CHIEF LEGISTATIVE ANALYSIS
Career Family: CHIEF
In New Jersey, Chief Legistative Analysis is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a doctoral degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY2026 range lands between $106,547 and $157,363.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the general direction of a Director or higher level supervisory official in a State department, institution or agency, is responsible for the preparation, review and analysis of State and federal legislation and regulations affecting Department programs state-wide; performs general project/program management duties associated with the preparation of complicated analytical reports and recommendations, and supervises assigned staff; does r elated work as required.
Examples of work
Supervises the drafting of federal and State legislative proposals affecting all modal, program, and policy matters pertaining to the Department's functions. Supervises the coordination and preparation of Departmental positions in response to federal and State legislation, regulations, and policies. Researches federal and State legislation, regulations, and policies in connection with the various programmatic needs, and reports to Department staff on laws passed and their effects upon the Department's activities and recommends how the Department should utilize its resources in relation thereto. Briefs staff and conducts lobbying efforts in coordination with the Governor's Washington Office, the Governor's Office staff, and the Commissioner. Prepares comments and testimony on federal legislative matters on behalf of organizations in which the Commissioner is the Governor's representative. In coordination with other Department units, the Governor's Washington Office, the Governor's Office and other groups, supervises the tracking of federal and State legislation of potential impact on the Department's programs and policy. Represents the Commissioner at State legislative committee meetings and functions as spokesperson on appropriate Departmental matters. Monitors policy related to litigation of concern and interest to the Department. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of appropriate reports and documents as required. Prepares and supervises the preparation of correspondence in the course of official duties. Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of records and files. May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of legislative drafting and preparation of support reports, legislative testimony, and speeches. Knowledge of the preparation of requests for legal opinions in a form usable by officers of the Department. Ability to acquire knowledge of the standards, policies, procedures, regulations, functions and organization of the Department and the New Jersey Laws applicable thereto. Ability to acquire knowledge of the governmental structure and process at the local, State and federal levels, including a thorough understanding of the legislative process and executive- legislative relations. Ability to acquire knowledge of State and federal laws and regulations and economic issues affecting the programs and activities of the Department and to develop alternatives or modifications to assist the Department's aims, Ability to acquire knowledge of the rules, procedures and regulations of federal government agencies whose programs related to Department legislation and administration. Ability to prepare concise and clear reports on complex legislative, legal and economic issues. Ability to acquire knowledge of all legislation affecting Department's programs. Ability to organize assigned supervisory, technical, legal, and other work and develop effective work methods in accordance with established policies, regulations, and procedures. Ability to draft and analyze legislation. Ability to analyze and interpret laws relating to the programs, objectives, policies and activities of the Department and to provide sound administrative and fiscal advice to the operating officer and agents of the Department. Ability to establish appropriate work schedules and develop effective work methods. Ability to supervise the maintenance of essential bureau records, reports and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible,
Note
Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in work involving review, interpretation, and/or drafting of laws, rules and regulations, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in Political Science, Economics, Public Affairs or Administration, Transportation or related field; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a J.D. or L.L.B. degree or a Ph.D. degree from an accredited university in Political Science, Economics, Public Affairs or Administration, Transportation or a related field; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, both of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. A master's degree and J.D. or Ph.D. may not be used together to meet the requirements. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.