Strategic Planning & Budgeting Returnship Program

ARIZONA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE Strategic Planning & Budgeting Returnship Program
* Fulltime & Part Time Positions Available
* Job Location: 1700 West Washington Street Phoenix, Arizona 85007
* In-person for Returnees based in the Phoenix-Metro area, with remote options for those located outside of the Phoenix-Metro area
* Program Structure & Compensation

• Compensation: $30.00 Hourly
• Duration:
  Typically 12 - 16 weeks, not to exceed 18 weeks
• Benefits:
  The Returnship Program does not offer benefits
• Schedule:
  
  Part-Time (20-29 hours/week) or Full-Time (40 hours/week) options available depending on candidate preference and office need

The Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) Returnship Program is a paid, temporary transition program designed for experienced mid-career professionals looking to re-enter the workforce following a career break.

This program offers a structured, supportive pathway into state government, allowing returning professionals to update their skills, build a contemporary network in state budgeting or strategic planning, and apply their seasoned expertise to high-level challenges facing the State of Arizona.

Returnees participate in hands‑on budget or strategic planning work with high-level exposure to executive decision‑making processes.

Returnees will tackle assignments tailored to their professional background & areas of interest, with core exposure to state-level administration:

• Executive Privilege:
  Handle confidential information and contribute directly to the budget and strategic planning processes at the highest levels of state government
• Fiscal & Operational Analysis:
  Leverage past public/non-profit sector experience to analyze the fiscal impacts and operational feasibility of government policy decisions
• Impact:
  Solve statewide fiscal, operational, and policy challenges alongside experienced analysts
• Special Projects:
  Support targeted division initiatives through special projects as assigned

Major Duties by Division:

• Perform in-depth fiscal and operational analyses of agency budget requests and legislative items
• Analyze complex financial models, state revenues, and agency spending trends
• Assist in drafting executive budget recommendations

• Coordinate with agency leaders to collect, analyze, and track performance metrics and key deliverable submissions
• Assist with statewide performance dashboard management, reporting, and process improvements
• Support the statewide strategic planning lifecycle across state cabinet agencies

At this time, OSPB is not accepting returnship applications for the Grants Division

• Monitoring and management of federal grants awarded to the State
• Assist with grant data analytics and reporting

Program Requirements:

• Minimum of a 1 year break from full‑time professional employment, unless:
  • Affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces as a military service member, transitioning service member, veteran, & or a military spouse or partner; or
  • underemployed at the time of application(underemployed is defined as not doing work that makes full use of skills, abilities, &/or educational background)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Business, Economics, Non‑Profit Management, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience, or, Graduate students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Business, Economics, Non‑Profit Management or a related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional work experience may also be considered for the Returnship Program

Preferred Knowledge &

Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and a willingness to…