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Policy Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Public Policy Lead, U.S. States

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$156K - $175K/yr

Monitor and analyze policy developments in the U.S. States. * Develop public policy materials such as position papers, talking points, presentations, consultation responses, for engagement with our ...

Monitor and analyze policy developments in the U.S. States. * Develop public policy materials such as position papers, talking points, presentations, consultation responses, for engagement with our ...

Monitor and analyze policy developments in the U.S. States. * Develop public policy materials such as position papers, talking points, presentations, consultation responses, for engagement with our ...

Policy Analyst

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30K/yr

The Commission collaborates with representatives from community development-related entities ... The Commission is seeking a Policy Analyst to assist with tracking and analysis of housing programs ...

Policy Analyst

Oakland, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... Development, as well as other regulatory agencies; and • Collects data and performs analysis on agency policy initiatives, fair housing and innovations, including those related to Moving to Work ...

Monitor and analyze policy developments in the U.S. States. * Develop public policy materials such as position papers, talking points, presentations, consultation responses, for engagement with our ...

Policy Analyst

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30K/yr

The Commission collaborates with representatives from community development-related entities ... The Commission is seeking a Policy Analyst to assist with tracking and analysis of housing programs ...

Policy Analyst

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$42.75 - $65/hr

... the development of internal procedures, documentation, and compliance-focused materials. • ... policy positions, respond to emerging issues, and maintain accurate supporting records. • ...

Policy analyst

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$1.5K - $3.0K/mo

We are dedicated to researching global hot issues and conducting policy analysis. Run entirely ... Monitor global developments and provide real-time analysis of their impact on Singapore and the ...

Policy Analyst

Oakland, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... development of successful internal and external relationships. * Contribute to internal and external dialogue that advances our innovative approach to policy change * Actively collaborate within and ...

Lead the development, implementation, and governance of the bank's accounting policies in alignment with regulatory expectations and industry standards. * Prepare and maintain technical accounting ...

... development of successful internal and external relationships. * Contribute to internal and external dialogue that advances our innovative approach to policy change * Actively collaborate within and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Policy Development information

See California salary details

$43.4K

$103.4K

$154.4K

How much do policy development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy development in California is $103,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $125,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is policy development?

Policy development is the process of creating, evaluating, and implementing rules, guidelines, or courses of action that guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes within organizations or governments. This process involves identifying issues, researching possible solutions, consulting stakeholders, drafting policy documents, and often reviewing and revising policies based on feedback and changing circumstances. Effective policy development helps ensure consistency, compliance, and the achievement of organizational or governmental objectives.

How does a Policy Development professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Policy Development professionals often work closely with departments such as legal, compliance, operations, and communications to ensure that proposed policies are practical, legally sound, and align with organizational objectives. Collaboration often involves cross-functional meetings, gathering input from stakeholders, and integrating feedback into policy drafts. This team-oriented approach helps ensure policies are comprehensive, implementable, and well-communicated across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Policy Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Policy Development, you need strong analytical, research, and writing skills, often supported by a degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, data visualization software, and legislative tracking systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and critical thinking abilities help professionals excel when building consensus and navigating complex issues. These skills are essential for crafting effective, evidence-based policies that address societal challenges and achieve organizational goals.

What is the difference between Policy Development vs Policy Analysis?

AspectPolicy DevelopmentPolicy Analysis
Primary FocusCreating and drafting policiesEvaluating and analyzing policies
Skills RequiredResearch, writing, policy draftingData analysis, critical thinking, evaluation
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, policy offices, government agenciesResearch institutions, government departments, think tanks
Common CertificationsPolicy or public administration degreesPublic policy, statistics, or research certifications

Policy Development involves creating and drafting policies to address specific issues, often requiring strong writing and research skills. Policy Analysis focuses on evaluating existing policies through data analysis and critical assessment. While both roles require understanding of public policy and related credentials, Policy Development is more about crafting policies, whereas Policy Analysis emphasizes evaluating their effectiveness.

What job categories do people searching Policy Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Development jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Policy Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,388 per year, or $49.7 per hour.
PROJECT POLICY ANL 5 RP

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serves as the organization expert on a significant policy issue or initiative.

  • Provides leadership, guidance, education, and policy development on a significant policy domain or program and represents the organization to external constituencies.

  • Develops proposals and recommendations to guide and support a broader strategic direction for the organization or initiative.


Job description


JOB SUMMARY
This position requires an experienced water professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; can independently perform the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems/ issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.
Primary responsibility of the Program Policy Analyst (PPA) will be focused on supporting the California Fluoride Technical Assistance contract 2026-2029 goal, objectives, and activities, through supporting water operators understanding of benefits of community water fluoridation (CWF), connecting water districts to the appropriate sources for technical assistance, and educating other public health professionals about the process and challenges with CWF. The selected water professional will work with the Principal Investigator of the UCSF Fluoride contract with the California Department of Public Health, Office of Oral Health, and liaise with the State Water Resources Control Board.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
No supervisory role.
Responsibilities
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
25
Serves as the organization expert on a significant policy issue(s) or initiative.
25
Provides leadership, guidance, education, policy development on a significant policy domain or program and represents the organization to external constituencies.
25
Develops proposals and recommendations to guide and support a broader strategic direction for the organization / initiative
25
Analyzes, predicts and advises constituencies regarding direction in the absence of clear external and internal practices.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  • Expert knowledge of common organizational- or research-specific and other computer application programs
  • Highly skilled communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with and influence others, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality
  • Highly skilled in all levels of project management
  • Expert knowledge of the organization's processes, protocols and procedures and external regulatory requirements in policy domain
  • Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes
  • Expert knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques
  • Expert analytical / problem-solving skills

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html