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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…