Graduate Fiscal Policy Intern

First 5 Alameda County (First 5) is seeking a motivated and equity-driven Graduate Fiscal Policy Intern who will partner with our Fiscal and Policy Strategy and Finance teams. The internship is a unique opportunity to engage in impactful fiscal policy research and planning, learn the ins and outs of early childhood funding systems, and work in service of young children and families across Alameda County. 

What You’ll Do 

In this role, you will make meaningful contributions to First 5 Alameda County’s fiscal policy priorities. You will: 

• Conduct Fiscal Policy Research 

• Monitor emerging trends in the state and federal early childhood funding landscape 
• Analyze early childhood education data in support of research and analysis activities 
• Develop financial cost models that support long range fiscal planning for First 5  

• Produce Policy Analysis Deliverables 

• Translate complex policy into clear, actionable insights  
• Propose recommendations for First 5, system partners, and other stakeholders. 
• Produce materials in connection with fiscal policy research and analysis, such as: 

• Policy tracking tools and templates 
• Data dashboards and cost modeling workbooks 
• Policy briefs and memos
• Slide presentations

• Ensure quality and consistency across deliverables

• Ensure Collaboration & Internal Alignment  

• Share fiscal policy updates across teams and leadership  
• Support cross-agency collaboration and alignment  
• Ensure quality and consistency across policy outputs  

Key Projects & Deliverables 

Priority projects are likely to include: 

• State and federal funding analysis: Support research and tracking of the state and federal early childhood funding landscape.  
• Pediatric Care Coordination analysis: Develop policy briefs and fiscal projections related to Medi-Cal and other funding streams that help First 5 connect families with preventative health care and community services. 
• Measure C fiscal analysis: Support long-range projections for Measure C, a ballot measure that generates approximately $150 million annually for expanding access to early childhood education in Alameda County. 

What You’ll Gain 

This internship offers hands-on experience in: 

• Public policy impacting young children and families  
• Analysis of federal, state, and local early childhood funding streams 
• Cross-agency collaboration 
• Quantitative analysis and financial modeling 
• Policy writing 
• Strategic communications 
• Translating complex analysis into clear insights tailored to different audiences 

Who You Are 

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program or recently graduated (Public Policy, Public Health, Education Policy, or a related field)  
• Detail-oriented with strong research and analysis skills 
• Able to use advanced features in Microsoft Excel (or eager to learn them) 
• Passionate about equity, early childhood systems, and public service  
• Able to manage multiple projects and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders  

Apply

We welcome applicants from graduate programs and recent grads (public Policy, public health, and related fields preferred).

Please note: 

• We are currently working a hybrid 2 day per week in-office schedule and employees also come to the office to attend meetings and as requested. 
• All First 5 employees must live and work in California. 
• This position pays $30 per hour and compensation is not negotiable.
• We conduct reference and background checks for all potential employees. 

Why First 5 Alameda County?

You’ll be part of a mission-driven organization working at the intersection of policy, community, and systems change—helping ensure that all children in Alameda County have the opportunity to thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employment 

First 5 Alameda County is an equal opportunity employer. The Agency  does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion (including religious dress or grooming), creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions) or gender, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disabilities, color, marital status, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, genetic information, medical condition, military or veteran status, exercise of rights under the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law or the California Family Rights Act, or any other basis protected by applicable law. 

Salary : $30