Policy Analyst – Mass Cannabis Control Commission

PURPOSE OF THE JOB 

The Policy Analyst, under the direction of the Director of Government Affairs & Policy, supports the Commission’s government affairs and public policy functions by reviewing, interpreting, and recommending prospective policies under the agency’s jurisdiction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Monitor and conduct research on cannabis policy trends in legalized marijuana jurisdictions; succinctly synthesize the information for Commissioners and agency leadership on potential or proposed international, federal, and state legislative action;
• In collaboration with Communications, draft materials in a variety of formats (e.g., long-form documents, social media posts, infographics, fact sheets, talking points, legislative testimony, and advocacy letters) that advance the Commission’s policy priorities, including commenting on proposed legislation; advocating for the Commission’s perspective with key officials and the general public; and briefing elected officials, senior administrative officials, and their staff on cannabis policy issues;
• In collaboration with the General Counsel and the Chief Communications Officer, support the Government Affairs and Policy team on special policy and regulatory review projects, including but not limited to, public comment review and issue analysis;
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure the accuracy and timely submission of the Commission’s annual report, assist in the development of other reports, position papers, policy briefs, and special projects as assigned;
• Provide guidance and information as requested to members of the Cannabis Advisory Board and assist with meeting production;
• Support strategies to strengthen relationships with local and state leaders, maintain a database with up-to-date contact information for municipal, state, and federal officials;
• Work with Commission staff to plan and execute outreach and education events for external partners throughout the Commonwealth;
• Collaborate with the Research Department and other Commission staff as well as other state agencies and stakeholders to monitor, collect, and interpret data; and
• Prepare documents and materials for Public Meetings, Listening Sessions, and other Commission events.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct and support the Commission’s goals for a diverse and culturally aware workforce;
• Work with Commissioners, the Executive Director, the Chief Communications Officer, and the Government Affairs and Policy team to ensure open communication between local, state, regional, and federal agencies and staff;
• Attend meetings and hearings that directly impact the Commission, including state agency training;
• Draft and/or review responses to relevant correspondence;
• Ability to travel to and work out of the Worcester Headquarters and satellite office in Boston; and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

• Knowledge of the Commission’s mission, standards, and goals;
• Commitment to Social Justice and Equity;
• Excellent project management and communication skills, including strong writing skills;
• Ability to analyze, draft, and interpret legislation, policy, and budget documents;
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Ability to work on multiple assignments; exercise good judgment in decision-making; meet deadlines; demonstrate attention to detail and be flexible;
• Strong critical and strategic thinking;
• Advanced computer skills (i.e., Word, Excel);
• Preparing a variety of written communications such as testimony, fact sheets, and reports;
• Planning and organization skills; and
• Ability to work independently, as well as with teams.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education required;
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in government, law, or public policy;
• Experience with or knowledge of the cannabis regulatory environment or research;
• Experience with case management tools/systems; and
• Committed to working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Salary Range:  $70,000 – $80,000 

Benefits Package: 

The Commission is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position classification, hours worked per week and other variables. Therefore, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process. 

This position is non-civil service. This position is an exempt position. 

The overall benefits available include: paid vacation, sick and personal leave time, health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance, and optional pre-tax Health Savings Account plans. 

In addition, the Commission provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs. 

The Commission employees also participate in the Commonwealth’s State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from State service. Follow this link for additional retirement information: http://www.mass.gov/treasury/retirement/state-board- of-retire/. 

Commitment to Diversity: 

The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 

Notice of Required Background Check – Including Tax Compliance: 

The Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment. 

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such background check is not initiated until: 

A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview, and 

The candidate has signed the Background Check Authorization Form and related releases. 

This background check includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Federal IRS and Department of Revenue state tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment. 

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified. Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualification check. 

Those candidates invited to interview will be contacted by the Commission. Unfortunately, due to the anticipated high volume of applicants for this vacancy, we are unable to provide status updates to specific individuals. 

: United States-Massachusetts-Worcester-2 Washington Square

: Administrative Services

: Cannabis Control Commission

: Jan 10, 2023, 6:41:40 AM

: 70,000.00 – 80,000.00 Yearly