Senior Policy Fellow – Early Care and Learning

Senior Policy Fellow – Early Care and Learning

The California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) seeks to hire a Senior Policy Fellow to lead the Budget Center’s work on early care and learning policy issues and contribute to our broader work on state budget policy. The successful candidate’s primary responsibility will be to help guide the Budget Center’s efforts to analyze and advance sensible policies to ensure that early care and learning options are accessible, affordable, and equitable for California’s families, particularly families with low incomes and families of color. Responsibilities include supporting 1 to 2 staff through supervision and mentoring.

About the California Budget & Policy Center

The team at the Budget Center works every day to build a more inclusive California where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the state’s economic, social, and political life. This requires our state to make smart policy choices and public investments. By examining the most pressing budget and policy issues and making them accessible and more understandable, we aim to broaden participation in state policy debates and help foster outcomes that work for all Californians, especially those individuals and communities who have not yet shared in our state’s economic prosperity.

How This Position Advances the Organization’s Work

Senior Policy Fellows are highly valued members of the Budget Center’s growing team with responsibility to help develop our policy priorities, author innovative policy reports, make the case for solutions, and routinely engage with state, local, and national partners. Senior Policy Fellows provide, as needed, supervision and mentoring to a senior policy analyst, policy analyst, research associate, and/or intern. The Budget Center is committed to advancing equity and inclusion and seeks to create an environment and culture that embraces employee differences. We value the lived experiences and diverse perspectives that staff bring to their work.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Leading organizational strategy and work planning on early care and learning policy issues.
• Contributing to the Budget Center’s efforts to center equity in our work.
• Analyzing state budget and policy proposals, both independently and in collaboration with other members of the team. This includes data analysis and writing reports targeting key policy deliberations.
• Supporting 1 to 2 senior policy analysts, policy analysts, research associates, and/or interns through supervision and mentorship, as needed.
• Developing relationships with state and local stakeholder groups and policymakers and helping guide their work through analytical and technical assistance.
• Providing assistance to community groups, legislative staff and government officials, the media, and funders.

Qualifications for this position include:

• Strong commitment to social, economic, racial, and gender justice.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate complex topics to non-expert audiences.
• Ability to take initiative, problem-solve, and think strategically.
• Willingness to supervise and serve as a mentor for 1 to 2 staff members.
• Self-motivation, ability to work independently, and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Willingness to help lead and work as a part of a team and enthusiasm for building relationships with key stakeholders and partners in our work.
• Substantial experience in policy analysis or research, including in-depth knowledge of state, federal, and/or local budget and policy issues, familiarity with data sources, and strong data analysis skills.
• Graduate degree in a related field plus at least five years of experience in related fields.

This position is full-time. The salary range for the position is $120,000 – $160,000 based on experience and skill set. Includes excellent health insurance and dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, and paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays. In-person, hybrid, or remote work arrangements will be considered. Budget Center staff are required to be located in California regardless of remote work arrangements.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications that are received by October 24. To apply, send a resume, writing sample, cover letter, and names of three references to jselby@calbudgetcenter.org or by direct mail to the address below. No calls please.

Senior Policy Fellow – Early Care and Learning

California Budget & Policy Center

1107 9th Street, Suite 310

Sacramento, CA 95814

The Budget Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, disability, and any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law.

To apply, send a resume, writing sample, cover letter, and names of three references to jselby@calbudgetcenter.org or by direct mail to the address below. No calls please.