the department.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of techniques used in policy analysis and research, program analysis and planning.

Knowledge of the principles and methodology used in the collection, analysis, and presentation of statistical, economic, or administrative data.

Knowledge of the structure and operations of state government, and its relationship to federal, regional and local governments.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

Ability to identify and analyze complex policy issues.

Ability to design and conduct policy and program research studies.

Ability to evaluate program operations and to develop and recommend modifications.

Ability to analyze and interpret legislation and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of professional experience in policy development and analysis, planning, or legislative development or liaison work, which includes two years in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity; and a bachelor’s degree;

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Five years of professional experience in policy development and analysis, planning, or legislative development or liaison work, which includes two years in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity; and a master’s degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.