The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at Sacramento State is seeking a summer research fellow focused

on the regional nonprofit sector. Under the guidance of professional research staff, the fellow will conduct

applied research examining the policies, practices, funding challenges, and advocacy needs of nonprofits

serving the Sacramento region. This is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to research that directly

informs community and policy decisions.

 

Fellows may assist with the following duties under the guidance of professional research staff:

• Participate in developing a survey of the nonprofit sector to assess needs for advocacy, the impact of

government funding cuts, and the general state of the regional nonprofit sector.

• Conduct legislative and policy analysis for issues affecting nonprofits in the Sacramento region.

• Evaluate public and policy priorities as they apply to services offered by the nonprofit sector.

• Develop communication channels to share public policy priorities with community leaders and

stakeholders.

• Collect, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data relevant to nonprofit sector research.

• Participate in interviews, meetings, and fieldwork with nonprofit staff, community leaders, and other

stakeholders.

 

• Applicants must be graduate students in good standing, pursuing a Master of Public Policy & Administration.

• Strong interest in the nonprofit sector, applied research and program evaluation, policy analysis, or

related fields. 

• Research methodology course (either undergraduate or graduate).

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas

clearly within structured work products.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.

• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.

• Must be available to work 20 hours per week, in person, at the Institute for Social Research office

(304 S. Street)

 

Not required, but ideal for a strong candidate:

• Coursework in program evaluation, statistics, nonprofit management, or research methods.

• Prior experience with research analysis software (e.g., SPSS) and/or Qualtrics is helpful.

• Experience working in government, nonprofits, applied research, or public policy settings.

• Familiarity with the Sacramento region nonprofit landscape or community organizations.

• Ability to analyze datasets or visualize data trends.

• Demonstrated critical thinking, curiosity, and creative problem-solving.

 

By the end of the fellowship, students can expect to:

• Gain practical experience applying research and policy analysis skills to real-world nonprofit sector

challenges.

• Improve skills in survey research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and professional writing.

• Contribute meaningfully to applied research that impacts the Sacramento regional community and

nonprofit sector.

• Develop workplace competencies valued in nonprofit organizations, government, consulting, and

policy roles.

 

• 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

 

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.