Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, California Gubernatorial Transition Project
at Partnership for Public Service
🏢 About Partnership for Public Service
Evidence Action is a unique global nonprofit that exclusively implements proven, cost-effective health interventions at scale to combat poverty, reaching over 530 million people with programs like deworming and safe water. Their rigorous, data-driven approach ensures every dollar delivers outsized impact, making them an ideal workplace for professionals passionate about evidence-based solutions and measurable outcomes in public health.
About This Role
As Director of the California Gubernatorial Transition Project, you will lead strategic planning and execution of transition initiatives for California's next governor, ensuring alignment with Evidence Action's mission to scale proven health interventions. This role is impactful because it directly influences state-level policy and resource allocation, potentially expanding life-saving programs like Deworm the World or Safe Water Now to millions of Californians.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves coordinating with transition team members to align health priorities with Evidence Action's proven interventions, analyzing California health data to identify scaling opportunities for programs like deworming, and drafting policy briefs that translate impact metrics (e.g., lives saved) into actionable recommendations for the incoming administration. You might also strategize with Evidence Action's global teams to adapt their models to California's context.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Partnership for Public Service Is Looking For
- Proven experience in government transitions, public policy, or high-level stakeholder management, ideally within California or similar large-state contexts
- Deep understanding of evidence-based public health interventions and ability to translate data (e.g., deworming impact metrics) into compelling policy briefs
- Strong project management skills with a track record of scaling programs, as evidenced by Experience Action's 'Scaled' initiatives like Deworm the World
- Ability to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining focus on measurable outcomes, reflecting the company's data-driven culture
📝 Tips for Applying to Partnership for Public Service
Highlight specific experience with gubernatorial transitions, state-level policy work, or scaling public health programs—reference Evidence Action's 'Scaled' initiatives in your examples
Quantify your impact using metrics similar to Evidence Action's (e.g., 'managed a project reaching X people' or 'generated $Y in efficiency gains') to align with their data-focused approach
Demonstrate knowledge of California's public health landscape and how Evidence Action's programs (e.g., deworming, syphilis prevention) could address state-specific needs
Emphasize experience working with bipartisan or cross-sector stakeholders, as transition projects require navigating diverse political interests
Tailor your resume to show how you've operationalized evidence into action, mirroring Evidence Action's 'proven solutions' philosophy—avoid vague policy roles
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your background in transitions or public policy directly enables scaling Evidence Action's proven interventions (e.g., Deworm the World) in California", "Describe a specific achievement where you used data to drive policy or program decisions, aligning with the company's evidence-based ethos", "Articulate your understanding of California's health disparities and how this role could advance initiatives like Syphilis-Free Start or Equal Vitamin Access in the state", "Connect your leadership style to Evidence Action's focus on urgency and impact, citing their global reach (530M people) as motivation"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Deep dive into Evidence Action's 'Scaled' programs (Deworm the World, Safe Water Now) and their impact metrics—understand how they operationalize evidence at scale
- → Study California's current public health policies, budget allocations, and key stakeholders to identify opportunities for Evidence Action's interventions
- → Review recent gubernatorial transitions in California or similar states to understand timelines, stakeholders, and common pitfalls
- → Explore Evidence Action's expansion announcements (e.g., Tanzania in 2026) to grasp their growth strategy and how it might apply to state-level work
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a generic policy background without linking it to Evidence Action's specific programs or evidence-based approach
- Overemphasizing theoretical policy ideas without demonstrating experience in implementation or scaling—this role requires execution, not just advocacy
- Failing to acknowledge the political nuances of a gubernatorial transition, such as bipartisan engagement or budget constraints
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Partnership for Public Service!