Government Relations Specialist

Founded in 1965,
UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs.

It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The Office of Community & Government Relations advances the University of California, Irvine's mission through strategic engagement with government leaders, community organizations, and external partners. The office works to build and sustain relationships that support UC Irvine's academic, research, health, and public service priorities while enhancing the university's role as a leading public institution serving California and the nation.

The Government Relations Specialist supports UC Irvine’s community and government relations activities, including stakeholder outreach, public policy research, government engagement, community partnerships, events, and office operations. Working under general supervision, the position assists senior staff in maintaining relationships with government officials, community organizations, business and civic leaders, and other external partners. The successful candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, an interest in public policy and higher education, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Support outreach to community organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, business groups, neighborhood organizations, and other regional stakeholders.
• Assist senior staff with maintaining community relationships and identifying opportunities for engagement.
• Help coordinate community programs, meetings, events, and outreach activities.
• Research community organizations, stakeholders, and regional issues relevant to UC Irvine.
• Maintain stakeholder contact information and engagement records.
• Participate in community meetings and events as assigned.

• Support the office’s engagement with local, county, state, and federal elected officials, government agencies, and staff.
• Track legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments relevant to UC Irvine.
• Conduct research and prepare summaries of legislation, government actions, community issues, and policy developments.
• Assist with advocacy activities and outreach related to institutional priorities.
• Help coordinate campus visits, briefings, meetings, and events involving elected officials and government representatives.
• Attend government, civic, and community meetings and provide summaries or follow-up information to senior staff.
• Develop familiarity with public policy issues affecting higher education, healthcare, research, housing, economic development, and related areas.

• Draft and assist with briefing materials, correspondence, presentations, meeting summaries, reports, and stakeholder communications.
• Conduct background research for meetings with government and community stakeholders.
• Assist with planning public-facing events, town halls, community meetings, policy forums, and official visits.
• Track projects, deadlines, stakeholder engagement, and follow-up activities.
• Provide project coordination for initiatives led by the Office…