Non-Governmental Organizations

• Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies – Sacramento, CA
• Pacific Institute – Oakland, CA
• Planning and Conservation League – Sacramento, CA
• Environmental Defense Fund - San Francisco, CA - New in 2012
• Students First - Sacramento, CA - New in 2012

• California Resources Agency, Department of Climate Change and Energy – Sacramento, CA
• Office of Tom Torlakson, California Superintendent of Public Instruction – Sacramento, CA
• Office of Assemblywoman Fiona Ma – Sacramento, CA
• Strategic Growth Council – Sacramento, CA
• California Department of Finance - Sacramento, CA - New in 2012
• California State Senator Ted Lieu - Sacramento, CA - New in 2012

Local Government

• Santa Clara County Office of Sustainability – San Jose, CA

Descriptions

Department of Climate Change and Energy, California Resources Agency - Sacramento

Summer 2011 Fellow: Sumit Mitra

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Faculty Mentor: Mike Mestrandea

Office Description:

The California Resources Agency oversees policies, activities, and a budget of $6.4 billion and 16,000 employees in 25 departments, commissions, boards and conservancies. The issues run the natural resources gamut from conservation, water, fish and game, forestry, parks, energy, coastal, marine and landscape.

Office Website: www.resources.ca.gov

Projects Fellow Should Expect:

• Collaborate with leaders in the field on environmental protection issues.

• Help coordinate climate change activities for California

• Coordinate effort to interpret carbon sequestration rules to public land managers

• Assist in coordinating state climate adaptation strategy focusing on water, land-use, biodiversity, and coastal resources.

• Write report for publication on adaptation efforts

• Communicate projects in front of high level officials

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Flexible

• Friendly

• Strong communication skills

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Fellow should have a clear understanding of climate science related to climate impacts and general understanding of UNFCCC, IPCC Working Group reports, and California's Global Warming Solutions Act

• Experience writing reports and coordinating smart people

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public Policy

• Environmental Engineering

• Earth Systems

• Communication

Languages:

All work done in English

Office of Assemblywoman Fiona Ma - Sacramento, CA

Summer 2011 Fellow: Caitlin Tharp

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Faculty Mentor: Joe Nation

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Professor Nation is a Professor of the Practice of Public Policy and is the Director of the Graduate Practicum within the Public Policy Department. Professor Nation has also served in the California State Assembly and is one of the principal co-authors of California’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act also known as AB 32.

Faculty website: http://publicpolicy.stanford.edu/peopleprofile/2353

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Office Website: www.assembly.ca.gov/ma

Potential Projects:

The fellow will work on legislative and committee tasks, helping to secure passage and defeat of legislation. In addition, the fellow will have the opportunity to work on leadership tasks by contacting other offices, preparing fact sheets, interacting with constituents, and organizing joint press events. The fellow will work directly with the Assemblywoman at events and committee hearings.

Past projects have included:

• Facilitating legislative bills through the Appropriations Committee and the Floor.
• Research on doctors’ continuing medical education requirements to generate ideas for possible bills and bill amendments
• Brainstorming and writing a bill for a mock assembly consisting of interns in Assemblywoman Ma’s district
• Research on HOV lanes in the East Bay, presented to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Professionalism
• Punctuality
• Organization and Time Management
• Collaboration
• Ability to perform complicated tasks under pressure

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Any experience in a government or campaign setting would be helpful, but not necessary
• Basic understanding of computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Explorer would be helpful

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Communication
• Students focused on civil society, the health sciences, government or criminal justice

Languages: 

The 12th Assembly District is home to many people whose first language is Chinese (primarily Cantonese) and Spanish. Familiarity with these languages is a plus, but is not required.

Santa Clara County Government, Office of Sustainability

Summer 2011 Fellow: Jacob Englander

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Faculty Mentor: Julie Kennedy

Professor Kennedy is the Co-Director of the Haas Center for Public Service, the Associate Director of the Earth Systems Program and the Landreth Family University Fellow in Undergraduate Education. Professor Kennedy’s expertise and interests include the interdisciplinary solutions to public policy as it relates to environmental science.

Faculty website: http://pangea.stanford.edu/people/faculty/julie-kennedy

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Office Description:

Santa Clara County formed a Climate Change and Sustainability Program in July 2008, which initially focused on producing the County’s greenhouse gas inventory and creating protocols for reducing emissions from government facilities and operations. In 2010, Santa Clara County adopted its initial Sustainability Policy and directed administration to create an Office of Sustainability.

The Santa Clara Office of Sustainability works to “To mainstream sustainability principles throughout both government and community, and to implement programs that will ensure the County's resilience, performance and success”. The Office of Sustainability aims to develop a Comprehensive Sustainability Master Plan to ensure a resilient, competitive and performance-based community. This master plan will affect 1) energy and climate, 2) resource conservation (including water), 3) waste reduction, 4) ecology and environment (including agriculture), 5) transportation and mobility, 6) smart growth and construction, and 7) public outreach and education.

Office Website: http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/ceo/agencychp?path=%2Fv7%2FCounty%20Executive%2C%20Office%20of%20the%20%28DEP%29%2FOffice%20of%20Sustainability

Potential Projects:

The fellow will work on both medium and long-term strategic efforts, including the Comprehensive Sustainability Master Plan. Specific projects include but are not limited to research on the various topics within the Master Plan, particularly on the needed investment and prioritization. The fellow can also expect to work closely with the Sustainability Executive Committee and possible investors on the analysis of potential public-private partnerships.

As a member of the Office, the fellow will experience real climate change planning and policy solutions only miles away from Stanford. Last year’s fellow stated that one of the most valuable experiences were the interactions and conversations with colleagues and gaining a better understanding of how to promote good policy given political constraints.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Responsibility

• Attention to detail

• Commitment

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Knowledge of basic sustainability and climate issues and action principles
• Appreciation of the delicate and complex interactions between environment, economic, and human concerns
• Research and communication skills
• Interest in environmental policy
• Creativity and flexibility

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Environmental Science

• Public Policy

• Political Science

• Communication

Languages: All work done in English.

Strategic Growth Council- Sacramento

Summer 2011 Fellow: Gladys Delgadillo

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Faculty Mentor: Mike Mastrandrea

Professor Mastrandrea is an Assistant Consulting Professor at the Woods Institute Environment, and a graduate of the IPER program at Stanford. Professor Mastrandrea’s work includes numerous projects related to California’s energy and coastal issues as well as international environmental policy. Professor Mastrandrea has co-authored “chapters on key vulnerabilities and climate risks, and long-term mitigation strategies for the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report” and is currently working on the IPCC’s 5^th Assessment Report.

Faculty website: http://www.stanford.edu/~mikemas/help.htm

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Office Description:

The SGC is a cabinet-level, interagency council that coordinates state activities to develop sustainable communities. The SGC is comprised of the agency Secretaries of Business, Transportation and Housing; Health and Human Services; Environmental Protection; and Natural Resources; as well as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and one public member appointed by the Governor.

The Council’s goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air and water quality, protecting natural resources and agricultural lands, increasing the availability of affordable housing, improving public health, improving transportation, encouraging sustainable land use plans and greater infill development, and revitalizing urban and community centers in a sustainable manner.

Office Website: http://www.sgc.ca.gov/ 

Potential Projects:

The SGC has a very small full-time staff, so the SIG fellow will play an integral role as part of the executive team. The fellow will work in the Natural Resources building next to the State Capitol.

The SGC is poised to adopt its three-year strategic plan in January, which will guide the Council’s future efforts. The SGC anticipates 12 action items including such actions as a “Funding Wizard” to gather and share information about state grants; a review of funding programs and activities of state agencies relating to sustainability; an outreach program to establish a Learning Network and to share best practices; a number of data projects to gather and share data with local government to improve planning efforts; and others.

The fellow will be expected to learn about these activities, which involve coordination with multiple agencies and departments, and will have the opportunity to meet with leaders from many state agencies and observe how the state is pursuing sustainability. 

The Fellow will also serve as one of the Executive Director’s assistants on several projects, and generally help in all aspects of SGC’s work. This will include many opportunities for research and writing, meeting preparation, note taking, and much more.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Environmental consciousness
• Attention to detail
• Commitment
• Initiative
• Professional

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Excellent research capabilities
• Strong oral communication skills
• Strong communication skills
• An interest in environmental policy and knowledge of CA environmental policy

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Environmental Science
• Public Policy
• Communication

Pacific Institute - Oakland

Summer 2011 Fellow: Anna Doty

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Faculty Mentor: Anne Ehrlich

Anne Ehrlich is a Senior Research Scientist in the Biology Department and affiliated with the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment & Resources. She has published extensively on issues of population biology, environmental protection, and jointly earned with Paul R. Ehrlich, the Heinz Award for Environmental Achievement, Distinguished Peach Leader Award: Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.

Faculty website: http://pangea.stanford.edu/people/faculty/anne-ehrlich 

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Office Description:

The Pacific Institute is a nonpartisan research institute, working to create a healthier planet and more sustainable communities. They conduct interdisciplinary research in a variety of fields, looking for solutions that advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity. The organization publishes reports, recommends solutions, and works with the public to change government policy for the better.

The organization is presently focused on three main programs: Water, Community Strategies for Sustainability and Justice, and Globalization. There is also a focus on International water and Communities, Water Use in Business, Climate Impacts and Adaptation, and Integrity in Science.

For more information, please visit: http://www.pacinst.org/

Potential Projects:

Specific duties/projects will include but not be limited to:

International Water and Communities Initiative: 

The SIG Fellow would build on current WASH-sector projects of the International Water and Communities Initiative through: research on best practices of projects facilitating information exchange between communities and local government to improve water access and management in developing country cities; developing case studies on models for improving or increasing transparency and accountability in government to improve public services; research on government decision-making support systems, the sectors in which they are used (with greater focus on environmental issues, if possible), and their functions.

Research Watershed Green Jobs Training Pilot Program: 

The Pacific Institute has collaborated with Urban Tilth, a community-based organization in Richmond, California, to document and evaluate a pilot training program building low-income young adults’ capacity to access jobs in watershed restoration and related work. During the summer of 2012, Urban Tilth will provide the training program for the first time utilizing an original curriculum. Pacific Institute, a partner in co-developing the curriculum, will facilitate evaluation and document lessons learned to modify and share the curriculum. This project is a key part of broader efforts by the Institute to research emerging strategies for improving community access to green jobs in the water sector.

Case Study Research on Water-Related Jobs Programs: 

The Pacific Institute is carrying out a national study of the potential for job creation in sustainable water management. A key component of this study is to research and write up case studies of programs that leverage water policy to link disadvantaged communities to growing industries.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Responsibility
• Attention to detail
• Commitment
• Professional

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Excellent policy and technical analysis and research skills
• Ability to take a project from inception to completion
• Strong computer skills
• Strong communication skills
• An interest in environmental policy and environmental justice
• An interest in resource management

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Environmental Science
• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Communication

Planning and Conservation League - Sacramento

Summer 2011 Fellow: Zoe Lidstrom

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Faculty Mentor: Julie Kennedy

Professor Kennedy is the Co-Director of the Haas Center for Public Service, the Associate Director of the Earth Systems Program and the Landreth Family University Fellow in Undergraduate Education. Professor Kennedy’s expertise and interests include the interdisciplinary solutions to public policy as it relates to environmental science.

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Office Description:

The mission of the PCL Foundation is to protect the California environment and ensure that California continues to be an attractive, livable, and equitable state by engaging in cutting-edge environmental public policy research, and educating, and empowering local communities to participate in local and state environmental decision-making processes.

PCL’s environmental policy research educates public leaders and empowers local communities by providing important information about some of California's existing and emerging environmental topics. PCL facilitates workshops throughout the state to ensure the public is informed about their role in planning for our state's future. PCL Foundation connects the power of grassroots organizations to state government in order to enact policies that protect our environment and improve the quality of life and economic security for all Californians.

The Planning and Conservation League is an organization that also devotes time to lobbying the California State Legislature on a range of environmental issues and by sponsoring environmental initiatives. Office Website: www.pcl.org

Projects Fellows Have Worked On in the Past:

Past fellows have worked on projects such as the Target Global Warming Project, in which the fellow worked to organize a joint initiative between PCL and the National Wildlife Fund to encourage hunting groups to become more involved in and engaged with global warming issues. The fellows have also worked on planning the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) workshops, statewide workshops aiming to increase public understanding of the CEQA. Past projects have also included researching and following various California bills, and attending Assembly and Senate hearings pertaining to environmental issues. Past fellows have also worked on campaigns for various initiatives on the California ballot.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Able to work independently

• Able to take initiative and proactively contribute

• Willingness to work on public outreach campaigns

• Interest in and passion for environmental issues

• Hard worker and team player

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Experience working in a professional environment

• Ability to perform research thoroughly and efficiently

• Comfort with speaking and presenting work publicly

• Strong writing skills

• Familiarity with Word, PowerPoint

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public policy

• Political science

• Communication

• Environmental issues

Languages:

All work done in English

The Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies- Sacramento

Summer 2011 Fellow: Clay Ramel

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Office Description:

The Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded in 1990, working towards promoting renewable energy sources in California. CEERT works with both clean energy companies and environmental organizations to reduce California’s contribution to climate change.

Office Website: http://www.ceert.org/about-ceert.php

Project:

The Fellow will work on energy and environmental policy issues and will work closely with the policy and public affairs staff at CEERT. Projects will include policy research on cleaner energy resources as well as techniques for increased energy efficiency. The Fellow will also be involved in preparing and reporting information on current CEERT projects to various audiences. This includes the press, CEERT members, and other organizations. The Fellow will also monitor press coverage on CEERT related work. Past projects have also included analyses of energy companies’ investments, California’s upcoming cap and trade policy, and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. The Fellow can expect to attend meetings with the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, as well as legislative hearings in the Capitol.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Eager to learn about energy policy

• Able to adapt to fast-paced work environment, flexible

• Able to work independently

• Able to take initiative and proactively contribute

• Willingness to work on public outreach campaigns

• Interest in and passion for environmental issues

• Hard worker

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Experience working in a professional environment

• Ability to perform research thoroughly and efficiently

• Comfort with speaking and presenting work publicly

• Strong writing skills, experience with Excel

• Strong background in the environment and energy related issues

• Understanding of environmental policy in California

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Environmental Issues

• Renewable Energy

• Public Policy

• Economics

• Communications

Languages:

All work done in English

Office of Tom Torlakson, California Superintendent of Public Instruction - Sacramento

Summer 2011 Fellow: Alex Kasner

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Faculty Mentor: David Plank

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Office Description:

The fellow will work the office of the new Superintendent of Public Instruction in the California Department of Education.  The Department of Education is tasked with ensuring that the public school system meets the comprehensive learning needs of the students of the state.  The core purposes of the office is to lead and augment the continuous improvement of student achievement, as well as provide leadership for strong school and ensure equitable outcomes for all.

Office Website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/mn/mv/

http://www.tomtorlakson.com/

Projects Fellow Should Expect:

The fellow has, in past years, worked on legislative and tasks, analyzing proposed legislature related to education and making recommendations as to whether the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) should take a position on bills. The fellow will work directly with the Superintendent’s legislative representatives concerning language in proposed bills and tracking them as they move through committee.  The fellow may also be tasked with writing letters of support for bills on behalf of the Superintendent and writing extensive internal memos regarding different topics in education.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Professionalism
• Punctuality
• Organization and Time Management
• Collaboration
• Ability to perform complicated tasks under pressure

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

An interest in improving the education of the students of California and a desire to work to close the achievement gap between students of different socioeconomic groups.

Basic understanding of computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Communication
• Students interested in the intricacies of education policy

Environmental Defense Fund – San Francisco, CA (New in 2012)

Faculty Mentor: Julie Kennedy

Professor Kennedy is the Co-Director of the Haas Center for Public Service, the Associate Director of the Earth Systems Program and the Landreth Family University Fellow in Undergraduate Education. Professor Kennedy’s expertise and interests include the interdisciplinary solutions to public policy as it relates to environmental science.

Faculty website: http://pangea.stanford.edu/people/faculty/julie-kennedy

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Office Description:

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Office Website: http://www.edf.org

Potential Projects:

The fellow will work with and support the West Coast Political Director ’04 on a range of ongoing environmental policy efforts, including energy efficiency, smart grid, ecosystem services and environmental markets.  The fellow will have the opportunity to interact with EDF experts across different program teams, such as land, water, wildlife, climate, and energy.  Depending on the fellow’s specific background, the fellow may be asked to take on a specific research project or create public fact sheets associated with a particular issue.  The fellow can also expect to travel to the Sacramento EDF office at least once every two weeks throughout the summer to join meetings and attend legislative hearings in the State Capitol. Fellows will gain great exposure to top line environmental issues in the state and the relationship between policy advocates and policymakers. In addition, Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in Sacramento Stanford alumni events and connect with Sacramento SIG Fellows.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Smart and professional
• Friendly, humble, a team-player
• Sense of intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial instincts, and a desire to learn and expand skills over time

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Coursework in public policy and environmental science/conservation/land management/energy
• Basic economics coursework is also strongly preferred
• Significant work, study, and/or travel abroad are encouraged
• Clear and concise writing skills

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public Policy
• Environmental science and/or policy

Senator Ted W. Lieu (D-Torrance) – State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 28th Senate District (New in 2012)

Faculty Mentor: Joe Nation

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Office Description:

California State Senator Ted Lieu is a distinguished Stanford alumnus who represents a million people in the coastal 28^th Senate District, which includes the cities of Torrance, Carson, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo and portions of the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  Senator Lieu currently chairs the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee and the Select Committee on Air Quality.  Senator Lieu received his undergraduate degrees from Stanford (’91 B.S. in Computer Science and B.A. in Political Science) and graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law.

Office Website: http://sd28.senate.ca.gov

Select Committee on Air Quality Website:  http://air.senate.ca.gov

Potential Projects:

A fellow placed in the Office of Senator Ted Lieu will work on the Select Committee on Air Quality. The focus of the committee’s work is improving air quality, reducing, and mitigating pollution’s impact on the environment and public health.  In that role, the fellow will research air pollution impacts and the role of government regulation as well as any potential legislative remedies.  A fellow will be treated as a full member of the staff, with the normal responsibilities that come with being a staff member.

As a member of the Senator’s office team, the fellow will participate in legislative strategy and briefing meetings.  The Senator is very active in many areas of public policy and the fellow may be given the opportunity to work on other important and vital issues central to California’s environment.

As a member of Senator Lieu’s team, the fellow will be mentored and coached in a supportive environment that emphasizes integrity, duty, and a collective understanding of the trust and importance of serving the public in the California Senate.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Smart, self-starter and interested in public service.
• Professional and poised.
• Open-minded and passionate about working in a high profile, fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
• A sense of humor and collegial.
• Possesses a desire to learn and expand skills.

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Coursework in public policy, environmental studies and/or science
• Basic understanding of the legislative process and the State Legislature
• Excellent research, writing and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Adobe Acrobat and PowerPoint.

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public Policy
• Environment and Air Quality

StudentsFirst – Sacramento, CA (New in 2012)

Faculty Mentor: Caroline M. Hoxby

Professor Hoxby is the Scott and Donya Bommer Professor in Economics and a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. Professor Hoxby expertise and interests include the “effects of education on economic growth, the market for college education, school finance, school choice, financial aid in higher education, peer effects, local public finance, and property taxation”.

Faculty website: http://economics.stanford.edu/faculty/hoxby

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Office Description:

StudentFirst’s mission is to build a national movement to defend the interests of children in public education and pursue transformative reform, so that America has the best education system in the world. Led by Michelle Rhee, the former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, StudentsFirst formed in 2010 in response to an increasing demand for a better education system in America. This grassroots movement is designed to mobilize parents, teachers, students, administrators, and citizens throughout country, and to channel their energy to produce meaningful results on both the local and national level. StudentsFirst is a 501(c)4 organization based in Sacramento, CA.

Office Website: http://www.studentsfirst.org/#

Potential Projects:

The fellow will be work with other interns in the Leading Change Academy, an internship program designed to provide top undergraduate and graduate students and professionals with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a fast-paced, national education reform organization, under the leadership of Michelle Rhee. The fellow will work closely with StudentsFirst staff to conduct research and outreach to the community, mobilize constituents and work on education policy. The fellow will also be able to take advantage of professional development opportunities, including executive coaching and skill-building workshops, participation in key organizational and community meetings, visits to local schools and networking opportunities. Based on the needs of the office as well as the fellow’s interests, the fellow can expect to work on the following projects:

Communications: The Fellow will monitor and respond to news and social media, research issues and support our organization-wide communications strategy. They work alongside experienced communications strategists in both a political and advocacy context.

Legislation: The fellow will conduct in-depth, state-specific research on the legislative landscape as it relates to education. He or she will work closely with the policy team to relate the broader StudentsFirst policy agenda to state-level legislation.

Policy: The fellow will participate in team-based and individual policy analysis projects to inform StudentsFirst policy in the areas of effective teaching, school choice and fiscal strategy.

Mobilization: The fellow will work with our outreach team to educate and engage members of StudentsFirst on important issues in K-12 education.

Desired Personal Qualities:

• Professional
• Friendly, humble, a team-player
• Sense of intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial instincts, and a desire to learn and expand their skills over time
• Results-oriented, hard working and committed to continuous improvement.
• Integrity, creativity and intensity

Desired Skills, Experience, and Coursework:

• Coursework in public policy, especially international public policy and/or development, is a hard requirement
• Experience or interest in education reform
• Basic economics coursework is also strongly preferred

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and project management skills
• Desire and flexibility to be part of a highly dynamic start-up organization

• Significant work, study, and/or travel abroad are encouraged
• Experience in journalism is a plus though not required
• Proficiency with standard office applications and simple web-based services (such as Salesforce and Basecamp) is required

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public Policy
• International Relations

Languages:

• Working proficiency in a language other than English is strongly preferred

California Department of Finance – Sacramento (New in 2012)

Faculty Mentor: Bruce Owen

Professor Owen is the Gordon Cain Senior Fellow at SIEPR, Morris M. Doyle Centennial Professor in Public Policy and director of the Stanford Public Policy Program. Professor Owen has also worked as the chief economist of the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Faculty website: http://siepr.stanford.edu/peopleprofile/201

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Office Description:

The Department of Finance is the Governor’s chief fiscal advisor. It assists the Governor in preparing the annual state budget and is generally involved in all issues that have a significant fiscal impact on the state.  It acts to ensure that public resources are spent responsibly and effectively. Additionally, the Director of Finance (or designee) sits on numerous boards and commissions, which directly affect a broad array of state activities. 

Office Website: http://www.dof.ca.gov

Potential Projects:

The fellow will be located in the Sacramento Capitol Building in the Department’s Capitol Office, which houses the Director and the Department’s executive staff.

The projects will depend on the needs of the department but will be timely and relevant in helping to solve the state’s fiscal challenges. They will likely be a mix of short-term (hours or days) and longer-term (several weeks) projects. Specific projects will be determined based on the fellow’s policy interests and the needs of the office. Work could include researching and preparing memos on policy options, responding to the Governor’s requests for information, comparing California to other states on particular policies, analyzing legislation, tracking the implementation of budget decisions, and preparing briefings on major developments or published reports.

A bonus of this placement are the leaders of the Department of Finance who are both Stanford alumni. The fellow will have the opportunity to shadow the Director (class of ‘97) and Chief Deputy Director, Budget (class of ‘95) to get a broad sense of the role of the Department of Finance and how state government works.

Desired Personal Qualities, Skills, and Experience:

• Inquisitive mind with an aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving
• Ability to work independently, but know when to seek direction
• Interest and/or experience in public service and improving government
• Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced environment

Main Fellowship Disciplines:

• Public Policy
• Economics
• Political Science