Manager, California Gubernatorial Transition Project

THE ORGANIZATION

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. Central to this mission is our work to support and safeguard the apolitical civil service, the backbone of our democratic system that ensures the federal government meets its mandate to serve the public good. We prepare federal employees to navigate threats to the nonpartisan workforce, and we educate and engage the public about why the government matters and what is at stake for everyone if it is undermined. We also aim to help state and local governments deliver for those they serve, applying our 20-plus years of experience working in the federal sector to reinspire faith in government at all levels.  

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive.  

Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:  

• Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnership for Public Service’s California Gubernatorial Transition Project will support a smooth and safe transfer of power between gubernatorial administrations, prepare senior appointees to effectively step into office and maximize a new administration’s capacity to manage government challenges. Since 2008, the Partnership has grown its public profile to be the go-to source for information and advice on presidential transitions through our Center for Presidential Transition. A project manager on the California Gubernatorial Transition Project will manage key pieces of the transition portfolio. This role will contribute to building a new portfolio of transition support at the state level, liaising with key leaders of the outgoing and incoming administrations, campaigns, senior civil service leaders and external stakeholders. 

This role’s main function is to support crucial pieces of the upcoming gubernatorial transition, including planning programming, creating and updating resources for the administration and future transition teams, day-to-day project management, and working effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager who is skilled at designing content, facilitating and presenting, has exceptional attention to detail and customer service skills, and is effective at collaborating across the organization and interacting with senior executives.

The manager will join a growing team focused on state government. Building on our successful track record working with federal agencies, partners and other stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and across the country, we will design and implement transition support for the state of California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including the Office of the Governor, state agencies, former and incoming appointees, academia and campaigns.
• Build and manage key deliverables, including a landscape analysis, new tools and resources for primary stakeholders, provide hands-on support for transition teams and agencies, resource development for appointee onboarding and offboarding, support leadership development convenings and follow-on training.
• Represent the Partnership in public and private forums in-person in Sacramento, liaising directly with individual leaders, state agencies and campaigns.
• Lead the management of programs and projects, including setting goals and objectives, establishing project plans, developing and monitoring budgets, tracking deliverables and reporting on task completion, risk management, and driving results through program implementation.
• Plan and manage events, both in-person and virtual, for gubernatorial candidates and key stakeholders in a collaborative environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of California state government and political ecosystem.
• Excellent project and people management skills, including prioritizing, organizing, delegating and planning work, and developing junior staff. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas and insights into practical plans and work products. 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize complex information.   
• Strong relationship management and facilitation skills; ability to quickly build credibility and trust with stakeholders.  
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate information.
• Ability to manage projects with a cross-organizational team of talented colleagues working in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, flexible team-player.
• Ability to remain scrupulously nonpartisan in advancing the Partnership's work.
• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to public service and an interest in the mission of the Partnership. 

REQUIRED/PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work or military experience required.  
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience that includes leading projects to accomplish results, experience leading a cross-organizational and/or remote team preferred.
• Professional experience working in California state government preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to the Director or Senior Manager of this project. The position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but may supervise in the future.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a remote environment in California, with a strongly preferred location in Sacramento or the Bay Area with ability to travel to the capital regularly. Occasional travel to Washington, D.C., and local external venues is possible. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer and scanner. 

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is an at-will, one-year term position starting in March 2026. This position is full-time and classified as exempt from overtime pay. Official business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, though the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules. Occasional evenings or weekend activities may be required.   

TRAVEL

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Some out of the area and/or overnight travel may be required as well.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary range for this position is $70,000 - $95,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off.

EEO STATEMENT

The Partnership adheres to all federal, state and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.