October 2026 

Position: Policy Associate

Location: Sacramento, CA (Remote)

Employment Status: Full time

The California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) seeks a Policy Associate to serve as a key contributor to our state policy and advocacy work in Sacramento. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Policy Associate will work collaboratively with other CalBike staff and CalBike’s lobbyist to advance policy to make it safer and easier to bike throughout California’s diverse communities. The ideal candidate is passionate and knowledgeable about active transportation generally and bicycling specifically, understands the legislative and administrative landscape in Sacramento, and has experience developing and executing coalition-based advocacy strategies. Persuasive writing and public speaking skills are important, as is the ability to tactfully navigate delicate situations. 

Responsibilities:

Legislative and Budget Policy

• Monitor and prepare policy analyses of California legislation, policy committee activity, the state budget, and other developments relevant to CalBike, including: bill analyses, memos, position letters, fact sheets, talking points, and other materials.
• Track important hearing dates and deadlines, track bill amendments, and flag issues to be addressed by the policy team.
• Attend and testify on behalf of CalBike at legislative hearings and briefings. 
• Arrange and conduct regular visits to legislative and committee offices to establish and maintain relationships with staff and elected officials.
• Participate in development of CalBike’s legislative priorities and bill text.
• Advocate for CalBike priorities within the state budget process. 
• Coordinate events such as lobby days with coalition partners.

Administrative Policy

• Monitor California State Transportation Agency, California Transportation Commission, California Department of Transportation, and California Office of Traffic Safety for opportunities to influence and advocate for CalBike’s priorities within regulatory/guidance document development, plans, funding program processes, and other public engagement opportunities.
• Participate on advisory bodies on behalf of CalBike, as assigned. 
• Attend hearings and workshops to provide comments and/or testimony to support CalBike priorities.
• Develop written materials such as comment letters and coalition sign-on letters.

Coalition Engagement

• Convene and support the Policy Advisory Council, CalBike’s main vehicle for direct engagement with bike and bike/walk advocacy organizations throughout the state. Develop agendas, send communications, and lead monthly meetings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partner organizations policy staff (or equivalent), fielding policy questions and providing appropriate follow up. Report emerging trends to CalBike leadership for further discussion.
• Represent CalBike on external coalitions to coordinate advocacy efforts. 
• Participate in planning, administration, and delivery of CalBike’s California Bicycle Summit, including soliciting speakers and facilitating panels. 

Policy Communications

• Develop policy communications to CalBike’s members and the public, working collaboratively with CalBike’s Communications team. Typical content includes blog posts, articles for external publications, copy for social media. 
• Develop toolkits to help partners promote advocacy positions, including email copy, social media text, and how-to guidance, in collaboration with the Communications team. 
• Develop and post advocacy tools such as sign-ons and petitions on CalBike’s website using our advocacy platform.
• Develop and circulate sign-on letters in support of legislation, budget advocacy, and other efforts. 

Other Responsibilities

• Monitor CalBike shared email account.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts, including in-person and virtual events, contributions to grant proposals, and representing CalBike with funders as assigned. 
• CalBike is a small non-profit, and we take pride in our collaborative work environment. From time to time, atypical duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of professional experience in policy or a related field, whether paid or unpaid. A bachelor’s degree in public policy, transportation, or a related field is preferred. Knowledge and skills desirable for the role include: 

• Active transportation, land use, public health, equity, and/or related policy/regulation
• California legislative and budget process
• Principles of community engagement
• Written and oral communication that is both professional and persuasive
• Professional relationship development

Requirements

This position is based in Sacramento and requires frequent in-person meetings at the State Capitol and adjacent locations. Travel to and from downtown Sacramento is part of the expected commute for this role. CalBike does not have a physical office, so all other work is remote. From time to time, other travel may be required to meet with partner organizations and attend events and conferences. 

Salary

The expected salary range for this role is $65,000 to $75,000 depending on experience. 

Benefits

CalBike offers a strong benefits package including:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Annual Flexible Spending Account contribution
• Cell phone and internet stipend
• Ergonomic office stipend
• 3% employer match to a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy plus 12 paid holidays per year

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@calbike.org with “Policy Associate” in the subject line. The position is open until filled; submit your application before Friday, October 23 for priority screening. The application package will be considered a writing sample; in order for us to hear your authentic voice, please refrain from using AI.

About CalBike

The California Bicycle Coalition, or CalBike as we are commonly known, was founded in 1994, and is the voice of the everyday bicyclist in the state capitol. We work to create equitable, inclusive, and prosperous communities where bicycling enables Californians to lead healthy and joyful lives. We are a 501c(4) non-profit organization. Information on our work may be found at calbike.org. 

CalBike provides equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, mental or physical disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, especially people of color, women, immigrants, people of all abilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Top applicants might not have expertise related to every qualification listed above, but will bring experience in at least two, plus a willingness to learn and excel at the others. A core qualification for this position is that you must advocate for and deeply value equity and inclusion.