Illinois House of Representatives

Office of Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch

Research and Appropriations – Analyst I

Job Type: Full time, Payroll

Reports to: Research and Appropriations Director

Location: Springfield, Illinois 

Number of Positions: 3-5

Date: December 11, 2023

The Research and Appropriations Unit is responsible for drafting the annual state budget, as well as analyzing and drafting substantive legislation. Analysts draft legislation, analyze policy issues, monitor parliamentary procedure during the committee process, and work closely with all House Democratic members to advance their individual and collective caucus interests.

Essential Functions:

• Digest, quickly and accurately, large volumes of fiscal and policy data in order to assist the House Democratic members;
• Conduct legislative research;
• Research and prepare memos and bill analyses;
• Advise members in negotiations and debate;
• Work closely with members, House staff, and attorneys in the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) to draft legislative proposals into bill form;
• Work with legislative members (and other House staff) to ensure that legislative committees function smoothly – including providing guidance on committee procedure;
• Work closely with caucus members, other staff, lobbyists, and constituents to respectfully answer questions and provide assistance regarding issues found in House member districts; and
• Conduct analysis of the Governor’s proposed budget; and
• Analyze state agency budget requests and schedule appropriations hearings.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to quickly digest and summarize complicated issues (e.g., legislation) in a single page document;
• Ability to work in an unpredictable work environment and the willingness to work long hours, when needed; 
• Professional demeanor and the ability to adapt, communicate and work with different or difficult personalities; 
• A demonstrated interest in state government, politics and policy, current affairs, public service or non-profit work, particularly in Democratic politics; 
• Competency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word) and Google Workspace;
• Basic math skills to include basic formulary functions;
• A firm orientation toward detail, along with a demonstration of strong organizational skills; and
• Ability to prioritize and complete assignments in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines.

Compensation:

• $43,000 minimum annual salary; 
• Health, dental, vision, prescription, behavioral health, and life insurance; for details, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/StateEmployee/Pages/StateInsuranceProgram.aspx; 
• Participation in State Employees’ Retirement System;
• Optional participation in health savings account and deferred compensation programs; 
• Competitive vacation, sick, and personal time.

Work Environment: 

• Work is largely performed in the Illinois State Capitol Building Complex in Springfield, Illinois, which is open to the public. Security for the Capitol Complex is provided by Illinois Secretary of State Police.
• The working environment can be noisy, and the building can be congested with constituents, lobbyists, tour groups, and demonstrators. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, as well as to move about inside the Capitol building and grounds as necessary.
• The person in this position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery. 
• The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, legislators, lobbyists, and members of the public, and must be able to professionally exchange accurate information in these situations. 
• Typical work hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on non-session days and extended hours as needed on session days. Hours are subject to change based on the legislative schedule
• Occasional weekends may be required. 
• Some travel may be required.
• This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

The Office of the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, age, military discharge, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.