The California Alliance of Child and Family Services is the unifying force in charge of leading change and providing support for the state’s children, youth, and families. For those dedicated to improving the lives of these at-risk populations, the California Alliance stands apart as the champion and leading voice for organizations that advocate for children and families, and for advancing policy and services on their behalf.
The Catalyst Center leverages connections between research, policy, and practice to inform and lead capacity-building efforts amongst service providers across the state of California who work in the fields of child and family services.
The California Alliance of Child and Family Services and the Catalyst Center serve a statewide network of professionals and collaborate with advocates, community-based service programs, national and state organizations, legal, health, and mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates from social justice organizations working to support the health and wellbeing of children and families. The California Alliance of Child and Family Services and Catalyst Center offers a rich working environment that includes connecting with inspiring activists and frontline providers, an opportunity to understand the experiences of children, youth, and families, and how all these forces contribute to sociopolitical change and systems transformation. Both the CA Alliance and its Catalyst Center are committed to ensuring that our work is centered on equity and social justice, working to ensure that the voices of those most impacted are part of any decision-making processes.
The Center and the Alliance are dedicated to maintaining an environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We denounce white supremacy, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of prejudice and intolerance. The only thing that will not be tolerated in our organization is intolerance itself.
The Policy Analyst, Prevention, under the supervision of the Director of Public Policy and as part of the CA Alliance policy team, supports the development of policy positions related to prevention. This position works closely with member committees, internal staff, and subject matter experts to analyze policy issues, develop recommendations, and inform the Alliance’s legislative, regulatory, and budget priorities.
The Policy Analyst engages with state agencies, stakeholders, and partners to monitor policy developments and support implementation efforts. This role collaborates across internal teams, including Government Relations, to provide policy expertise, analysis, and content that informs legislative and budget advocacy strategies.
The Policy Analyst also partners with member organizations to elevate and translate member-driven priorities into actionable policy recommendations, ensuring that policy work is grounded in the experiences of children, youth, families, and the providers who serve them.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED)
Legislation, Regulation and Policy Analysis
- Work with the Director of Public Policy, assigned policy committees, and other staff to develop policy goals in assigned prevention areas.
- Collaborate with state agencies to advance and secure adoption of Alliance policy objectives in statute, regulation, and statewide policy.
- Support the advancement of policy positions with the Legislature and Administration in coordination with Government Relations staff and the Policy Team.
- Support the work of the Government Relations team to analyze and develop positions on legislation relevant to Alliance member agencies, and communicate policy positions to stakeholders and members, as appropriate.
- Provide analysis and recommendations on state budget proposals to inform the Alliance’s budget priorities and advocacy efforts.
- Collaborate across internal teams, including Government Relations, to ensure alignment between policy analysis and advocacy efforts.
- Testify, as appropriate, before legislative committees and provide public comment in state-led meetings, councils, and stakeholder convenings in coordination with strategies and priorities developed by both the Policy and Government Relations team.
- Monitor, analyze, and participate in stakeholder processes related to regulations, guidance, and implementation of prevention policy, including responding to emerging issues and member needs.
- Lead and support assigned committees and workgroups.
Member Services
- Staff Alliance policy committees including prevention services and workgroups, as assigned.
- Facilitate member-driven policy development by gathering input, synthesizing member perspectives, and translating practice expertise into policy and advocacy strategies.
- Support committee chairs and members by identifying opportunities for legislative, regulatory, and policy development.
- Respond to member inquiries and provide policy analysis and technical assistance.
- Serve as a liaison between members and state departments, as needed.
- Assist in planning and coordinating member conferences and Advocacy Day.
- Represent the Alliance at member meetings and events, as assigned.
Communication
- Ensure clear and consistent communication to members regarding legislative and policy developments through tracking reports, legislative and budget alerts, and policy updates.
- Develop written materials including position letters, fact sheets, policy briefs, and bill analyses to support Alliance advocacy efforts.
- Present at membership meetings, conferences, and other events, as assigned.
- Collaborate regularly with Catalyst Center program teams to align policy and technical assistance efforts.
- Keep the CEO, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Strategy, Director of Government Relations, Director of Public Policy, and relevant staff informed of developments and trends in assigned policy areas.
Strategic Partnership
- Develop and maintain partnerships with advocacy organizations and coalitions with shared policy interests.
- Represent the Alliance in formal and informal prevention-focused and cross-system advocacy groups, coalitions, and workgroups.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory duties.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Must have reliable means of transportation.
- Must have secure internet accessibility and connection.
- Must be able to work in a hybrid environment successfully
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Health, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, or a related role.
- Deep understanding of prevention systems and public policy processes.
- Proven success in influencing legislation, regulations, or public policy initiatives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies.
- Experience managing projects, campaigns, or coalitions.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
CACFS grants equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It forbids discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy pertains to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
ADA Accommodation Statement
CACFS provides reasonable accommodation per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our HR department or Management
PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sacramento, CA 95816
