Associate Director of Government Relations

The Position

Title:

Associate Director of Government Relations

Position Type:
Full time

Requisition No: 27007

Category:
Management

Supervisor:
Vice President of Government Relations

Last Updated:
September 2026

Job Purpose:

The Associate Director of Government Relations will support the work being led by the

government relations team.

Location:

Hybrid, primary location in Sacramento with in-person work expected at various locations

throughout California

Salary Range:
The beginning salary range for this position is Range M-18 (Steps 1-3) $ -

$

The first review of the application shall occur approximately on 10/05/2026

The Associate Director of Government Relations will support Calbright College's government relations team, helping lead the development and execution of state advocacy strategies and legislative priorities that advance Calbright's mission. This role combines strategic policy leadership with direct legislative advocacy, representing Calbright before the California Legislature, the Office of the Governor, regulatory agencies, and statewide coalitions. Under the direction of the Vice President of Government Relations, the Associate Director will help lead Calbright's engagement on higher education in an effort to best position the College as a leading voice in competency-based education and short-term credentials policy landscape.

The duties below are representative of the role and are not intended to cover all of the duties performed within the scope of work.

• Under the direction of the Vice President of Government Relations, manage the development, execution and evaluation of Calbright's state advocacy strategy, including legislative priorities, regulatory engagement, and budget advocacy.
• Monitor, analyze and report on state legislative, regulatory, and budget proposals related to higher education, workforce development and technology policy.
• Update the Vice President of Government Relations on emerging policy threats and opportunities.
• Anticipate legislative and regulatory developments and proactively position Calbright to shape policy outcomes.
• Draft proposals for sponsored legislation and develop recommendations on amendments to proposed legislation.
• Consult and support the development of opinion editorials, podcast and media appearances, panel opportunities and other initiatives in coordination with the Director of Communications and the Marketing and Communications team.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive legislative tracking and stakeholder mapping system to inform institutional strategy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.

• Knowledge of the inner workings of California state government, including but not limited to the bodies of state government, the legislative process, the budget cycle, and the three public systems of higher education.
• Knowledge of direct lobbying practices, legislative strategy development, and coalition management in Sacramento.
• Experience working with contract lobbyists at state and federal levels.
• Experience working on emergent higher education and workforce development policy issues, such as competency-based education, credit for prior learning, adult learners, skills-based hiring, and virtual learning environments.
• Knowledge of general principles of systems change, collective impact, and process improvement.
• Knowledge of project management best practices and principles.
• Experience working with business applications including G Suite, Slack, video conferencing, and Asana.
• Experience developing and executing advocacy strategies with minimal supervision, exercising sound political judgment in fast-moving legislative environments.
• Experienc…