Strategic Planning & Budgeting Returnship Program
- 543784
- PHOENIX
- REMOTE OPTIONS
- GOVERNOR''S OFFICE
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Temporary
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ARIZONA GOVERNOR''S OFFICE
Strategic Planning & Budgeting Returnship Program
- Fulltime & Part Time Positions Available*
Job Location:
1700 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
- In-person for Returnees based in the Phoenix-Metro area, with remote options for those located outside of the Phoenix-Metro area*
Application Information / Application Process:
Application Information:
OSPB will be accepting Returnship applications for each cohort beginning on the following dates:
- Spring: October 1st, 2026
- Summer: February 1st, 2027
- Fall: May 1st, 2027
Application Process:
To apply for the OSPB Returnship Program, submit the following materials to ospbapps@az.gov with the subject line "OSPB Returnship Application"
Current Resume including the dates of your career break.
Cover Letter including your reason for re-entering the workforce.
Writing and/or work product sample that does not exceed 5 pages.
Division Preference: Clearly indicate your top choice division in your email subject line or cover letter.
Program Structure & Compensation:
- Compensation: $30.00 Hourly*
- Duration: Typically 12 - 16 weeks, not to exceed 18 weeks*
- Benefits: The Returnship Program does not offer benefits*
- Schedule: Part-Time (20-29 hours/week) or Full-Time (40 hours/week) options available depending on candidate preference and office need*
Program Overview:
The Governor's Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) Returnship Program is a paid, temporary transition program designed for experienced mid-career professionals looking to re-enter the workforce following a career break.
This program offers a structured, supportive pathway into state government, allowing returning professionals to update their skills, build a contemporary network in state budgeting or strategic planning, and apply their seasoned expertise to high-level challenges facing the State of Arizona.
Returnees participate in hands-on budget or strategic planning work with high-level exposure to executive decision-making processes.
Primary Responsibilities:
Returnees will tackle assignments tailored to their professional background & areas of interest, with core exposure to State-level administration:
- Executive Privilege: Handle confidential information and contribute directly to the budget and strategic planning processes at the highest levels of state government
- Fiscal & Operational Analysis: Leverage past public/non-profit sector experience to analyze the fiscal impacts and operational feasibility of government policy decisions
- Impact: Solve statewide fiscal, operational, and policy challenges alongside experienced analysts
- Special Projects: Support targeted division initiatives through special projects as assigned
Major Duties by Division:
Budget Division
- Perform in-depth fiscal and operational analyses of agency budget requests and legislative items
- Analyze complex financial models, state revenues, and agency spending trends
- Assist in drafting executive budget recommendations
Strategic Planning Division
- Coordinate with agency leaders to collect, analyze, and track performance metrics and key deliverable submissions
- Assist with statewide performance dashboard management, reporting, and process improvements
- Support the statewide strategic planning lifecycle across state cabinet agencies
Grants Division
At this time, OSPB is not accepting returnship applications for the Grants Division
- Monitoring and management of federal grants awarded to the State
- Assist with grant data analytics and reporting
Qualificatins:
Program Requirements:
- Minimum of a 1 year break from full-time professional employment, unless:
- Affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces as a military service member, transitioning service member, veteran, &/or a military spouse or partner; or
underemployed at the time of application (underemployed is defined as not doing work that makes full use of skills, abilities, &/or educational background)
- Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Business, Economics, Non-Profit Management, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience, or, Graduate students pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Business, Economics, Non-Profit Management or a related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional work experience may also be considered for the Returnship Program
Preferred Knowledge & Skills:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and a willingness to quickly adapt to state technology systems (e.g., Arizona Budget System)
- Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills (including report writing and data presentation)
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and detail-oriented capabilities
- Demonstrated expertise in finance, policy development, or project management
- Passion for public service in the State of Arizona
Driving Requirements:
- Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
- Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
Contact Us:
- If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ariel Gonzalez at agonzalez@az.gov for assistance