Policy Director

• Location: Remote (Greater Sacramento Region). Given the need for regular access to the State Capitol, only candidates based in the Greater Sacramento Region will be considered. Please note that authorization to work in the U.S. is required, as Capitol Impact is unable to sponsor visas.
• Type: Full-time, Exempt
• Reports to: Capitol Impact, Partner
• Compensation: $85,000–$120,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• To apply, please email your resume and a brief cover letter directly to Natalie Lenhart at natalie@capitolimpact.org Please note that applications submitted through LinkedIn will not be reviewed.

Capitol Impact is a nonpartisan social impact consulting firm that delivers results for organizations working to expand opportunities and improve lives. We partner with nonprofits, foundations, governments, businesses, and educational institutions to build the knowledge, programs, and partnerships that create meaningful impact. Our team of strategists and project managers works across diverse domains, including civic engagement, education, public health, homelessness, transportation, and workforce development, to design smarter policies and programs and deliver better outcomes for communities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Policy Director works across the organization to provide clear policy guidance and support both firm-wide priorities and client projects. The Director tracks legislative and regulatory activity and explains what it means in straightforward, neutral terms so Capitol Impact and its partners can make informed decisions. A key part of the role is coaching and building the capacity of others to understand policy, navigate the legislative process, and thinking strategically about policy issues. The Director brings strong research and writing skills, hands-on experience with legislation, and a collaborative approach to sharing policy knowledge. The role also involves maintaining relationships across the political spectrum and knowing who to contact in the Capitol and state agencies to gather timely information, support effective engagement, and help teams take next steps.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Insight & Strategy Alignment

• Monitor legislative and regulatory activity and synthesize implications for Capitol Impact’s work.
• Provide policy context to inform program strategy, leadership decisions, and organizational communications.

Policy Analysis, Research & Writing

• Research and review state legislation, budgets, and agency actions, with some analysis of local ordinances or actions as needed. Produce clear, neutral policy briefs, summaries, memos, and talking points for internal and external audiences.

Stakeholder & Policymaker Engagement

• Build and maintain working relationships with state lawmakers, agency staff, and partners, and engage with local officials when appropriate.
• Identify and connect with appropriate policy contacts to gather insight or coordinate next steps.
• Represent Capitol Impact in meetings and briefings with professionalism and neutrality.

Communications & Facilitation

• Partner with the Communications team to ensure policy content is accurate, neutral, and aligned.
• Prepare talking points, slide decks, and summaries for leadership and external presentations.
• Facilitate internal briefings to build shared understanding of policy developments.

Policy Advising & Coaching

• Provide timely policy guidance to internal teams and partners.
• Support staff learning by sharing resources, insights, and coaching.
• Help teams interpret and adapt to evolving policy dynamics.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; significant, directly relevant experience may substitute for an advanced degree.

Experience:

• 5–7+ years of experience in policy, legislative affairs, government relations, or related fields.
• Direct experience working inside the State Capitol, such as serving as a legislative aide, legislative director, committee consultant, or similar role
• Experience working across multiple policy areas, or a strong track record of quickly learning new issues and finding the right experts when deeper knowledge is needed.
• Strong working knowledge of state policymaking processes, including the legislative calendar, administrative rulemaking, and how federal decisions influence state and local action.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain bipartisan working relationships with legislative and agency staff, coalitions, and partner organizations.

Skills:

• Strategic mindset; anticipates trends and positions the organization proactively within the policy landscape.
• Strong research and analytical abilities; skilled at interpreting legislative language, regulations, and policy proposals.
• Excellent written communication, capable of producing clear, neutral briefs, memos, talking points, and summaries for diverse audiences.
• Effective verbal communicator who can brief leadership, engage partners, and represent Capitol Impact with professionalism and neutrality.
• Ability to identify the right contacts across the Capitol and state agencies and engage them appropriately to gather context or coordinate next steps.
• Comfortable facilitating internal discussions and contributing policy context to strategy, communications, and partner engagement.

Ideal Candidate:

• Has direct Capitol experience and understands how legislative offices, committees, and agencies operate.
• Maintains bipartisan relationships and knows how to identify and reach the right contacts for context or coordination.
• Experience drafting bill analyses, tracking legislation or budget proposals, and preparing concise policy briefs or memos.
• Navigates political environments with tact, neutrality, and sound judgment.
• Leads with empathy and composure, developing others through guidance, clarity, and shared purpose.

Values Alignment: Demonstrated alignment with Capitol Impact’s values. Our values are:

• We operate with freedom and responsibility
• We produce unequivocal excellence
• We pursue continuous self-improvement
• We communicate honestly and directly
• We embrace diversity in all aspects

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $85,000–$120,000. The salary offered to the successful candidate will depend on experience.

Employees at Capitol Impact enjoy a broad total compensation package which includes health benefits with an employer contribution, generous paid time off, a quarterly health reimbursement program for out-of-pocket medical expenses, a 401k retirement plan with an employer match, and paid family medical leave. Please note that benefits are subject to change each year. We strive to make regular improvements to our benefits offerings.

WHY CAPITOL IMPACT

• Meaningful work: Contribute directly to solving critical issues facing California communities.
• Values-driven team: Work with and learn from experienced colleagues and make a significant impact alongside like-minded individuals.
• Work-life balance: We understand the importance of disconnecting after hours and offer a flexible work environment.
• Professional growth: Opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and continuous learning.
• Competitive compensation and benefits: Competitive salary ($85,000–$120,000), comprehensive benefits package (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan).
• Commitment to diversity: We foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Capitol Impact is committed to recruiting a team that reflects the diverse populations it serves. Our firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to their race, color, age, religious creed, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or other personal characteristics. We also recruit and hire without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter to Capitol Impact Partner, Melissa Granville, melissa@capitolimpact.org

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual first-round interview with Capitol Impact staff. Selected candidates will advance to a second-round interview, which may include a case study or writing exercise. Finalists will then participate in a panel interview with Capitol Impact senior leadership and key stakeholders; references will be checked at that stage.