Policy Engagement Officer
Overview
California Council on Science & Technology Policy Engagement Officer role serving as eyes and ears at the Capitol. High-visibility position at intersection of science and government influencing policymakers. Reports to Director of Strategic Initiatives driving engagement across policy landscape tracking legislation and collaborating with external advocacy team. Limited-term through December 2027 with potential extension. Located in Sacramento California hybrid work policy.
What You'll Do14
- 1Strategic Engagement (40%) Help implement CCST’s Strategic Plan by bridging internal teams and external advocacy partners keeping policy objectives on track and ensuring CCST’s voice is heard where it matters most.
- 2Design and execute a policy engagement strategy aligning with CCST’s organizational priorities evolving with political landscape.
- 3Scan the horizon for emerging policy issues and opportunities helping CCST stay ahead rather than reactive.
- 4Build relationships across Sacramento policy community to surface policymakers’ needs then connect insights to science services team to shape relevant programs and projects.
- 5Track and assess impact of policy engagement activities.
- 6Be the face of CCST at the Capitol cultivating network of relationships that opens doors drives dialogue and positions CCST as go-to resource for science-informed policymaking.
- 7Organize and facilitate high-value meetings briefings and events bringing CCST leadership and policymakers into productive conversations.
- 8Represent CCST with credibility and enthusiasm at hearings receptions and public forums across Capitol community.
- 9Keep CCST leadership informed with clear timely updates on policy progress tied to strategic plan.
- 10Work across boundaries to make things happen being connector and collaborator ensuring policy efforts integrated and coordinated across organization.
- 11Partner with external advocacy team to develop and prioritize annual workplans advancing CCST goals.
- 12Collaborate with internal teams science services communications fundraising and outreach weaving policy engagement into everything CCST does.
- 13Serve as internal resource on policy strategy offering guidance to colleagues navigating complex legislative environments.
- 14Pitch in with fellowship program team on policy engagement as opportunities arise.
Requirements11
- 15+ years building ETL pipelines with Spark and Airflow
- 23-5 seasons experience in public policy science engineering or related field
- 35+ years demonstrating understanding of California legislative process and direct experience engaging policymakers
- 43+ years proven ability to manage competing priorities work across teams and thrive in fast-moving environment
- 5Advanced degree in public policy science engineering or related field or 3+ years equivalent hands-on experience
- 6Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to distill complex topics for diverse audiences
- 7Demonstrated interpersonal skills strong collaborative working style
- 8Direct experience in California state or federal policy including work with Legislature or state agency
- 9Track record of advancing initiatives while staying adaptable humble and open to feedback
- 10Self-starter attitude without waiting to be told what needs doing
- 11Sharp organizational instincts and knack for finding practical solutions to complex problems
Salary Insight
$70 - $90k per year
Location
Required Skills
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