Budget and Policy Analyst

Department Information

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Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting:

The Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) advises the Governor on complex budget and policy issues. OSPB manages all aspects of the state’s budget and seeks to leverage it to the benefit of all Coloradans. OSPB staff works at the cutting edge of state issues, works closely with agency leadership throughout the state, and provides deep analysis of the tradeoffs needed to make strong budgetary recommendations for the Governor.

OSPB staff are dedicated to the development of creative and sound budgetary decisions that allow the Governor and state to achieve the goals within a sound fiscal framework. OSPB staff play critical roles in evaluating budget and policy to provide the fiscal analysis needed for senior staff to understand the tradeoffs of various decisions.

Description of Job

Position: Budget and Policy AnalystDepartment: Office of State Planning and Budgeting

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Organizational Relationships: Budget and Policy Analysts report to an OSPB Manager

Term-limited? No.

Expected annual travel: Minimal

Summary of Functions

OSPB Budget and Policy Analysts are responsible for developing the Governor’s annual budget proposal for one or more state departments and the associated legislative processes. OSPB staff are dedicated to the development of creative and sound budgetary decisions that allow the Governor and state to achieve policy goals within a sound fiscal framework. Analysts work under the guidance of an OSPB Manager and conduct detailed budget and policy analyses of department budgets, develop and present recommendations, provide department oversight, and other tasks as appropriate. They build and maintain key relationships with state agency staff, other Governor’s Office staff, and Joint Budget Committee staff.

Core competencies for Budget and Policy Analysts consist of the following:

Advance the Governor’s agenda and promote fiscal responsibility: Advances the Governor’s agenda through innovative thinking and collaboration within the Governor’s Office and with Departments, the legislature, and other stakeholders. Recommends budget proposals that promote fiscal responsibility.

Develop and apply technical budget and policy expertise to shape decision making: Adopts a relentless curiosity to understand complex issues of budget, policy, and operational considerations for state agencies. Applies appropriate techniques to make informed recommendations to senior leaders; this may include analyses using large datasets, quantitative models, and data visualization. Works independently and offers well reasoned recommendations. Anticipates the needs of decision-makers. Seeks opportunities to assist colleagues in developing their skills and knowledge.

Demonstrate analytical rigor, precision, thoroughness, and accuracy: Considers all relevant facets of an issue and applies the appropriate analysis to each problem. Seeks accuracy and thoroughness of each aspect of analysis. Proactively applies or develops the most appropriate techniques to understand and communicate complexity in simple ways.

Cultivate collaborative relationships with internal and external partners: Solicits and considers input from internal and external partners to make budget, policy, and operational recommendations. Presents ideas clearly and effectively orally and in writing; keeps appropriate people informed.

Contribute to a professional, respectful, and welcoming office culture: Fosters a productive, constructive, and respectful working environment. Represents OSPB well in written and verbal interactions. Actively participates as part of the team; actively listens to and considers others’ ideas; and proactively generates and shares ideas. Seeks opportunities to help and support colleagues.

Roles and Responsibilities

This position will be responsible for the budget development and oversight of one or more executive branch departments. In particular, this position will focus on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Budget analysis:

Develop broad expertise on assigned departments' budgets, operations, and statutes

Review departments' various budget requests and make recommendations to the Governor, OSPB Director, and Governor’s Office Senior Staff; recommend strategies to meet the Governor's fiscal goals

Conduct related research and prepare briefings; and respond to inquiries from the Governor’s Office, departments, and the legislature

Ensure accurate tracking of departments' budget requests, spending, and appropriationsPolicy analysis:

Recommend strategies to implement the Governor's budget priorities, including partnering with the legislative branch

Recommend program or policy changes to improve performance and/or service delivery in assigned areas

Research policy proposals and legislation to determine state fiscal impacts, identify potential concerns, and recommend solutions

Monitor related legislative hearings and actions and prepare summaries and briefings

Department oversight:

Counsel assigned department on means of addressing programmatic needs

Counsel departments in the drafting of requests for changes in funding

Work with departments to assess data and evidence associated with department programs and develop performance objectives and measures

Manage communications between departments and Joint Budget Committee staff

Ensure that objectives and measures align with the Governor's policy objectives

Participate in special projects to improve the management of State operations

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Education and Experience:

Strong analytic, quantitative, and reasoning skills

Ability to synthesize complex data and information from a wide variety of sources

Strong written and oral communication skills, especially with an ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely

Excellent time management skills and ability to balance competing deadlines and priorities

Knowledge and skills in areas including public budgeting, policy analysis, public administration, economics, or other related areas, as demonstrated by professional and/or academic experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Relevant professional experience is preferred but not required.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment and reside in Colorado once employed.

Supplemental Information

To Apply:

A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements.

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:

Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks a year)

Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month (10 days a year)

12 paid holidays per year

Medical and dental plans

State paid life insurance policy of a minimum of $50,000 or 1x annual salary

Choice of 2 retirement plans

401K and 457 plans

State paid Short Term Disability coverage

Additional optional life and disability plans

Credit Union Membership

RTD pass

Training and professional developmentTo learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Staffing Coordinator (the Senior Human Resources Director) at submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.