State Policy Fellow

Application Deadline: 28 February 2026

Department: Analyst

Location: Sacramento, CA

Compensation: $84,435 - $106,952 / year

Description

The State Policy Fellow will be a full-time member of the Budget Center’s policy team, with a primary focus on tax policy and the need for revenues to support investments in vital public supports, including health care, child care, housing, and economic security. The State Policy Fellow will contribute to analyzing the impact of state budget and tax policy choices on Californians with low-incomes and communities of color as well as analyses exploring positive reforms.

The State Policy Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity to develop in-depth policy expertise. Fellowship responsibilities include tracking and analyzing state budget and legislative proposals as well as conducting research and analysis on state budget, tax, and other issues to improve the lives of families from all backgrounds. Fellows will also produce reports, fact sheets, and other materials for use by policymakers, journalists, advocacy groups, and other community organizations. The State Policy Fellow will also collaborate with community-based advocates to provide public education on the state budget and priority issue areas.

Additionally, Fellows will participate in coordinated trainings and career development opportunities, work with mentors, and have access to a network of current and former fellows as well ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

To Apply

All applications for this position must be submitted directly through the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. To apply, candidates must submit their application through CBPP’s job portal at the link below:
Location Preference Note: By applying to the State Policy Fellowship Program, candidates are considered for the fellowship program nationally, including potential placement at multiple host organizations and locations.

• Candidates who wish to be considered specifically for placement at the California Budget & Policy Center must select “California: California Budget and Policy Center” as a location preference in the CBPP application.
• Applicants may indicate interest in up to two locations and will be asked to include a brief explanation of their connection to each location. Candidates must be willing to relocate to any location they select.

Applications submitted through the California Budget & Policy Center’s website or any other platform will not be reviewed . CBPP manages the recruitment and selection process for the fellowship and works in partnership with host organizations to identify finalists.

Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Analysis and Research

• Develop and deepen subject-matter expertise in California budget and tax policy.
• Conduct policy and budget analysis to inform state-level debates, including analysis of the Governor’s Budget, May Revision, and enacted budget.
• Use quantitative and qualitative data to conduct rigorous and timely analyses, with attention to equity outcomes.

Policy Strategy and Engagement

• Monitor state policy developments and identify emerging issues and opportunities related to tax policy and other issues.
• Support policy strategy development by participating in and contributing to team conversations on the policy landscape and Budget Center priorities.
• Build familiarity with the Budget Center’s advocacy strategies and policy-change pathways.

Public Education and Technical Assistance

• Translate complex policy and budget issues into clear, accessible written materials, presentations, and data visualizations.
• Participate in public education efforts, which may include public speaking, legislative testimony, media briefings, or interviews.
• Provide technical assistance to advocates, policymakers, journalists, and coalition partners.

Collaboration and Organizational Contributions

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to review and strengthen policy analyses for accuracy, clarity, and accessibility.
• Contribute to cross-team initiatives, including organizational strategic planning and the Budget Center’s annual policy conference.
• Participate in internal equity-focused efforts and professional development activities.

Qualifications

To effectively perform this role, an individual must be capable of performing each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Strong demonstrated commitment to racial, gender, and economic equity, and to advancing policies that improve outcomes for historically marginalized communities.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in public policy research or analysis, particularly related to state budgets and tax policy.
• Strong analytical skills, including comfort working with numbers and spreadsheets.
• Experience working with administrative datasets and Stata statistical software is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex policy issues to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have at least two years of relevant experience in policy, research, or a related field (time spent in a relevant master’s program may count toward this experience).
• Candidates with a master’s degree in public policy, economics, or a related field are encouraged to apply; prior relevant experience is helpful but not required.
• A two-year commitment, and the ability and willingness to relocate to Sacramento, CA.

We understand that not every individual will possess every characteristic listed in our qualifications. However, if you believe in your ability to excel in this role and feel a strong alignment with our organization's values and mission, we encourage you to apply. Our team values diverse experiences and perspectives and is committed to providing a supportive environment where talents can flourish. Even if you don't meet every criterion, but feel that this is the right fit for you, we would love to hear from you.

Physical and Location Requirements

The Budget Center strives to work with each staff member to provide flexible schedules and accommodate personal obligations in pursuit of creating and maintaining a strong work-life balance and well-being. We provide telework/remote work, in-person/in-office, and hybrid work arrangements.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and using a computer and mouse.
• Occasional travel is required (work travel is fully reimbursable).
• This position is primarily remote, based in the greater Sacramento region, with an expectation of in-person presence at our Sacramento office a couple of days per month.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this exempt position is $84,435 – $106,952. The salary will be determined by considering various factors, including skills, relevant experience, and educational background. Alongside these factors, we are committed to maintaining pay equity and will consider the internal equity among our existing team in formulating any final offer. It’s important to note that the specified range represents the complete salary band for this position. Typically, offers are not made at the top half of the range to allow for future salary growth. Benefits include:

• Excellent health insurance and dental and vision coverage (100% coverage of premiums for the employee; 90% coverage of premiums for dependents);
• Retirement benefits include a 403b plan and an annual SEP-IRA retirement contribution of at least 5% of salary (most recently set at 10% of salary); participation in the 403b plan is not required to receive an employer retirement contribution.
• Annual paid leave benefits include:
  • 12 vacation days,
  • 12 sick days,
  • 11 holidays,
  • 4 personal days,
• Yearly evaluation of additional time off benefits during summer (half-day Fridays) and winter (late December office closure);
• Flexible work arrangements that support alternative schedules and both in-person and remote work.
• 16 weeks of family leave for parents or caregivers.
• FSAs for health, childcare, and transportation costs;
• Annual stipends to cover home office, transportation, and well-being expenses; and,
• Annual allocations for professional development.