Performance/Policy Evaluator

California State Auditor; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Longevity bonus

Hybrid telework program

Job summary

California State Auditor is seeking a Performance/Policy Evaluator I to develop recommendations that address California’s toughest challenges. You will analyze complex processes, write reports for the Legislature and public, and participate in creating presentations.

This role requires solid research, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate clearly. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree or higher and experience with performance auditing, program evaluation, or policy development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher required.
• Experience with performance auditing, program evaluation, or policy development preferred.
• Strong research and analytical skills with ability to summarize findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop recommendations to solve California’s most challenging problems.
• Understand laws and best practices to set audit criteria and accountability.
• Collect and analyze evidence to support findings and recommendations.
• Track and analyze data to evaluate agency performance against criteria.
• Document analyses thoroughly to support audit conclusions.
• Collaborate with teams to produce final public reports.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Research skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

We are the independent oversight arm of the California State Legislature and the custodians of California’s Whistleblower Hotline. Our mission is to provide objective evaluations and effective solutions that enhance the transparency, accountability, and performance of California government for the people it serves. We are trusted to produce unbiased, nonpartisan reports that provide recommendations to solve some of our state’s toughest problems.

At the California State Auditor’s Office, we believe that our mission to enhance transparency, accountability, and performance of government also improves the lives of Californians. The many people helping us achieve such a mission are the backbone and heart of our organization. We aspire to create a workplace that celebrates their incredible contributions and talents, and embraces their unique perspectives, identities, and values. We seek to develop an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and inspired in their commitment to public service.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

As a Performance/Policy Evaluator (Auditor Evaluator I), you will develop recommendations to solve California’s most challenging problems. Performance/Policy Evaluators must quickly understand and analyze complex processes, think creatively about effective solutions, write reports for the Legislature and the public, and participate in the development of presentations for the Legislature. Specifically, you will:

• Communicate extensively with government officials and colleagues in a collaborative environment to obtain necessary information and to convey information related to audit procedures, findings, and recommendations.
• Understand laws and best practices to develop the criteria against which the audited agencies will be held accountable.
• Collect and analyze evidence to convey strong, compelling arguments that are responsive to the audit objectives and comply with government auditing standards.
• Track, interpret and analyze data using various analytical techniques to evaluate agency performance against relevant criteria.
• Thoroughly and accurately document your analyses to support audit findings and recommendations.
• Work with teams to develop final public reports.

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN US?

• You want to make a difference for Californians and future generations, and make sure California government is effectively serving its people.
• You want to work in a professional environment and be a part of a team of intelligent colleagues doing meaningful work.
• You have a passion for public service, critical thinking skills, and want to be a part of a team that is dedicated to improving California government.
• You desire a monthly salary of $5,963 – $8,462 as well as a longevity bonus.

Final Filing Date:

August 28, 2025

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is eligible for participation in the office’s hybrid telework program. Work at the alternate work location must be in California and conducted in a space that is ergonomically sound, private, distraction-free, and has safe working conditions to be eligible to telework.
• Work performed in the office is in an air‑conditioned high‑rise building with elevator access and both natural and artificial lighting.
• Work may require sitting for an extended period of time using a personal computer and the use of standard office equipment, such as phones, copiers or scanners.
• Work may require periodic non‑standard work hours and work during weekends to meet workload needs and demands.
• Work may require travel, working away from headquarters and/or long and irregular work hours.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The California State Auditor's Office is not an E‑Verify employer.

WHO ARE YOU?

• You can follow our core values of integrity, commitment, and leadership.
• You are a self‑starter with a sense of purpose and are able to work in an independent nonpartisan office by approaching questions objectively without bias.
• You are able to think critically and synthesize data and information into logical, meaningful, and concise conclusions that will inform sound recommendations.
• You have demonstrated experience developing positive working relationships with teammates and other colleagues.
• You have experience with or knowledge of performance auditing, program evaluation, or policy development.
• You have a high level of emotional intelligence and can communicate and listen effectively to a variety of individuals in a collaborative, team environment.
• You are able to self‑reflect and respond to feedback in a positive and constructive manner.
• You are not afraid to engage in difficult conversations.
• You have experience in or the ability to engage with stakeholders to obtain relevant information.
• You have strong research and analytical skills and are able to effectively and concisely summarize the results of your research and analysis.
• You have strong communication skills including the ability to write in a clear and concise manner.
• You possess good work ethic, attention to detail, and effective time‑management skills.
• You are willing to occasionally work long or irregular hours to get the job done.
• You are, or will become a California resident, and are willing to travel to various work locations throughout the State of California.
• You have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher (registered college seniors can begin the process but must graduate before starting).