MPPA Graduate Assistant:
- Position: Graduate Assistant: Program Analyst Fellow
-
- Semester(s): Spring 2026
- College: The College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies (SSIS)
- Department: Public Policy and Administration
- Hiring Contact: Saahir Shafi, saahir.shafi@csus.edu
- Pay Rate: $1,820 / month
- Anticipated Hours Per Week/Semester: 20 hours / 12 weeks
The Department of Public Policy and Administration at California State University, Sacramento seeks a part-time Graduate Assistant to conduct research for the PRO Youth & Families, Evaluation and Monitoring as part of PPA 299: Graduate Fellowship Seminar.
Timeline:
- Anticipated Application Review Date: May 16
- Anticipated Appointment Start date: flexible
- Anticipated End of Appointment: June 30 (Additional appointment will be made for summer portion of position)
Description: The Fellow will support the Program Analyst in research, data tracking, and contract
compliance across multiple initiatives. This role provides hands-on experience in applied research, data
integrity, and policy-informed operations.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Data Analysis, Research, & Program Support
• Collect, organize, and maintain data for program tracking, evaluation, and reporting.
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends and flag data gaps or inconsistencies.
• Support internal systems and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights for internal and
external stakeholders.
• Contract Monitoring, Compliance, & Analysis
• Assist with tracking and analyzing contract timelines, deliverables, and milestones to identify
patterns and inform program evaluation.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with grant and contract requirements, including onboarding and
required trainings, and document findings for reporting purposes.
• Program Operations, Reporting & Research Support
• Support preparation of reports for county, school district, and community partners, synthesizing
data and highlighting trends and outcomes. Assist with coordination of program activities,
meetings, and outreach efforts, including collecting and documenting information to inform
evaluation.
• Policy Research
• Conduct research and provide insights to improve program processes and operational
effectiveness.
Qualifications:
• Enrolled in the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills.
• Interest in public sector, nonprofit, or community-based programs.
Demonstrated Ability To:
• Communicate and work effectively with program staff, requiring tact, diplomacy, discretion and
maintaining confidentiality.
• Work independently, set priorities, develop goals, and actively seek out program resources.
• Utilize general office software, particularly Microsoft Office Suite.
• Expertly utilize Excel, Google Sheets, or similar tools.
Other Requirements:
• Complete and pass a background screening (FBI and DOJ fingerprint clearance).
• Have access to reliable transportation.
Location and Work Hours:
• Work is performed at the PRO Youth and Families office located at 3841 N Freeway Blvd. in
Sacramento, Ca. Schedule may allow for some hybrid work.
• Standard office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fellows will work 20 hours per week.
There may be occasional opportunities for evening or weekend work.
Application Requirements:
• Statement of Interest (approximately 500 words) describing your experience with applied research,
the nonprofit sector, or public policy.
• Writing Sample (e.g., research paper with source citations and/or data analysis).
• Unofficial Transcript
*Important Note: Please use your Sac State email to apply for student employment positions.
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized by the California Legislative Assembly as a Black-Serving Institution. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:
“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.
As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.
To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.
Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.
It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.
The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.
Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.
Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.
Background Check Disclaimer
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.
Out of State Employment
Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.
As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
Eligibility Verification
Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento International Students holding an F-1 visa are eligible to apply.
Note to Applicants:
Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.