Strategic Planning & Budgeting Returnship Program

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”

1. Current Resume including the dates of your career break.

2. Cover Letter including your reason for re-entering the workforce.

3. Writing and/or work product sample that does not exceed 5 pages.

4. 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