Research 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. The research manager of the California Gubernatorial Transition Project 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 position is ideal for someone with a passion for public service who has project management experience as well as a strong background conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research and translating research findings into compelling narratives. Responsibilities of the position include project scoping and research design; data collection and analysis; and the development and presentation of written research products. The manager will join a growing team focused on state government. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and manage key deliverables, including a landscape analysis, new tools and resources for primary stakeholders including transition teams and agencies, and resource development for appointee onboarding and offboarding.
• Develop research, resources and lessons learned for future transition teams, including determining research questions and methodologies, scoping projects and establishing work plans and timelines.
• Manage relationships with Partnership colleagues and leaders as well as with research contributors such as interviewees, and other external stakeholders.
• Facilitate focus groups and research-related convenings, such as workshops and roundtable discussions.
• Translate research findings and recommendations into action by writing clear and compelling research products (of varying length, complexity and style). 
• Integrate research findings, in collaboration with other Partnership teams, into other Partnership publications and programming, such as policy statements, legislative briefings, advocacy messages and leadership training.  

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of California state government and political ecosystem.
• Organizational skills required to successfully plan, track and complete projects from initial conceptualization to the timely delivery of high-quality deliverables.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to translate ideas and insights into practical projects, leading to research products that are highly relevant to senior government executives
• Excellent data analysis skills and competency in data visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to create and edit written products, presentations, or data visualizations with a focus on relevance, precision of language, analytic integrity, effective organization, meaningful insights and compelling narrative.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with government employees, subject matter experts and internal stakeholders to ensure the successful design and implementation of projects.
• 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 professional work or military experience is required.    
• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, social science, political science or a related field is preferred. 
• Approximately five to seven years of professional work experience writing high-quality narratives activating qualitative and/or quantitative research is required. Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research related to government and an understanding of state government operations is preferred.
• Demonstrated project management experience (leading small to medium projects, supporting larger efforts) is required.

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 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.