Policy Engagement Officer

About CCST

The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988 to provide science advice to the State of California. We connect state policymakers with leading experts in science and technology across our partner institutions, which include California’s top universities and laboratories. As a trusted advisor, CCST strengthens and informs California policy with scientific knowledge and innovation across technology, physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences. Guided by the core values of service, independence, partnership, and integrity, CCST works to improve the lives of Californians and sustain California’s leadership in technology and innovation for a healthy economy, society, and environment.

CCST provides independent science advising to help policymakers craft policies that benefit all Californians, including those who are underserved and underrepresented. Our program portfolio includes the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship and issue-specific Science Residencies, which place scientists and engineers in the legislative and executive branch for a year of government service, and a diverse set of Science Services, including expert briefings, workshops, peer-reviewed reports, and Government Staff Academies. Collectively, our programs support informed decision-making in California state government in a rapidly changing world.

Each role at CCST contributes to advancing our 2025-29 Strategic Plan, guided by four goals:

1. Equip California policymakers with trusted and timely expertise.
2. Strengthen California’s science and technology policy talent pipeline.
3. Anticipate California’s future opportunities and challenges.
4. Integrate California’s science, technology, and policy communities.

Our team is collaborative and inclusive. We believe more minds, with different perspectives and lived experiences, lead to greater impact. We are entrepreneurial and pursue opportunities that meet the greatest needs. Agile, flexible, and responsive, we thrive in the rapidly changing landscape in which we operate. We have a growth mindset and are continuously improving our approach. We care about each other as people.

Job Overview

As Policy Engagement Officer for CCST, you’ll serve as our eyes and ears at the Capitol, ensuring California’s policymakers have access to the science and expertise they need to make informed decisions. This is a high-visibility role at the intersection of science and government, where your work directly influences how the Legislature and Executive Branch understand and act on complex issues.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, you’ll drive CCST’s engagement across the policy landscape, tracking emerging legislation, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and helping the broader team stay ahead of the curve. You’ll work alongside an external advocacy team championing CCST’s role as an indispensable resource to policymakers, and you’ll be a key voice in shaping how we show up in the Capitol community.

The ideal candidate brings a sharp understanding of California’s political landscape, a genuine enthusiasm for science-informed policy, and the interpersonal instincts to build lasting relationships with elected and appointed officials, staff, and stakeholders. You know how to translate complexity into clarity — and you thrive in an environment where strategy, relationships, and ideas all matter.

This position is currently a limited-term role through December 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and collaborates closely with Science Services, Communications, the Fellowship Program Team, the CEO, and other CCST stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Engagement (40%)

Turn strategy into action at the Capitol. You’ll help implement CCST’s Strategic Plan by bridging our internal teams and external advocacy partners — keeping policy objectives on track and making sure CCST’s voice is heard where it matters most.

• Design and execute a policy engagement strategy that aligns with CCST’s organizational priorities and evolves with the political landscape.
• Scan the horizon for emerging policy issues and opportunities, helping CCST stay ahead rather than reactive.
• Build relationships across the Sacramento policy community to surface what policymakers need — then connect those insights to our science services team to shape relevant programs and projects.
• Track and assess the impact of policy engagement activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication (30%)

Be the face of CCST at the Capitol. You’ll cultivate a network of relationships that opens doors, drives dialogue, and positions CCST as the go-to resource for science-informed policymaking.

• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with legislators, legislative staff, government agency personnel, external contractors, and other key partners including CCST Board members, Fellows, and alumni.
• Organize and facilitate high-value meetings, briefings, and events that bring CCST leadership and policymakers into productive conversation.
• Represent CCST with credibility and enthusiasm at hearings, receptions, and public forums across the Capitol community.
• Keep CCST leadership informed with clear, timely updates on policy progress tied to our strategic plan.

Team Leadership and Collaboration (20%)

Work across boundaries to make things happen. You’ll be a connector and collaborator — ensuring policy efforts are integrated and coordinated across the organization.

• Partner with CCST’s external advocacy team to develop and prioritize annual workplans that advance CCST’s goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams — science services, communications, fundraising, and outreach — to weave policy engagement into everything CCST does.
• Serve as an internal resource on policy strategy, offering guidance and support to colleagues navigating complex legislative environments.
• Pitch in with the fellowship program team on policy engagement as opportunities arise.

Marginal Duties (10%) 

• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support the organization, cover staff absences, or balance operational workloads as directed by management.
• Special Projects:Conduct special tasks, assignments, or administrative projects upon management request.
• Meetings and Training: Attend general staff meetings, participate in ongoing internal training, and serve on ad-hoc committees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, science, engineering, or a related field — or 3+ years of equivalent hands-on experience
• Demonstrated understanding of the California legislative process and experience engaging directly with policymakers or their staff
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex topics for diverse audiences
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, work across teams, and thrive in a fast-moving environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style

Desired Skills and Experience

• Direct experience in California state or federal policy, including time working with the Legislature or a state agency
• A track record of advancing initiatives while staying adaptable, humble, and open to feedback
• A self-starter — you don’t wait to be told what needs doing
• Sharp organizational instincts and a knack for finding practical solutions to complex problems

Salary Range

$70,000-$90,000

Location

Sacramento, California. CCST has a hybrid work policy for our team, working from home as the default on Mondays and Fridays and working in person on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in our office across the street from the State Capitol.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a 403b match; medical, dental, and vision insurance options; relocation assistance; and opportunities to telework. We are driven by a huge nonprofit vision, inviting you to contribute meaningfully to building the future, making a positive impact every day, and fostering personal and career growth in a supportive work environment.

• Competitive salary and 403b match after 1 year of employment
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Two weeks of paid vacation for new employees
• Three volunteer service days annually
• Flex Spending accounts for dependent care, parking, and transit
• Professional development support: individual support and quarterly team-based professional development engagements
• $20/month stipend for phone/internet
• Snack-filled kitchen
• Huge nonprofit vision (we need you to help build the future and do meaningful work every day that inspires and motivates you)

To Apply

Apply for this position by submitting a cover letter, CV, and names of 3 professional references through our online portal. The cover letter should explain your interest in the position and your relevant skills and experience. Please consider answering the voluntary questions on demographic data and where you learned about this position – this information helps us understand how we can continue to improve our recruitment processes to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work full-time in the United States as a U.S. citizen or national, asylee, refugee, lawful permanent resident, or other holders of Employment Authorization Documents. CCST will not sponsor a work visa.

CCST is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions based on qualifications, merit, and our organization’s business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any such status protected under federal, state, or local law.

For additional information about the opportunity, please contact Christy Shay at [email protected]. All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

Application Deadline

Applications received by August 24th, 2026, will be prioritized for review. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Apply

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About CCST
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. Modeled on the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), CCST is a unique, impartial resource for science and policy partnerships with California policymakers, such as those within the Governor’s Office, Agencies, and the Legislature. As a trusted advisor, CCST strengthens and informs California policy with scientific knowledge and innovation across technology, physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences. This helps improve the lives of Californians, ensures the state remains a leader in technology and innovation, and guides global progress towards a healthy economy, society, and environment.