Research Analyst

I. PURPOSE OF THE JOB Under the direction of the Director of Research, works in the Research Division by contributing to the Commission’s ambitious and robust exploratory agenda and ensuring all statutorily mandated reports are completed in a timely fashion. IV. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of Commission’s mission, standards and goals;

• Excellent management and communication skills;

• Adept at presenting information in an accurate and concise format;

• Proficient at executing self-directed projects and research;

• Effective interpersonal skills;

• Ability to think critically and strategically;

• Strong computer skills (i.e., Word, Excel, Access);

• Careful planning and organizational skills;

• Comfortable working independently, as well as with teams.

• Ability to work in Commission’s Boston headquarters until May 2019.

• Ability to work in the Commission’s headquarters, likely to be in the Worcester area, and occasionally in its satellite office, likely be in the Metro-Boston area, after May 2019.

V. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Communications, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education required; advanced degree preferred;

• Experience working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds;

• Solid background in data analysis, research, and/or writing;

• Experience with or knowledge of cannabis regulatory environment or research.

VI. SALARY RANGE: $50,000 - $60,000 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. Application Process and Deadline: The Commission encourages interested candidates that meet the minimum requirements for experience and skills to apply for this position. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by e-mail no later than Friday, May 18, 2018. The application package should be submitted to: CannabisCommission@state.ma.us Please include the position title in the subject line: Cannabis Control Commission Research Analyst. Submissions are due by 5:00 pm (e-mail) on May 18; late submissions may be considered solely at the discretion of the Commission.
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: 1. A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview, and 2. 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. Qualifications II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Director of Research and executes the Commission’s statutorily required research agenda;

• Collaborates with Commission staff as well as other state agencies and stakeholders to monitor, collect, and interpret data;

• Develops relationships and partnerships with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Department of Higher Education, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and other government agencies as needed;

• Assists in ensuring the Commission’s annual reports are accurate, thorough, and submitted on time;

• Assists the Director of Research in outreach initiatives to policy experts, industry boards, think tanks and others impacted by the Commonwealth’s cannabis policies, regulations, and laws;

• Assists in the development of reports, white papers, briefs, and graphics for research topics and projects;

• Collaborates with Commission staff to develop and execute an open-data concept utilizing information and data gathered and maintained by the Commission;

• Initiates special purpose research and independent projects as they relate to the Commission;

III. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides research on specific topics as directed by the Executive Director or Commissioners;

• Contributes to policy and regulatory discussions utilizing research findings;

• Performs related duties as assigned.