Job Posting: Assistant Deputy Director, Policy and Research

Department of Health Care Access and Information

JC-535112
-
Assistant Deputy Director, Policy and Research
C. E. A.

$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/5/2026

Job Description and Duties

HCAI's mission is to expand equitable access to quality, affordable health care for all Californians through resilient facilities, actionable information, and the health workforce each community needs. 

The Assistant Deputy Director oversees the work of the Behavioral Health Policy Branch and the Research and Evaluation Branch. The incumbent is responsible for providing strategic leadership and programmatic oversight to support the activities of the Office of Health Workforce Development (OHWD) and implement statewide initiatives and strategies to advance access to a diverse, professional health workforce. Under the general guidance of the OHWD Deputy Director, the incumbent develops and recommends the goals, strategies, and priorities to align efforts across all sections of the policy, research and evaluation branches. Provides recommendations for short-and long-term goals for policy, research, and evaluation that advance the development of a diverse workforce that serves underserved Californians. Participates and makes recommendations as a member of the leadership and executive management team.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-535112
Position #(s):
441-201-7500-XXX
Working Title:
Assistant Deputy Director, Policy and Research
Classification:
C. E. A.
$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information ensures healthcare access is provided to Californians where it is needed most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state’s healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We can provide you with the tools to start, build, or transition your career while making an impact for all Californians.

HCAI demonstrates a commitment to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated, and comfortable as their authentic selves. We value our employees’ skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture providing equitable opportunities which empowers health care access and information serving diverse CA populations.
 
Department Website: http://HCAI.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as the Examination for this position. To be considered for the position, candidates must submit a complete application package (State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678, SOQ, and resume). Instructions for the SOQ can be found below under the Examination Information section.

This position is subject to the Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests filing requirements, which requires disclosure of certain personal economic interests as determined by the Conflict of Interest Code of the Department of Health Care Access and Information. Pursuant to Government Code section 81008, Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests is public record and will be made available for public inspection.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 11/5/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Health Care Access and Information
Human Resources - Exam Unit
Attn: K. Fortune JC-535112
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento, CA 95833

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Health Care Access and Information
Human Resources Office
Attn: K. Fortune JC-535112
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento, CA 95833
Drop off at 8th Floor Receptionist, Attention: K. Fortune JC-535112
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and instructions for the SOQ can be found under the "Examination Information" section located in this bulletin.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

(a) Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's equal employment opportunity objectives; and a manager's role in the equal employment opportunity program.

(b) Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures, and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislative and Executive Branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's equal employment opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Knowledge and ability to provide executive-level leadership and oversight for policy, research, and evaluation programs.
  • Demonstrated experience in the application, development and administration of public policy initiatives/programs and providing recommendations in support of executive level decision-making.
  • Knowledge and ability to oversee complex and comprehensive data analytics and visualizations that inform policy strategies and align with major, cross-functional programs.  
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead and provide purposeful influence over staff to achieve high-quality customer service levels
  • Ability to lead and establish excellent interpersonal working relationships with governmental entities, external partners, and community organizations in the advancement of initiatives and program mandates; and communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.
  • Understanding of a manager’s role in creating and promoting an equitable and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and recognized.

Examination Information

The examination process will consist of a thorough evaluation of the applicant's complete application package. SOQ questions are listed below.The SOQ is a narrative discussion addressing each of the questions listed in the Desirable Qualifications section of how your education, training, experience, and skills qualify you for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Applications without the SOQ or with an SOQ that does not follow the instructions listed below may be disqualified. A complete application package that does not conform to these instructions/requirements may also be disqualified.

  • SOQ must be typed and limited to three pages, in font not smaller than size 12 Arial font and 1" margins.
  • Please answer each numbered item separately and indicate the corresponding item number for each response, do not consolidate responses.
  • Be specific with your responses and provide specific examples
SOQ Questions:
  1. Describe your executive or managerial experience leading multidisciplinary teams responsible for research, policy development, program evaluation, or workforce initiatives. Include examples demonstrating your leadership approach, oversight responsibilities, and how you established priorities and ensured alignment with organizational goals.
  2. Describe your experience leading complex research, data analysis, or program evaluation efforts to inform executive level decision making. Provide examples of how you have translated research findings or data into actionable recommendations, policies, strategies, or program improvements.
  3. Describe your executive or managerial experience developing, implementing, or evaluating policies or programs in response to legislation, statutory requirements, or organizational priorities. Include examples of how you assessed impacts, identified implementation considerations, and ensured successful execution.
  4. Describe your executive or managerial experience engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders to advance research, policy, or program objectives. Include examples of how you built consensus, addressed competing priorities, and established effective partnerships with governmental entities, community organizations, or other stakeholders.
  5. Describe your experience providing executive level guidance or recommendations on complex or high impact research, policy, or program issues. Include examples demonstrating how you evaluated risks, considered alternative approaches, communicated recommendations to executive leadership, and supported organizational decision making.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

HCAI offers a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate in an open office with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from. We offer, full medical, vision, and dental with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and eleven paid holidays per year plus pension , and 401K and 457(b) retirement plans. To view all available benefit offerings please visit New Employee Benefits Orientation. If you are driven to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Department of Health Care Access and Information is the place for you.

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquires at (888) 225-7377.

 

APPLICATION FILING INFO

A complete application package must be received or postmarked by the final filing date as listed in the bulletin.Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after the final filing date will not be accepted for any reason. Do not submit application packages to the California Department of HumanResources (CalHR).

Hardcopy application packages must have an original signature. Emailed and/or faxed application packages will not be accepted for any reason. Questions regarding this examination may be directed to: Kenneth Fortune via email Kenneth.Fortune@hcai.ca.gov

The Department may extend the Final Filling Date if necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job