Fiscal and
Policy Analyst
(K-12 Education)
Legislative Analyst's Office
Sacramento, California
The K-12 education assignment covers a range of issues relating to school finance,
operations, and facilities. As with all analyst assignments, the overall goal
of this assignment is to advise the Legislature on related fiscal and policy matters.
Specifically, this assignment is responsible for:
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Reviewing certain program and department budgets (including, for example, programs
for low-income students and English Learners, alternative education programs, education
data systems, and the budget for the California Department of Education).
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Identifying pertinent statewide education issues, conducting research, developing
recommendations, and writing education reports.
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Tracking major education developments at the local, state, and federal levels.
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Monitoring implementation of new education programs.
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Working as a liaison between the academic, policy, and legislative education communities.
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Representing the section in various venues (including legislative committees, task
forces, and working groups, as well as at policy conferences and research symposia.
Desired Background/Experience. Applicants must have a Master's degree
in public policy, public or business administration, economics, or a related field
that includes a curriculum of economics, statistics, public finance, and policy
analysis. In addition, analysts must: (1) possess strong quantitative and analytical
skills; (2) be able to communicate effectively through clear and concise writing
and oral presentations; (3) work well with others in a fast-paced and production-oriented
environment; and (4) learn quickly, show initiative, and be willing to take
on increasing levels of responsibility.
Salary. The entry-level salary for the Fiscal and Policy Analyst position is approximately $57,000 per year. The office will consider salaries that are above this amount, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Salaries for Senior Fiscal and Policy Analysts (analysts who have demonstrated the ability to perform all analytical tasks and produce all office products at a consistently high quality with a minimum amount of supervision) begin at approximately $85,000 per year. Salaries for Principal Fiscal and Policy Analysts range from $103,000 to $114,000 per year.
The LAO also provides a comprehensive package of health, vision, dental, and retirement
benefits.
In addition, the LAO provides vacation, sick leave, compensatory time-off for overtime
above a specified level, and about 13 holidays per year.
Background Information
The LAO has served the Legislature and the people of California for over 70 years.
The office currently employs 44 analytical and 14 support staff. Staff of the LAO
are hired and promoted on a merit basis and are exempt from civil service.
The LAO enjoys a national reputation for the quality and nonpartisanship of its
analyses and staff.
Application Process
Follow this link for information
on how to apply.
The LAO is an equal opportunity employer.