Budget & Policy Analyst (Agency) Advanced

Use your research, analytical and communication skills to make an impact at the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) by supporting high-level budget planning and policy initiatives.

DWD offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin.

The person hired into this position may request to work the majority of their work hours remotely and will be required to report occasionally to our downtown Madison (201 E. Washington Ave.) location.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Develop, analyze, document and present findings and options related to use of the agency's budgeted financial and staff resources to support the delivery of DWD programs and services.
• Provide managers and program staff with budget and policy information to support all stages of DWD's biennial and operating budget processes.
• Analyze resources available to deliver department programs within current or proposed regulations.
• Collaborate with managers and program staff to develop narratives for the legislature describing anticipated costs related to implementing draft legislation.
• Use and query STAR data to inform analyses and make recommendations.
• Develop biennial budget request materials and load biennial budget content into the budget system.
• Research and draft responses to inquiries related to implementation of budget and statutory requirements.
• Develop working relationships with program, accounting, and budget colleagues to facilitate issue resolutions for fiscal and policy areas.

To learn more, please review the full position description.

Starting pay is between $83,200 and $89,440 per year, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options starting at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage.
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!

The classification title for this position is Budget & Policy Analyst Agency-Advanced (schedule 81, range 03). A 12-month probationary period will be required.

This position is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Remote work: Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

The qualifications listed below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process and should be clearly described in your resume/letter of qualifications.

You'll need to have the following experience:

• Evaluating statutory and regulatory requirements for public programs and associated outcomes related to program policies, procedures, or budgets.
• Using data from Federal, State or Local government sources (e.g. U.S. Census Bureau information, the State of Wisconsin Enterprise Resource Planning system known as STAR, national, state or local housing, labor or education statistics or similar) to inform decisions.
• Using Excel or similar software to compile and analyze data, identify trends and findings, and produce visual displays (e.g. tables, charts, graphs or similar) that convey the analysis results.
• Providing results from analysis or research through verbal and written communications (e.g. presentations, narrative policy summaries, web content, issue papers, or similar) to inform others (e.g. managers, colleagues, stakeholders) about information related to policies, legislation, budgets or similar issues that affect programs and services.

In addition, one or more of the following experiences would be nice to have:

• Using State of Wisconsin Enterprise Resource Planning data (i.e. data housed in STAR modules) to inform financial decisions.
• Developing and monitoring an operating budget or spending plan with multiple cost drivers and state and/or federal revenue sources.
• Analyzing data to determine the variables and factors that influence changes to costs and revenues and to make projections about future counts, costs, or similar.
• Conducting quantitative or qualitative analysis on public policy issues.

Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps of the selection process.

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 20988) to complete your application.

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Lisa at LKBJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov or call (608) 266-9310.

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Monday, June 1st, 2026.