Budget and Research Analyst

Company Description

Kansas Action for Children (KAC) was founded in 1979 with leadership from several prominent Kansas organizations to advocate for children in the state. Over the years, KAC has become one of the leading child advocacy organizations in the US, working alongside legislators and community leaders to improve health, education, and economic policies for the benefit of Kansas children and families. KAC's mission is to make Kansas the best state to raise a child, achieving significant results through support from individuals and private foundations.

Position Overview

The Budget and Research Analyst conducts research and analysis on a range of tax and budget topics, including the relationship between state and federal fiscal policy and KAC policy priorities, to develop informed recommendations that improve the lives of Kansas children and their families.

This position analyzes the fiscal details of health, education, and economic policies that impact the lives of Kansas children and families.

The Budget and Research Analyst:

• Analyzes state and federal policy proposals, including the state’s budget, to determine the impact on the Kansas economy and low-income populations.
• Researches and summarizes literature and publications.
• Contributes to or leads the writing of internal and external documents, including reports.
• Helps develop policy proposals and ideas to enhance the well-being of Kansas children and their families.
• Leads the collection and analysis of fiscal data.

Highly qualified candidates will possess strong writing, research, analysis, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as a deep interest in how state fiscal policy reflects state priorities that affect Kansans.

This position reports to the Fiscal Policy Manager. This position is represented by Communication Workers of America Local 6400 and is a bargaining unit position.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conducts research and analysis on state and federal budgets.
• Creates products (numeric, visual, and written) that combine data and policy analysis to inform and activate a variety of audiences. These could include reports, fact sheets, policy briefs, blog posts, data visualizations, charts/graphics, spreadsheets, or other documents. 
• Monitors, analyzes, tracks, and recommends the best course of action for legislation at the state or federal level to advance KAC’s public policy priorities and signature projects in coordination with KAC policy advisors.

Qualifications:

• A degree in economics, finance, public policy, accounting, or a related field, or 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of state fiscal and economic policy, particularly in Kansas.
• Strong research skills, including the ability to use and interpret a wide range of sources, such as legislation, regulations, government data, and academic work in fiscal policy and economics. 
• Ability to coordinate complex projects and work in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent research and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex data and policy information for various audiences, as demonstrated through writing and data visualization samples.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences and synthesize data and research into clear, effective arguments.
• Demonstrated capacity to set priorities; work on multiple complex and detail-oriented projects, often on a time-sensitive basis; and work effectively individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and identify emerging policy challenges and opportunities. This includes a capacity to work on multiple tasks, often on a time-sensitive basis.
• Commitment to and interest in ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and thrive, as evident in application materials and the interview process.

Time Commitment and Expectations

This is a full-time position and requires a Kansas residency. Kansas Action for Children follows a hybrid work structure, allowing for some remote work. This position requires an in-person presence in the Statehouse during the legislative session and in the office for specific tasks, team meetings, and formal and informal collaboration. This position may include long hours and require a flexible schedule, particularly during the legislative session.

Benefits and Compensation

At Kansas Action for Children, we believe in a comprehensive approach to rewarding and supporting staff. We work to balance financial stability with competitive pay and meaningful benefits, while offering unmatched schedule flexibility and mission-based work. This includes:

• Flexible Paid Time Off (available immediately upon hire)
• Retirement plan employer contribution of 3%, with 100% vesting of the match upon hire
• Health insurance coverage with generous individual and family portions paid by the organization
• Paid Family Leave

The compensation for this position begins at $55,000 annually.