PUBLIC POLICY SPECIALIST
New Jersey classifies Public Policy Specialist as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
The main requirement is a master's degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $87,507 to $128,719, and state payroll currently lists about 22 people in the title, led by Community Affairs.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 13 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 13 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Public Policy Specialist appears on the State payroll at 13 departments, most of them at Department of Community Affairs.
State departments
Showing the largest 8 of 13 departments. All agencies.
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 22 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $84,548. The agencies employing the most are:
- Community Affairs (3)
- Treasury (3)
- Corrections (2)
- Labor (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of an executive official in a State department, institution or agency, performs functions involved in the formulation and implementation of policies relating to modern government administrative practices and procedures and their practical application; does related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Reviews and analyzes existing policies, procedures, and processes to determine whether they are meeting the objectives and goals of the department and comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
- Assists in drafting new policies or modifications to existing policies, procedures, and processes.
- Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation, emerging issues, and trends to determine how they may affect department policies and programs; prepares written comments on proposed legislation documenting the department's position.
- Initiates and drafts new legislation to further the department's goals and mission.
- Implements new department programs and initiatives; develops rules and administrative procedures for such programs.
- Develops and performs special studies, research, and/or projects which require the analysis of requests and statistics in highly-sensitive areas; makes recommendations regarding appropriate action.
- Identifies and analyzes various recurring problems within the unit or program area, and makes recommendations to resolve such problems.
- Serves as a liaison and works closely with other departments and agencies regarding policy and program matters; provides technical information and advice.
- Prepares and presents informative programs to various groups including the public, government and private agencies, and others interested in the mission, goals, programs, and plans of the department.
- Drafts correspondence in the course of official duties.
- Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Maintains essential records, reports, and files.
- Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree and one or more years of a combination of established excellence in academics and/or professional achievement; proven leadership ability and potential for further growth; demonstrated commitment to public service; effective written communication skills as demonstrated by writing assignment; evidence of effective teamwork or experience in a field appropriate to the position.
License
Appointees 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 the functions, responsibilities, organization, and operational programs of the department.
- Knowledge of pertinent laws of the State of New Jersey and the federal government as they relate to the department.
- Knowledge of government fiscal, administrative, and personnel practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of basic mathematical procedures.
- Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information.
- Ability to serve as a liaison to other State departments, institutions, and agencies to develop, implement, modify, and achieve proper and effective program plans and objectives.
- Ability to assist in drafting new policies or modifications to existing policies, procedures, and processes.
- Ability to serve as a liaison to other State departments, institutions, and agencies.
- Ability to review, analyze, and prepare written comments concerning proposed legislation's impact on department policies and programs.
- Ability to initiate and draft new legislation to further the department's goals and mission.
- Ability to develop rules and administrative procedures for new department programs and initiatives.
- Ability to develop and perform special studies, research, and/or projects.
- Ability to work cooperatively with associates, other departments/agencies, and with the public.
- Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Ability to prepare and present informative programs and conferences to various groups including the public, government and private agencies, and others interested in the mission, goals, programs, and plans of the department.
- Ability to draft correspondence in the course of official duties.
- Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
- Ability to learn how 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, and 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 if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Applicants may utilize college credits in combination with the indicated experience to meet the job requirements. These credits will be applied on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.