UCSA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR - SACRAMENTO

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Department Overview
Student and Equity Affairs coordinates equity, diversity and inclusion efforts for UC students, faculty and staff; oversees student governance and policies; connects students and leadership; and stewards practices and policies that support students' mental health and well-being. This position is located in Sacramento, California.

Position Summary
The Government Relations Director is the lead in-house lobbyist of the UC Student Association, responsible for developing and executing the organization's legislative advocacy strategy at both state and federal levels. Responsibilities include research, education and training, legislative strategy, and lobbying. This position also coordinates student lobby trips and conferences in Sacramento. This position will be primarily based in Sacramento and will be expected to travel monthly on weekends to UCSA Board Meetings and several times per year to UCSA conferences.

Key Responsibilities

40% Advocacy: Under the direction of the UCSA Government Relations Committee, develops the organization's legislative agenda, provides analysis and recommendations for action, and tracks legislative activity. Advocates UCSA's policy positions to State and Federal policymakers through lobbying, testimony gathering, written support, etc. Maintains and develops relationships with legislative offices, including but not limited to, members of the higher education and budget committees, the California Department of Education, United States Department of Education, Negotiated Rulemaking Office of the Governor, and is the primary contact with the UC Office of the President Government Relations staff. Prepare and deliver testimony, policy briefs, position letters, budget position letters, budget press releases, and other legislative correspondence, in consultation with the Policy Director and UCSA leadership. Works to build and maintain coalitions and partnerships with other student organizations and allies to coordinate legislative strategy and efforts. Organizes state leadership visits for the UCSA Board of Directors.

25% Conference & Event Planning: Plan and lead programming, legislative agenda, and lobby visit coordination for UCSA's annual Student Lobby Conference and UC Hill Day. Assists in seeking fundraising opportunities and soliciting sponsorships for legislative programming.

15% Student Engagement & Education: Assists campus legislative directors and Board members in the recruitment and development of campus lobby corps and involving members of their student association in UCSA's legislative campaigns. Prepares and facilitates lobbying skills and issue trainings for Board members and lobby corps. Regularly staffs UCSA Board meetings, conferences, and UCSA Government Relations Committee meetings.

10% Creates relevant trainings for student advocacy and involvement, including trainings for student leaders on understanding UC systems and institutional decision makers. Campaigns: Oversees and advises UCSA's Fund the UC Campaign.

10% Other Staff Duties: Supervise and mentor Government Relations Associate and Other duties as assigned.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience and/or training in government relations and legislation.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in government relations lobbying.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Experience with student organizations or student government campaigns.
• Commitment to building student power, sharing decision making, taking direction from students, and amplifying UCSA's mission and social justice initiatives.
• Ability to represent and include communities of color and other underrepresented groups.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with likely and unlikely allies, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and analytical skills; internet and media research skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Apps.
• Able and willing to travel independently, work evenings, and weekends.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Job Title
Alumni and External Relations Specialist 2

Job Code
006298

Salary Grade
Grade 19

Payscale:
$71,000 - $83,200

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position will be primarily based in Sacramento and will be expected to travel monthly on weekends to UCSA Board Meetings and several times per year to UCSA conferences.

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is August 26, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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