Policy Analyst Graduate Intern

Description

First 5 Alameda County is seeking a motivated and equity-driven Graduate Policy Analyst Intern to join our Government Affairs and Policy (GAP) team. This is a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact policy work that shapes systems supporting young children and families across Alameda County.

As an intern, you will play a meaningful role in advancing our 2026 Policy Agenda, contributing to efforts that build a more equitable, coordinated early childhood system at the local, state, and federal levels.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will support policy advocacy, research, and strategic initiatives, including:

• Policy Tracking & Analysis
  • Monitor legislation, budgets, and policy developments across local, state, and federal levels
  • Manage and maintain policy tracking tools
  • Help prioritize key policy issues and bills
• Research & Strategic Insights
  • Conduct in-depth policy research and analysis
  • Translate complex policy into clear, actionable insights
  • Identify emerging best practices and develop recommendations
• Policy Writing & Communications
  • Draft high-quality materials such as:
    • Policy briefs and memos
    • Position letters and reports
    • Presentations and talking points
    • Dashboards, tools, and templates
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
  • Support participation in policy meetings, advisory bodies, and public forums
  • Assist with public comment and representation, as appropriate
  • Coordinate logistics for policy meetings and events
• Collaboration & Internal Alignment
  • Share policy updates across teams and leadership
  • Support cross-agency collaboration and alignment
  • Ensure quality and consistency across policy outputs

Key Projects & Deliverables

• Analyze and develop recommendations on priority legislation (e.g., Behavioral Health Services Act, early childhood policy)
• Support analysis of the Governor’s May Revise and FY 2026-27 state and federal budgets
• Help plan and staff internal and external policy committees, including the Alameda County Early Childhood Policy Committee (ACECPC)
• Draft policy updates and materials for leadership, governing bodies, and community partners

What You’ll Gain

This internship offers hands-on experience in:

• Public policy impacting young children and families
• Systems-building initiatives like local tax initiatives and CalAIM
• Government relations, advocacy strategy, and fiscal policy
• Cross-sector collaboration with public agencies, community organizations, and policymakers

You’ll leave with practical skills in policy analysis, strategic communication, and equity-centered systems change.

Qualifications

Who You Are

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program or recently graduated (Public Policy, Public Health, or related field preferred)
• Have strong analytical, research, and writing skills
• Have a passion for equity, early childhood systems, and public service
• Able to manage multiple projects and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders

Apply

We welcome applicants from graduate programs and recent grads (public Policy, public health, and related fields preferred).

Please note:

• We are currently working a hybrid 2 day per week in-office schedule and employees also come to the office to attend meetings and as requested.
• All First 5 employees must live and work in California.
• This position pays $30 per hour and compensation is not negotiable.
• We conduct reference and background checks for all potential employees.

Why First 5 Alameda County?

You’ll be part of a mission-driven organization working at the intersection of policy, community, and systems change-helping ensure that all children in Alameda County have the opportunity to thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employment

First 5 Alameda County is an equal opportunity employer. The Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion (including religious dress or grooming), creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions) or gender, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disabilities, color, marital status, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, genetic information, medical condition, military or veteran status, exercise of rights under the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law or the California Family Rights Act, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

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• First 5 Alameda County

• 510.227.6900

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