Job description:

The Policy Director is responsible for developing and managing a best-in-class policy

operation that supports a solutions-oriented campaign for Governor of California.

Responsibilities:

The Policy Director has the following responsibilities and duties:
Lead development of the campaign’s policy agenda across major issue areas,
including housing, homelessness, public safety, affordability, education, energy,
and government accountability.
Draft policy memos, briefing materials, issue papers, and background documents
for the candidate, senior staff, debates, interviews, and public events.
Work closely with the candidate and senior leadership to translate campaign
priorities into clear, actionable policy proposals.
Manage policy research, fact-checking, and message alignment to ensure
accuracy, consistency, and strategic discipline.
Coordinate with communications, political, field, digital, and fundraising teams to
integrate policy into campaign messaging and outreach.
Build and maintain relationships with outside experts, stakeholders, advocates,
and local leaders to inform policy development.
Serve as a senior advisor to campaign leadership on policy substance, tradeoffs,
and response strategy on emerging issues.

Requirements:

The Policy Director should have the following skills, attributes, and experience:

Significant experience in policy development, government, legislative, or
campaign roles, preferably in California or another large state.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex issues quickly and produce clear,
persuasive written materials under tight deadlines.
Deep knowledge of California policy and governance, including state-local
dynamics and implementation challenges.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities, collaborate across teams, and
maintain strong judgment in fast-moving environments.
Strong writing, research, and analytical skills, with high attention to detail and
accuracy.
Willingness to commit fully to the demands of a high-intensity statewide race,
working nights, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation:

$10,000-$13,000/month. This is an at will position, and does not extend past the

end of the campaign. Candidates must be willing to work evenings and

weekends frequently.

How to apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to info@mahanforcalifornia.com with the

subject line “[NAME] Policy Director” as soon as possible.

Policy Director

Job Description