Principal Policy Lead Part-Time Philadelphia, PA

Principal Policy Lead

BVA Bears IT Solutions is seeking a Principal Policy Leada senior-level professional combining the strengths of a Senior Policy Analyst and a Legislative/Program Specialistto support policy, research, and program development initiatives for the City of Philadelphia. This is a part-time position with a primarily remote work environment. While most responsibilities can be performed virtually, occasional on-site meetings in Philadelphia may be required based on project needs.

Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of Philadelphiagenerally within ~1 hourto ensure availability for any in-person engagements. Work may be performed remotely and/or on-site at the request of City Council. Communications, submissions, and contract documentation occur electronically. Briefings, presentations, interviews, and working sessions will be scheduled by Council as required for project progress or clarification.

The Principal Policy Lead (Sr. Policy Analyst + Legislative/Program Specialist) serves as the senior expert responsible for high-complexity policy research, legislative analysis, and strategic program development. The role leads multidisciplinary analytical work, evaluates best practices, synthesizes evidence into executive-level recommendations, and produces high-impact deliverables to support City Council's decision-making. The Principal Policy Lead ensures analytical rigor, methodological transparency, and adherence to requirements including a minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in policy research, program evaluation, or legislative analysis. The Lead partners with quantitative, legislative, programmatic, and compliance staff to guide major initiatives from initial research through final executive-ready deliverables, ensuring that all work aligns with applicable professional services terms and conditions.

This role will be for a 12 month project period. The Principal Policy Lead (Sr. Policy Analyst + Legislative/Program Specialist) is projected to work approximately 33 hours per month, depending on project milestones and documentation cycles. Estimated hours by month are as follows:

• Month 1: ~33 hours per month
• Months 23: ~20 hours per month
• Month 4: ~18 hours per month
• Month 5: ~20 hours per month
• Month 6: ~30 hours per month
• Month 7: ~18 hours per month
• Month 8: ~20 hours per month
• Month 9: ~30 hours per month
• Month 10: ~18 hours per month
• Month 11: ~20 hours per month
• Month 12: ~25 hours per month

Total Annual Commitment: ~272 hours. These hours may flex slightly based on invoicing cycles, disclosure deadlines, and Contract Philly submission requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Task A Advanced Policy Research, Program Design & Best-Practices Analysis (Ongoing)
• Lead high-complexity policy research and best-practice comparative analyses.
• Translate strategic objectives into detailed policy frameworks, implementation architectures, and performance measures.
• Develop feasibility assessments, risk analyses, timelines, and cross-system implications for proposed policies and programs.
• Provide senior-level guidance to staff contributing to background research, literature reviews, and benchmarking activities.
• Task B Legislative Analysis, Interpretation & Drafting Leadership (As Needed)
• Conduct and oversee advanced legislative analysis, including interpretation of ordinances, statutes, regulations, and administrative rules.
• Develop clause-level bill analyses, legislative summaries, and policy implications assessments for executive audiences.
• Draft or guide the drafting of legislation, amendments, issue briefs, and legal-policy options documents in coordination with Council processes.
• Ensure legislative work is defensible, accurate, and aligned with relevant laws, procedural requirements, and Council priorities.
• Task C Quantitative Direction, Impact Modeling & Analytical Rigor (Milestone-Driven)
• Frame analytical questions and define methodological requirements for quantitative and fiscal staff.
• Direct analysis of cost-benefit models, projections, scenarios, and operational impacts.
• Integrate complex analytical outputs into policy recommendations, issue briefs, and executive summaries.
• Ensure documentation of assumptions, data sources, limitations, and analytical pathways meets audit-ready standards.
• Task D Executive-Ready Deliverables, Briefings & Strategic Communication (Recurring)
• Serve as the principal author or senior reviewer of high-stakes deliverables, including policy memos, white papers, legislative analyses, implementation plans, and presentation materials.
• Produce concise, polished, and accessible executive-level documents tailored to senior leadership and elected officials.
• Lead briefing sessions, stakeholder discussions, and decision-support presentations.
• Oversee revision cycles to ensure timely delivery, accuracy, clarity, and alignment with Council expectations.
• Task E Senior-Level Administrative Compliance, Documentation & Adherence (Continuous)
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and workpapers, including ? 5-year record retention after final payment as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with requirements covering nondiscrimination, LEP access, minimum wage standards, contribution disclosures, gifts/ethics, and PHI terms where applicable.
• Support administrative coordination related to invoicing, reporting, documentation controls, and contract adherence.
• Serve as senior point of review for compliance-related inquiries or documentation needs.
• Task F Presentations, Interviews, Clarifications & Investigative Support (As Requested)
• Represent the project team in formal presentations, interviews, and clarification sessions requested by the City.
• Lead coordinated responses to inquiries into work quality, team qualifications, or compliance matters.

Quality Assurance, Documentation & Compliance

Lead QA processes for analytical rigor, accuracy, legal soundness, and clear communication. Maintain complete citation trails, methodological notes, drafts, and modeling documentation. Ensure all deliverables and processes follow applicable terms and conditions, including documentation standards, accessibility requirements, disclosure obligations, and record-retention.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in public-sector policy research, policy analysis, legislative analysis, program evaluation, or related consulting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex policy initiatives and produce executive-level deliverables.
• Deep knowledge of legislative processes, government operations, and statutory interpretation.
• High proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, quantitative analysis, and data interpretation.
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights.
• Proven success working with senior leadership, elected officials, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting municipal or legislative bodies; direct experience with City Council operations preferred.
• Familiarity with electronic procurement/contracting systems and City compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing for public or formal presentations, interviews, or clarifications during procurement or legislative processes.
• Background incorporating equity, accessibility, and LEP considerations into policy and program design.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Policy Leadership
• Legislative Analysis & Drafting
• Advanced Analytical Framing & Interpretation
• Executive Communication & Deliverable Quality
• Program & Implementation Design
• Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
• Documentation Discipline & Compliance Management
• Multi-Project Leadership & Judgment

U.S. Citizenship Requirement:

This position is restricted to U.S. citizens only in accordance with federal contract requirements. Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization) prior to employment. Non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), are not eligible for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

BVA Bears IT Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other