Associate Legislative Advocate

Overview

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are seeking experienced candidates for the position of Associate Legislative Advocate. The CSU Chancellor's Office is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education and offers a premium benefit package that includes vacation, health, and dental plans, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays a year.

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits; generous vacation plan; 15 paid holidays a year; tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members); membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System.

Classification:
Administrator I.
Salary: up to $80,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Location:

Sacramento, CA. Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on‑site at the main headquarters.
The Associate Legislative Advocate will have primary responsibility for subject matter expertise, analysis, political strategy, and advocacy in assigned issue areas. The role includes analyzing legislative matters, developing and executing the system’s advocacy efforts, direct advocacy on CSU‑related legislative issues, representing CSU positions, producing written communications, preparing experts for testimony, and supporting system and campus‑based advocacy efforts.

• Serve as system advocate and spokesperson in Sacramento. Engage directly with legislative staff and members to advocate on bills consistent with the adopted Board of Trustees' Legislative Principles.
• Analyze state legislation, work with CO experts to assess and understand the impacts of proposed legislation, regulations, and budget allocations for the CSU.
• Recommend CSU bill positions to AVC and DSR. Annually participate in presentation of bill position recommendations to the chair and vice‑chair of the Board of Trustee Governmental Relations Committee.
• Manage bill caseload, including authoring bill position correspondence, providing appropriate background materials to legislative staff and members, and developing appropriate fiscal estimate statements.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with the Legislature, legislative staff and committees, executive branch representatives, CO staff, campus staff, and other experts in conducting both policy and political analysis of proposed legislation, potential CSU sponsored legislative proposals, budget objectives, and statewide initiatives.
• Draft appropriate content in assigned issue areas to support communications work of the ASR team, and assist in and support the development of policy, legislation and advocacy, in coordination with the Manager of University Relations and Advocacy (MURA).
• Assist system and campuses in efforts to educate, inform and engage alumni, students, faculty, staff, business and community leaders, parents and families, and others about the value of the CSU and the role they can play in influencing policymakers, voters and the public.

• A bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
• Three years or more of legislative experience or policy analysis is preferred, especially in a higher education or state government setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills, including the ability to present complex information and issues with brevity, clarity and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze state and national trends, issues and political developments that could impact the university.
• Strong analytical skills, including demonstrated ability to develop, assess and synthesize information and recommendations from a wide variety of sources on a wide range of issues.
• Political acumen with regard to government relations and public policy issues, including experience in policy making and/or political arenas.
• Knowledge and experience in California politics and/or the California State University.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact…