Manager, Government Affairs

EdVoice is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization working to reshape public education in California so that students from low-income communities have futures filled with opportunity. More than 60% of California’s 5.8 million public school students are low-income. The sobering reality is that most perform at about half the level of their more affluent peers across key indicators such as reading, math, and college readiness. Addressing these disparities requires bold, coordinated action at the state level. Together, EdVoice and its sister organization, EdVoice Institute (a 501(c)(3)), work to advance scalable policy changes for California's children. EdVoice leads lobbying, legislative advocacy, and campaigning to secure policy adoption, as well as strategic political contributions through its EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders who prioritize the needs of students from low-income communities. EdVoice Institute complements this work by developing evidence-based policy solutions to improve learning statewide, working alongside coalition partners. The Opportunity EdVoice is growing its Government Affairs team to advance an ambitious long-term agenda focused on transforming California's education system by 2040. The Manager, Government Affairs will engage policymakers and state leaders to advance legislation and policy reforms that dismantle longstanding inequities in public education. The ideal candidate enjoys both the substance and mechanics of policymaking, combining thoughtful analysis with the initiative and attention to detail needed to turn advocacy priorities into action. Reporting to the Chief Government Affairs Officer, the Manager will identify and evaluate bills, recommend policy positions and advocacy strategies, and build relationships with legislators, their staff, and coalition partners. Working alongside the Policy team, contract lobbyists, and senior leadership, the Manager will also oversee bill tracking and legislative deadlines, draft position letters and advocacy materials, and respond to policy research requests. A resourceful advocate, the ideal candidate brings an understanding of California's political and policy landscape, sound analytical judgment, and a commitment to expanding opportunities for historically underserved students. They approach relationships with curiosity and diplomacy, build trust across differing perspectives, and stay attuned to emerging policy developments and political dynamics. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, tight-knit team and advance EdVoice's ambitious vision of a California where all students have access to the quality education and future opportunities they deserve. Policy Strategy, Research & Campaign Execution (40%) Develop legislative and advocacy strategies with the Policy team, senior leadership, and contract lobbyists to advance EdVoice's key policy pillars and priority areas. Identify, evaluate, and recommend legislation, budget proposals, and regulatory changes that advance EdVoice's policy agenda, drawing on policy research and bill analyses. Execute advocacy campaigns with internal teams, contract lobbyists, and coalition partners to advance priority legislation and administrative policy changes. Craft persuasive position letters, testimony, policy briefs, and other advocacy materials to communicate EdVoice's positions and influence policy decisions. Respond to legislative inquiries and research requests, translating complex policy information into clear, actionable recommendations tailored to different audiences. Lead special policy projects across EdVoice's priority areas, including California's teacher workforce, early literacy implementation, early mathematics, and emerging education and community issues. Legislative Systems & Operations (40%) Manage legislative tracking, hearings, amendments, budget milestones, and submission deadlines to keep advocacy efforts on schedule and inform strategic decisions. Maintain and improve systems for tracking legislative priorities, advocacy activities, and stakeholder relationships to strengthen team coordination and accountability. Synthesize legislative developments into concise updates, recommended actions, and priorities that inform internal teams and leadership. Coordinate with contract lobbyists on legislative timing, advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement, and follow-through on priority actions. Maintain accurate records of lobbying activities, time allocations, and advocacy efforts to support compliance, reporting, and institutional continuity. Complete special projects and other responsibilities in support of EdVoice's policy, advocacy, and organizational priorities. Government Relations & Coalition Building (20%) Build relationships with legislators, Capitol staff, administration officials, agency leaders, and coalition partners to advance EdVoice's policy priorities. Engage policymakers through meetings, briefings, and ongoing communication, tailoring messages to different audiences and political contexts. Participate in coalitions, advocacy days, and partner-led campaigns to build support for shared policy priorities. Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and expand EdVoice's influence across the education policy landscape. Monitor political dynamics and policymaker priorities to anticipate opportunities, navigate challenges, and inform leadership decisions. Ideal Candidate Profile Strong commitment to EdVoice's mission and expanding educational opportunities for students from low-income communities. 4+ years of professional experience in legislative advocacy, government affairs, politics, public policy, or related fields. Working knowledge of California's legislative and policymaking processes, including how to navigate Sacramento and engage elected officials, legislative staff, and state agencies. Analytical and critical thinking skills, with a track record of evaluating complex information, assessing policy trade-offs, and developing well-reasoned recommendations. Relationship-building and interpersonal skills to establish trust, navigate differing perspectives, and collaborate effectively with policymakers, coalition partners, and external consultants. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly, develop persuasive arguments, and adapt messaging for different audiences. Strong project management skills, with the foresight to anticipate challenges, manage competing priorities, coordinate across teams, and leverage AI and other productivity tools to improve workflows. Sound judgment, integrity, and discretion when navigating sensitive information, political dynamics, and stakeholder relationships. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism, with an understanding of the structural and systemic inequities in public education. Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365; familiarity with Capitol Track or similar legislative tracking tools preferred. Bachelor's degree required; master's degree in public policy, public administration, or a related field, a plus. Compensation and Benefits The compensation range is $85 - $110k, commensurate with experience. Benefits include: Health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, spouse, and eligible dependents 13 days of paid time off (PTO), 12 paid holidays, winter break from December 25th - 31st, plus sick days Fully vested employer 1:1 match of employee 401(k) contributions up to 4% Reimbursement of up to $500 for a remote workspace, in accordance with organizational policy Reimbursement of up to $750 for a cell phone, in accordance with organizational policy $90/month technology stipend This is a full-time position based in Sacramento, California, requiring an in-person presence at and around the State Capitol approximately 3 or more days per week. Some additional travel is required. EdVoice is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, national origins, ages, religions, creeds, veteran or disabled statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions. Please visit our website for more information at #J-18808-Ljbffr