top of page
Zeke, Public Policy Manager at Global Health Non-Profit: Advize Career Interview
A career in public policy offers a path to meaningful change, as exemplified by a Public Policy Manager's journey.
Starting with an Urban Policy degree and AmeriCorps service, this individual built a career through internships, consulting, and a commitment to systemic change.
Their current role involves crafting policy portfolios, advocating for the homeless, and navigating the complexities of funding and legislation.
Strong writing skills and unflappable composure are essential, but the most rewarding aspect is the impact on communities and collaboration with passionate individuals.
While emotionally demanding, the work is driven by a desire to solve problems and create a more equitable system. Success hinges on proactive networking, saying "yes" to diverse experiences, and leveraging privilege responsibly.
Entry-level opportunities exist through campaign volunteering and local government positions, providing invaluable experience and laying the groundwork for a career focused on meaningful change.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zeke Sandoval
Public Policy Manager
Global Health Non-Profit
University of Southern California, 2019
Not applicable
Political Science, American Studies
Nonprofit
Legal
None Applicable
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Public Policy Manager at a Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke's career path, beginning with an Urban Policy degree from USC, involved a year of AmeriCorps service, highlighting "the importance of working for systemic change," followed by internships with an education reform organization and Senator Elizabeth Warren. After consulting work, the 2020 uprisings led Zeke to their current fulfilling role as a Public Policy Manager at a global health non-profit, prioritizing "staying much closer to the ground."
Public Policy Manager Responsibilities at a Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke's main responsibility as Public Policy Manager is "crafting the policy portfolio" by prioritizing the experiences of "the people who are doing the day-to-day work," translating their expertise into policy and facilitating direct communication between these individuals and elected officials to ensure policies reflect real-world impact. This approach emphasizes local-level impact, recognizing the direct effect of policy decisions on people's lives.
A Day In The Life Of A Public Policy Manager At A Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke's week as a Public Policy Manager involves numerous meetings with county supervisors, legislators, internal teams, and other service providers to navigate the complexities of California's affordable housing crisis and homeless services funding; this includes "flipping Sacramento" to advocate for policy changes, building relationships at after-work events, and consistently updating leadership through over-communication to ensure everyone is informed and aligned on their organization's initiatives.
Most Important Skills for a Public Policy Manager at Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager, emphasizes the importance of strong writing skills, stating "you have to be a good writer," for clear communication in their field. Further, the ability to remain "unflappable," handling disagreement with grace and maintaining composure even when facing opposition, is crucial for navigating the political landscape of their nonprofit work.
Favorite Parts of Being a Public Policy Manager at Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager at a global health non-profit, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role is "doing work that I really really care about," making a living while advocating for the homeless in Los Angeles and contributing to an organization that's "getting noticed." The work also connects Zeke with "really fascinating people" whose interesting lives stem from their passion for meaningful work, enriching the experience beyond financial compensation.
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Public Policy Manager at a Global Health Nonprofit
Zeke's biggest challenge as a Public Policy Manager is the emotional toll of the work, describing the feeling of failure as "really suck[ing]" and causing significant personal pain. This emotional investment, coupled with the ever-present risk of burnout, necessitates a conscious effort towards self-care, emphasizing the importance of "filling the cup that you're pouring with" to avoid "martyrdom" and maintain effectiveness.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Public Policy Industry as a Public Policy Manager
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager, finds the most fulfilling aspect of their work to be "solving problems" and creating "a more Equitable system" through detailed policy work. This involves meticulously analyzing legislation and resource allocation to achieve tangible, positive change, a focus driven by their childhood experiences and a desire for concrete results over theoretical approaches.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Public Policy, According To A Public Policy Manager At A Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager, highlights passion for the cause and strong writing skills as crucial for success in the public policy field, noting that "fantastic writers" who "like people" tend to thrive. However, Zeke cautions against "misanthropy and elitism," suggesting a healthy approach requires self-awareness and understanding of the communication needed to connect with the broader public.
What A Public Policy Manager At Global Health Non-Profit Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Public Policy
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager, advises that it's "normal to not know what you're doing" when starting a career, emphasizing the importance of proactively networking and asking for help. This includes regularly contacting professionals, even casually, to build relationships—"it's much more beneficial to you and to another person"—because career success often depends on "who you know, maybe over what you know".
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Public Policy Managers
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager, suggests entry-level political involvement through campaign volunteering—even small roles like "working the phones or knocking on doors"—to gain firsthand understanding of public opinion, recommending seeking "a position for like a district assistant" with local officials. This direct experience, Zeke emphasizes, provides invaluable insight into "how governments work" and surpasses passive media consumption in shaping political understanding.
Significant Career Lesson From a Public Policy Manager at Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke's most significant career lesson is to "go outside" and actively seek opportunities, even if it feels uncomfortable or requires extra effort. This proactive approach, exemplified by joining a young professionals board via a random email, has led to valuable networking and career advancement, proving that "showing up" and engaging with others are key to success.
College Experiences That Helped A Public Policy Manager At A Global Health Non-Profit Succeed
Zeke's path to a Public Policy Manager role at a Global Health Non-Profit began with saying "yes to things that really mattered," like a summer fundraising job that unexpectedly became a "Lynch pin of career," teaching valuable skills and networking opportunities. This experience, alongside pursuing internships at the university's political institute, highlights the importance of diverse experiences and building a strong resume to demonstrate initiative and gain valuable career insights.
How Identity Has Influenced A Public Policy Manager's Career At A Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke, a public policy manager, acknowledges the societal advantages afforded by his identity as a tall white man, admitting that "society has cleared the way" for him. This awareness motivates a commitment to actively checking his behavior, giving space to others' perspectives, and striving for genuine inclusivity rather than seeking absolution for past actions, recognizing that "doing better is good for the sake of doing better."
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page