Policy Analyst

JOB SUMMARY The Policy Analyst, under the direction of the Manager 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. CORE 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 Commission staff, supports 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; * 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, andvisualize policy-relevant data in formats accessible to stakeholders and the public; * Prepare documents and materials for Public Meetings, Listening Sessions, and other Commission events. * 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, Chiefs, and the Government Affairs and Policy team to ensure open communication between local, state, regional, and federal agencies and staff; * Attend meetings, events, and hearings that directly impact the Commission either remotely or throughout the Commonwealth, including state agency training; * Ability to set up events, tables, equipment and represent the Commission in a professional manner; * 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. PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS The Cannabis Control Commission expects all employees to model: * Commitment to its Mission, Vision, and Values * Contributions Toward Meeting Organizational Goals and Objectives * A High Level of Integrity, Collaboration, and Professionalism * A Culturally Sensitive, Inclusive, and Accountable Workplace Environment * Working Respectfully with Others, Supporting Diverse Perspectives, and Upholding Organizational Values * Transparent, Meaningful, and Effective Communication COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES * o Knowledge of the Commission’s mission, standards, and goals; * o Commitment to Social Justice and Equity; * o Excellent project management and communication skills, including strong writing skills; * o Ability to analyze, draft, and interpret legislation, policy, and budget documents; * o Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; * o Ability to work on multiple assignments; exercise good judgment in decision-making; meet deadlines; demonstrate attention to detail and be flexible; * o Strong critical and strategic thinking; * o Advanced computer skills (i.e., Word, Excel); * o Preparing a variety of written communications such as testimony, fact sheets, and reports; * o Planning and organization skills; and * o Ability to work independently, as well as with teams. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS * o Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education required; * o Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in government, law, or public policy; * o Experience with or knowledge of the cannabis regulatory environment or research; * o Experience with case management tools/systems; and * o Committed to working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. 1. ADA REQUIRMENTS Physical Demands: * Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 20 pounds. * Must tolerate sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time. * Must be sensitive to and can manage frequent interruptions. * Standard office environment with use of, and exposure to various office temperatures, and equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers, etc. 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:_ Commitment to Diversity: The Cannabis Control Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse workforce and equitable, and inclusive workplace. The Commission prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected class or characteristic. All employment decisions- including recruitment, hiring, promotion, etc., are made solely on the basis of merit, qualifications and Commissionneeds. CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION’S MISSION STATEMENT AND OPERATING PRINCIPLES OUR MISSION The mission of the Cannabis Control Commission is to honor the will of the voters of Massachusetts by safely, equitably, and effectively implementing and administering the laws enabling access to medical and adult-use marijuana in the Commonwealth. The Commission will foster the creation of a safely regulated industry that will create entrepreneurial and employment opportunities and incremental tax revenues in and to communities across the state and which will be a best practice model for other states. The industry will be characterized by participation by small and larger participants and with full and robust participation by minorities, women, and veterans. We will develop policies and procedures to encourage and enable full participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have previously been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and positively impact those communities. OUR OPERATING PRINCIPLES The Commission promises to: * Conduct all of our processes openly and transparently; and * * Engage in regular two-way communication with all concerned citizens, patients, health care providers and caregivers, partners, and other constituencies. * Build a world-class state agency by: * Committing to the highest level of constituent services using state-of-the-art technology and multiple media; * * Defining and publicly measuring our performance versus metrics regarding timely execution, accessibility, impact on public health and safety, impact on disproportionately harmed communities, and incremental tax revenue generation; * * Becoming self-funding and generating a revenue surplus; and * * Creating a great place to work. * Enhance and ensure public health and safety by: * Developing and enforcing effective regulations; * * Developing and executing a program of continuing public education; * * Conducting and contributing to research on marijuana-related topics; and * * Using surplus funds to help address issues in these areas. * Job: * Planning Organization: * Cannabis Control Commission Title: Policy Analyst Location: Massachusetts-Worcester-2 Washington Square Requisition ID: 260005TT