JLARC Employment

JLARC employs a full-time staff with backgrounds in many disciplines, including public administration, public policy, political science, government, law, economics, finance, social work, English, and others.

Current Employment Opportunities

Research Analyst Positions

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is recruiting for entry and/or mid-level research analyst positions in Richmond, Virginia. JLARC is the oversight agency of the Virginia General Assembly. Our mission is to provide the General Assembly with an objective and rigorous oversight capability. Through analytic research and evaluation, JLARC helps ensure that the Legislature is informed about State program operations, agencies fulfill legislative intent, and programs operate efficiently, effectively, and economically.

Applicants must possess strong writing, analytical, statistical, and software skills (including SAS and all Microsoft Office applications) and have the ability to interact effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment. Some overnight travel and fieldwork may be necessary. A master’s degree in public policy or a closely-related discipline is required of all applicants. In addition, some applied research experience in a policy-related field is preferred for entry-level analysts, and at least three years of experience is required for mid-level positions. Starting salaries are commensurate with education and experience levels. The position(s) will remain open until filled. To apply for a position, e-mail a letter, resume, graduate GPA, GRE® or similar graduate admission test score, list of relevant graduate coursework, salary history, and a list of references to jlarc.jobs@jlarc.virginia.gov or via regular mail to Staff Recruitment, Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, 201 North 9th Street, General Assembly Building, Suite 1100, Richmond, Virginia 23219. JLARC is an equal opportunity employer.

Why work at JLARC?

Our work makes a difference

One of the most rewarding aspects of working at JLARC is that our work results in policy changes that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of State government, and the lives of Virginia citizens. The fact that reports are developed by small teams gives all team members, including new hires, the opportunity to contribute right away.

The Review of Technology Services in Virginia identified numerous shortcomings undermining the effectiveness and efficiency of the State's contractual arrangement for a private vendor to provide information technology (IT) services to Virginia agencies. This study received a lot of attention from the legislature, State agencies, and the media, and precipitated the enactment of several bills that altered the government structure, security, and cost of IT services. The State also directed JLARC to assume ongoing oversight of IT services given the staff's extensive work in this area and the significant issues raised by the study.

Legislation was also recently adopted to redesign the State's retirement system in accordance with several recommendations contained in the Review of State Employee Total Compensation, yielding annual savings of up to $65 million by fiscal year 2015 and helping the Commonwealth mitigate its budget shortfall in 2010. Additional modifications proposed in the report have been proposed in the Governor's budget. If enacted, these will result in hundreds of millions in additional yearly savings.

Significant changes were made to the human services system in response to JLARC evaluations, such as enhancing access to services for Virginians with autism spectrum disorders, improving how residential services are delivered to children with serious emotional and behavioral problems, and minimizing the need for parental custody relinquishment to access children's services.

Our legislative members can enact study recommendations

Good research has limited utility if it is not communicated to people who can act on it. Unlike most policy research groups, JLARC staff report to the legislature, thus having a direct link to decision makers who shape and decide public policy. Most JLARC Commission members are also members of the legislative committees that oversee State spending.

Our agency is highly-respected by both public and private entities

The General Assembly utilizes our reports to become more informed about what action should (or should not) be taken. Speaking of the 2006 report on the Impact of Regulations on Virginia's Manufacturing Sector, Senator Frank W. Wagner stated that it "….will be an invaluable resource for the Manufacturing Development Commission as it works to increase opportunities for manufacturers in the Commonwealth….The Virginia Manufacturing Association and National Association of Manufacturers believe that the JLARC study is a national model study…." Delegate John M. O'Bannon indicated that the 2006 study of Options to Extend Health Insurance to Virginia's Uninsured Population "….has been integral to the Governor's Task Force on Health Care Reform" and "extremely helpful to the health care committees in the General Assembly", while the Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia found the report to be "….the single most useful and succinct report I've ever seen....should be required reading for anyone interested in this problem."

JLARC reports have also been consistently recognized for their quality and impact. The National Legislative Program Evaluation Society (NLPES), a section of the National Conference of State Legislatures, has awarded JLARC its Excellence in Research Methods Award for several studies, most recently for the "exceptional breadth, depth and scope of fieldwork" of its evaluation of the Virginia Preschool Initiative. NLPES also recognized JLARC with their Impact Award nearly every year during the past decade.

State Legislatures magazine described JLARC as setting a "standard of excellence," and one of the oldest and most successful legislative oversight groups in the nation," while Governing Magazine characterized the organization as "thorough in their review and evaluation of agency and program performance information…"

The Richmond Times-Dispatch noted in a 2009 editorial that "JLARC enjoys a reputation for solid research and sound advice" and that its recommendations "command respect."

Our studies are objective, nonpartisan, and research-driven

Although JLARC staff report to the General Assembly, the organization is nonpartisan and independent. Decision makers may sometimes not be pleased with our findings, but nonetheless expect and appreciate the objectivity and depth of our studies. As a result, staff are not constrained by outside pressures that could otherwise compromise the quality or integrity of our research.

Our access to data and information is unparalleled

Robust, in-depth policy research requires access to data and information that can test hypotheses and provide the foundation for appropriate recommendations. The Code of Virginia grants JLARC the authority to access all data maintained by any entity receiving State funds, including highly sensitive information such as individual health and tax records. With this information, staff can evaluate programs and practices based on the outcomes of affected individuals. Further, Virginia agencies are required to cooperate with JLARC staff and participate in research activities such as interviews or surveys. The combination of quantitative analysis and extensive fieldwork is an essential component of our research.

Our research encompasses all facets of State government

JLARC can be directed to evaluate any program or entity that receives State funding. As a result, study topics can change greatly from year to year and provide staff with an opportunity be involved in a variety of policy areas, keeping the research process fresh and challenging. JLARC studies typically examine entire systems and programs rather than finite issues. In addition, staff are routinely directed to examine high-profile and time-sensitive issues, such as our recent evaluation of a proposal to privatize State-controlled alcoholic beverage distribution and sales. Although studies are generally completed within a year, staff often become experts in each study topic. As noted by a recently-hired staff member, "this program expertise combined with a deep knowledge of how government works is highly valuable in the marketplace, and has allowed many former JLARC staff to move on to high-level management positions in State and local governments, academia, and the private sector."

Our staff is collegial, talented, and dedicated

Most JLARC staff hold Master's degrees in public policy or related disciplines, and many have come to JLARC with a variety of professional experiences such as policy research at the federal level, consulting, environmental law, and corporate finance among others. While many have had diverse professional experiences, everyone shares a passion for good government. Recent hires have said that "JLARC's organizational culture is different than what you might expect to find in a government agency. This is in no small part attributable to the team-based approach used to perform our research," and "the close collaboration and sharing of ideas that occurs under in a team-based structure makes JLARC a very collegial and "academic" type of work environment. The organization's small size and collegial atmosphere mean that staff get to know their colleagues and have an impact on the agency's performance when compared to larger, bureaucratic organizations."

Our management team values staff members

Each staff member's time, commitment, and unique talents are valued and recognized by the JLARC management team. Opportunities for development and continuous learning are consistently made available. In addition, the organization supports work-life balance and offers flexible work schedules.

Our compensation and benefits package is very competitive

Salaries start in the mid-$40s for entry-level analysts, and mid-$50s for more experienced professionals. In addition, the organization offers high-performing staff members many opportunities for advancement in rank and salary. State employees also have access to comprehensive health care coverage and competitive retirement benefits.

Our location in Richmond offers many benefits

Richmond provides many of the advantages of larger metropolitan areas but with a lower cost of living and little congestion. The area offers numerous cultural, recreational, and dining options as well as a vibrant outdoor scene. With its central location, Richmond is only a short drive away from beaches, mountains, and popular destinations such as Washington, D.C.