AI Cybersecurity Policy Analyst

Job Description and Duties

Cal OES is seeking a detail-oriented technology professional to support California’s emerging  Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Reporting Program . As an AI Cybersecurity Policy Analyst within the Homeland Security Division’s California Cybersecurity Integration Center (Cal-CSIC), you will help develop, refine, and implement AI safety policies, playbooks, and procedures; analyze critical AI-related incident submissions; and prepare clear, accurate summaries and legislative reports. Key responsibilities include reviewing and evaluating AI safety incident reports, compiling and interpreting data for annual reporting requirements, and coordinating with Cal-CSIC partners, the California Department of Technology (CDT), and other stakeholders to support continuous improvement of statewide reporting processes.

The ideal candidate is an effective writer and critical thinker who can manage multiple assignments, interpret laws, policies, and their technical implications, communicate clearly with executives and stakeholders, and work collaboratively in a dynamic environment. While cybersecurity subject matter expertise is not required, a general understanding of cybersecurity concepts is helpful. Experience in AI, policy analysis, reporting, sensitive information handling, or multi-stakeholder coordination is highly desirable.

If you’re ready to support California’s AI safety and reporting efforts, we encourage you to apply. 

This position is located at our Mather Campus and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule which may include up to one day of remote work per week. Additional in-office days may be required based on business needs. 

The position is a 12-month limited term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent. This position is pending final budget approval.  

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

See duty statement for more information.

Special Requirements

DMV Pull Program : Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Application Package Requirements

To have your application considered for this job opportunity:

• List the Job Code and Position Number for this position in the “EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING” section on the State Application, STD. 678. 
• List your most current employment history first in the “EMPLOYMENT HISTORY” section on the STD. 678. 
• Provide the “From” and “To” dates with the month, day and year, the “Hours Per Week” that you worked and the Total Worked (Years/Months). You may include overtime hours.
• You must complete the “DUTIES PERFORMED” on the State Application ( do not note “see attached resume” in this section ). Failure to comply and your application is considered incomplete.
• SROA and Surplus are encouraged to apply and must submit a copy of their letter.
• Please note consideration shall be given to work experience gained in a part-time or full-time job, regardless of whether the job was a paid or a volunteer position or was within, or outside of, state service.

If using education to qualify please submit a copy of your transcripts. If selected, official transcripts will be required. Foreign education must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency. 

NOTE: Incomplete applications received may not be considered. Resumes are welcomed but do not take the place of the completed State Application STD 678. Applications received via fax or email will NOT be accepted. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send certified mail.  

**A candidate pool may be established for subsequent vacancies.**

**All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.**

**We encourage applicants to apply electronically.**

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state homeland security enterprise
• Proven ability to lead projects independently, overcome challenges, and complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills with capacity to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in research and policy writing
• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities in a fast-paced work setting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Teams, and Adobe Acrobat
• Experience in strategic planning, policy analysis, and program evaluation
• Ability to synthesize complex information and develop evidence-based recommendations
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of homeland security and emergency management

Benefits

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Free Parking
• On-site Gym and Locker room
• Electric Carport
• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
• Investment in careers development
• Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications

All applicants must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review . Failure to include an SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration. Your SOQ will be a determining factor of your qualifications for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will proceed to the hiring interview.

A resume in lieu of the SOQ responses may disqualify an applicant from consideration. A standard or generic SOQ will disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Please review the Duty Statement for the position.

The SOQ should be no more than one page, single-spaced in 11-point Arial font, 1-inch margins, with your name in the upper-right corner.

Please respond to the following prompt, providing detailed examples and explanations where appropriate.

• Describe a specific instance from your work experience where you assessed the cybersecurity risks of an AI or Machine Learning (ML) technology and translated that assessment into a written product such as a policy, guideline, risk memo, or recommendation. What challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?

Looking for guidance on navigating the state's job board or need assistance with uploading your documents or SOQ? Check out helpful how-to videos here:  Work4CA: Start Your State Career to make your job search easier and more effective!

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) section at the bottom of this job bulletin for the filing instructions and the SOQ Question(s). Applications submitted without the SOQ may not be considered.