Key Responsibilities

 

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

• Conduct background research on city programs, policies, operations, and comparable practices in

other jurisdictions.

• Assist in planning and scoping audit assignments, including identifying risks and preliminary

objectives.

• Collect, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.

• Review relevant laws, regulations, contracts, budget documents, and operational policies.

• Participate in interviews, meetings, and fieldwork with city staff and stakeholders.

• Summarize findings in clear written notes, charts, or draft sections of audit reports.

• Assist with developing recommendations that promote efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and

equity.

• Support project teams with administrative tasks such as workpaper management, fact-checking,

and quality control.

• Contribute to presentations or briefings for internal and external audiences.

 

 

 

• Must currently be an MPPA student

• Strong interest in public-sector accountability, program evaluation, policy analysis, or

government operations.

• Ability to conduct structured research and synthesize findings into clear, concise conclusions.

Basic proficiency with Excel or other data tools (e.g., R, Python, Stata acceptable but not

required).

• 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.

• Commitment to ethical conduct and maintaining confidentiality.

 

 

 

(Not required, but ideal for a strong candidate)

• Coursework in program evaluation, public finance, statistics, or research methods.

• Experience working in government, nonprofits, journalism or news media, or public policy

settings.

• Familiarity with performance auditing concepts or the Government Auditing Standards

(GAGAS).

• Ability to analyze datasets or visualize data trends.

• Demonstrated critical thinking, curiosity, and attention to detail.

 

 

 

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

• Gain practical experience applying policy analysis skills to real-world government operations.

• Understand the fundamentals of performance auditing and public-sector accountability.

• Improve skills in research, interviewing, data analysis, and professional writing.

• Contribute meaningfully to audit projects that impact community outcomes.

• Develop workplace competencies valued in government, consulting, and policy roles.

 

 

 

• Statement of Interest (around 500 words) describing your experience with public policy or local

government.

• Writing Sample (i.e., research paper with source citations and/or data analysis)

• 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.