Policy Design Manager for CalSAWS, Rancho Cordova

Policy Design Manager

Are you an experienced policy and program leader who thrives in complex, fast-moving public sector environments? Do you have the analytical expertise to interpret legislation, translate policy into system requirements, and guide large-scale operational and technology initiatives? Are you ready to help shape the future of statewide human services delivery through CalSAWS?If so, CalSAWS invites you to apply today to join our team as the next

Policy Design Manager! Position Information The Policy Design Manager reports to the Product Strategy&Policy Design (PSPD) Director and plays a key leadership role in the interpretation, approval, and implementation of policy into CalSAWS system changes. This position conducts complex and sensitive research assignments requiring the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data from multiple sources to support strategic decision-making and enterprise policy alignment.The Policy Design Manager leads Policy Analysts and oversees the translation of policy into functional requirements and business processes, while supporting governance activities, stakeholder engagement, and enterprise change approval processes. The Ideal Candidate Will: Have strong knowledge of public assistance programs and state policy as it relates to CalSAWSPossess exceptional analytical, research, and problem-solving skills Bring strong organizational, management, and leadership abilities Demonstrate experience leading teams through multiple project stages and policy implementation efforts Communicate effectively with counties, leadership teams, government agencies, vendors, and stakeholder groupsBe comfortable navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and evolving legislative requirements Thrive in collaborative, governance-heavy, and operationally complex environments Be motivated by improving statewide human services delivery for millions of Californians All positions may be subject to some short-term travel in order to conduct project business with the State and counties. The CalSAWS project office is currently located in Gold River, California.Who is CalSAWS? The California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) is the largest county-based human services system in the nation. In June 2019, all 58 California counties formed the CalSAWS Consortium as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to govern system operations and represent the collective interests of every county.As of October 2023, CalSAWS successfully unified all counties into a single statewide system. CalSAWS is now in its Maintenance and Operations (M&O) phase, ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient system functionality for millions of Californians. This role represents a critical opportunity to improve enterprise alignment upstream of delivery, helping CalSAWS reduce downstream friction, improve coordination, and support more cohesive customer and workforce experiences statewide.