Policy Director

Position DescriptionPolicy Director (0566C), California Policy Lab - 81495About Berkeley: The University of California, Berkeley, is dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice.Departmental Overview: The California Policy Lab (CPL) generates research insights for government impact. We focus our work in six policy areas: education, criminal justice reform, poverty and the social safety net, labor and employment, health, and homelessness and high-needs populations.Position Summary: The Policy Director will lead CPL's Sacramento office, with a primary goal of amplifying CPL's impact through engagement with the legislature, the Governor's Office, and other Sacramento-based stakeholders on matters of research and data.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute CPL's state-level strategy for informing the policymaking process with research.Analyze pending and likely future legislation to identify opportunities to inform the policy process through data and evidence.Synthesize CPL's research to inform pending legislation and to identify areas of potential legislation to relevant stakeholders.Identify legislative and regulatory opportunities to advance the use of government data for research and improve government decision-making.Coordinate with CPL's research teams so they can generate relevant deliverables for Sacramento-based audiences.Internal CPL LeadershipKeep CPL leadership and staff educated on active and emerging policy issues and opportunities, as well as legislative deadlines and Sacramento-based events that are relevant to CPL's research areas.Work with CPL's communications team and research staff to develop policy briefs, testimony, and other materials.Mentor CPL staff on legislative processes and effective policy communications.Manage part- or full-time contractors or staff for communications or event planning.Stakeholder EngagementServe as CPL's primary representative in Sacramento.Build and maintain relationships as a trusted research and analysis resource for key players in Sacramento.Communicate complex research findings to policymakers, agency leaders, and advocacy partners in clear, actionable ways.Organize briefings, testimony, public events, and other outreach to share research findings and policy recommendations.Required QualificationsMinimum 5 years of professional experience in California state government, the Legislature, or related policy roles.Ability to leverage an existing network of trusted relationships with Sacramento-based policymakers and staff.Deep understanding of California's legislative, budgetary, and regulatory processes.Demonstrated success translating research or technical analysis into actionable policy recommendations.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic researchers, agency leaders, elected officials, and community partners.Knowledge of CPL's mission and demonstrated ability to advance evidence-informed policy.Demonstrated skill in advancing equity and understanding how policy impacts a variety of California communities.Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.Preferred Qualifications10+ years of professional experience in California state government, the Legislature, or related policy roles.Experience working in one of CPL's major policy areas (criminal justice, homelessness, workforce, education, social safety net, health).Experience developing or leading state-level policy campaigns or initiatives.Experience in a similar role of translating complex and nuanced research findings into actionable, policy-focused insights for decision-makers.Master's degree, JD, or other advanced degree in public policy, public administration, law, or a related field and/or equivalent experience/training.Salary & Benefits: The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $120,000.00 - $170,000.00. #J-18808-Ljbffr