Legislative Research Specialist - Government Affairs Division
Quick Summary
The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is your fiscal watchdog. We audit more than $100 billion in state assets and liabilities each year, bringing transparency to local, state, and federal government. Our reports and findings include recommendations that result in good government reforms. OSA thoroughly investigates alleged cases of fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, working with law enforcement on prosecution when warranted.
The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is seeking a Legislative Research Specialist to serve in our Government Affairs Division. In this role, you will get the opportunity to support the development of legislative, policy, budgetary, and government affairs initiatives through research, analysis, monitoring, and executive briefing support for the office.
As part of our team, you will get to:
Design and conduct research on legislative, regulatory, fiscal, and public policy issues affecting the Office of the State Auditor
Monitor legislation, committee activity, budget proposals, agency actions, administrative rules, and emerging policy developments
Prepare policy briefs, issue papers, legislative summaries, research memoranda, presentations, and executive briefing materials
Analyze proposed legislation and identify potential operational, legal, fiscal, and policy impacts on the office
Provide historical, statutory, and comparative research on government accountability, public finance, auditing, Medicaid, local government, and other issues as assigned
Support preparation of testimony, talking points, correspondence, and informational materials used by agency leadership
Coordinate research projects and special assignments from the Government Affairs Director, Chief of Staff, or State Auditor
Assist with administration of the Government Affairs Team and maintenance of stakeholder, committee, and policy databases
- Strong research, analytical, writing, and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to evaluate complex public policy issues and communicate findings clearly and concisely
- Working knowledge of state government operations, legislative processes, and public administration principles
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and project management skills
- At least 2 years of experience working in or around the North Carolina General Assembly
- Experience conducting legislative, fiscal, legal, or policy research
- Experience preparing executive briefings, reports, or policy recommendations
- Familiarity with North Carolina appropriations, budgeting, and state government operations
- Knowledge of governmental auditing, accountability, public finance, program evaluation, or regulatory policy
This position is designated as Exempt Policy-Making under G.S. 126-5(c)(3) and is considered an at-will appointment.
OSA is the state’s Fiscal Watchdog. We hold state government and entities that receive public money accountable, working on behalf of North Carolinians to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.
Learn more about our office here! Why Work for the NC Office of The State Auditor? - YouTube
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits including:
- Work-Life Balance:
- 40-hour work week with flexible schedule options and the ability to earn compensatory time off
- Generous paid time off each year, including:
- 12 paid holidays per year
- 1 paid personal observance leave day
- At least 14 vacation days accrued per year (increase with years of service)
- 12 paid sick days accrued per year
- 24 hours paid community service leave
- Competitive pay and affordable health insurance options
- NC OSHR: Total Compensation Calculator
- Enrollment in the state's pension plan and options for additional supplemental savings
- If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more
- The Office of the State Auditor uses the Merit-Based Recruitment & Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) with highly qualified individuals.
- In order to receive credit for work history and credential you must complete the online application completely. Any information omitted from the application cannot be considered for qualifying credit.
- You can attach resumes, cover letters, reference information as supplemental information, but this will NOT be used in lieu of a completed state application.
- If you have earned a foreign degree, an official evaluation for United States equivalency is required and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification purposes.
- The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification: https://www.naces.org/members
- Reference checks will be performed on all top finalists.
What We Offer
~1 min readSome state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
A bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and 3 years of program experience related to the area of assignment, including 1 year of supervisory program experience
OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Olivia Ann GillespieRecruitment@NCAuditor.Gov
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $82,000–$101,000 a year
- 8% above the $85,000 median for Research Associate jobs on Jobera (211 salaries).
- Who can apply
- United States
- Posted
- 3 days ago
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 16, 2026
- First seen
- October 17, 2026
- Last seen
- October 19, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 1
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 63%
- Scored at
- October 19, 2026
Signal breakdown
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