Policy and Research Intern

The Agency Operations and Research Intern performs entry-level project work related to agency operations and communication. The position works alongside staff within the executive division with a primary focus on gaining practical work experience and business aptitude with work including assisting with development of executive dashboards, researching and writing legislative reports, and responding to surveys. The incumbent will proactively work with the staff from Pension and Research, Strategic Initiatives, Communications, fellow interns and other agency employees.

This position is a part-time (19 hours), limited term assignment. This position will be required to come into the Austin, TX office 1-2 days a week

Salary will be dependent upon education level:
$17.00/hour within 12 months of graduation
$19.00/hour currently enrolled in a Graduate program

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
 

Communications

•Assists with production of executive dashboard(s) using the Microsoft Power BI platform.

•Assists with reports, surveys and other electronic and print materials used to inform and educate agency executives, TRS members, Legislative members and employees, and the public.

Data Analysis

•Assists with analyzing and validating data to use within dashboards and reports.

•Assists with summarizing data using tables, graphs, and charts.

•Provides suggestions about potential visualizations and uses for data.

•Assists with organizing data in simple, readable formats.

•Assists with preparing management reports and presentations identifying trends, patterns, and predictions using relevant data.

•Helps identify data quality issues and participate in initiatives to improve data quality.

General Support

•May assist in researching, compiling, and analyzing data; entering data into spreadsheets, databases, and other automated applications; and preparing complex queries and reports.

•May review forms, correspondence, reports, and other documents for completeness and acceptability.

•May assist in reviewing and analyzing agency policies, procedures, and forms and recommending changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

•Assists in completing special projects.

Performs related work as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

Required Education
• Currently enrolled in and actively attending an accredited college or university as an undergraduate student with a declared major in Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, Government, Political Science, Economics, Process Improvement, Business Analyst or a similarly related field of study; OR
• Currently enrolled in and actively attending an accredited college or university as a graduate student (Master or Doctoral) in Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, Government, Political Science, Economics, Process Improvement, Business Analyst or a similarly related field of study.
• Applicant will be required to submit a copy of official college transcript.
Required Experience
• None
Required Registration, Certification, Licensure
• None.
Preferred Qualifications
•  Experience writing and editing content for publication.
•  Strong communication skills. Samples attached to the online application are strongly encouraged.
•  Strong analytical skills. Samples attached to the online application are strongly encouraged.
•  Letter(s) of recommendation from program professor(s) are strongly encouraged.
•  Experience using Microsoft Office software.
•  Pursuing a Liberal Arts Degree Program.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

•General office practices and procedures.

•Using a personal computer in a Windows and Microsoft Office environment (Word, Excel, TEAMS, and SharePoint). Microsoft Power BI experience is a plus.

•Concepts and practices of proofing, editing, validating, and preparing informational materials.

•Some management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.

Skills in:

•Completing detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.

•Conducting data searches and evaluations of large amounts of information.

•Performing complex data analysis and preparing concise and accurate reports including written/oral recommendations.

•Communicating complex information that is accurate, timely, and easily understood.

•Providing quality customer service.

•Reviewing documentation; properly applying complex laws, regulations, rules, and policies; and making decisions based on sound judgment.

Ability to:

•Initiate collaborative work relationships across business areas

•Evaluate problems and develop alternative solutions.

•Develop, interpret, and implement policies and procedures.

•Communicate effectively.

•Comprehend strategic direction, translate into action, and make effective decisions to execute the defined strategy.

•Research complex pension industry data and present and discuss results in a meaningful, simple way.

•Analyze and interpret technical information including regulations, policies, and system documentation/specifications.

•Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

•Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, agency staff, and other external contacts.

•Work effectively in a professional team environment.