Deputy Director, Legislative Affairs

Job Posting:
Deputy Director, Legislative Affairs

Department:
Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC)

Classification: JC-521459

Salary: $13,292.00 - $14,805.00 per Month

Type:
Exempt Executive Assignment – Non Tenured, Full Time

Locations:
Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova;
Hybrid telework available

Under the direction of the Director and Chief Deputy Director, the Legislative Affairs Deputy Director will manage DMHC’s legislative program, develop and implement statewide health policy, advise senior staff on legislation, make legislative recommendations, and act as a high‑level liaison between DMHC, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, other agencies, and stakeholders. The role requires working collaboratively with Executive Management to promote DMHC’s mission.

• Manage DMHC’s legislative program and statewide policy initiatives.
• Analyze proposed legislation, assess impacts on the department, and provide recommendations to senior leadership.
• Serve as a liaison between DMHC, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and other state agencies.
• Collaborate with Executive Management to advance DMHC’s mission and policy goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in health policy, legislative affairs, or related government work.
• Demonstrated experience in legislative research, policy analysis, and developing legislative strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using legislative databases and policy analysis tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.

• Minimum of five years working in health policy.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
• Experience conducting legal and legislative research and writing concise, persuasive briefings.
• Experience in legislation and/or policy making within a governmental or health‑care setting.
• Exceptional understanding of legislative protocol and political sensitivity.
• Knowledge of the managed health‑care industry and its related policy issues.
• Leadership skills in developing and implementing new policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish productive working relationships with DMHC staff, executive leadership, the Governor’s Office, Legislature, CalHHS, and other partners.

Complete the Cal Career application, including the Standard State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678), and submit required supporting documents. A narrative Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is mandatory. Applications will be reviewed based on the minimum and desirable qualifications.

Final filing date: 07/03/2026.

The State of California is an equal‑opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Human Resources Contact:
DMHC Recruitment

Hiring Unit Contact:
Dan Southard

EEO Contact:
EEO Office

California Relay Service: (TTY), (Voice)