Policy and Budget Consultant

Job Description and Duties

This is a reposting. If you previously submitted an application for this position, you do not need to reapply.

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.

Are you interested in joining a collaborative and high-performing team supporting early education initiatives across California? The Early Education Division (EED) at the California Department of Education (CDE) advances equitable opportunities for children, families, and communities through the implementation of Universal PreKindergarten (UPK).

Under the direction of the Education Administrator I of the Policy Office, the incumbent works collaboratively with program units and interest holders statewide on state budget and policy issues for early education programs. The incumbent supports early education programs through policy analysis, development, research, and technical assistance, and serves in an educational leadership role promoting program alignment and quality. The incumbent provides consultation and technical assistance to local agencies and partners; develops and implements policies, regulations, and guidance; and prepares complex documents including reports, bill analyses, budget proposals, and policy briefs. The incumbent conducts research and analyzes program and fiscal data to inform decision-making, along with developing presentations and serving as a subject-matter expert for early education budget and policy issues. This position supports key initiatives including UPK implementation through Transitional Kindergarten and the California State Preschool Program, data-driven continuous improvement, and implementation of various activities to improve the quality of UPK programs, including implementation of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) in the California State Preschool Program. Strong analytical, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills are essential.

CDE is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Additionally, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Special Requirements

To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.

The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: or at the link below:

Please note : A separate application is required for the examination and must be submitted to the address on the examination bulletin.

Child Development Consultant:

Child Development Assistant:

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:

-Knowledge of early learning and care programs, policies, and statewide systems

-High level of judgement, discernment, tact, resourcefulness, and flexibility

-Ability to analyze complex policy, program, and fiscal data

-Experience developing reports, policy documents, or legislative analyses

-Strong written and verbal communication skills

-Ability to build strong working partnerships with internal and external interest holders

-Strong organizational and project management skills

-Experience providing training and technical assistance

-Ability to work independently and manage multiple shifting and time-sensitive priorities

-Knowledge of UPK Programs (California State Preschool Program and Transitional Kindergarten) preferred

Benefits

The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days

• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Commute Program

More benefit information can be found on CalHR’s website: Benefits Summary

Important Application Instructions

• How to Apply for state jobs:
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies:
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here:

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ,” be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:

  With consideration to the duties listed in the duty statement and the desired qualifications listed in this job announcement, describe how your experience, education, and qualities qualifies you for this position. Please also describe what interests you the most about this position.