Policy Associate

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. Benefits 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. Position Information 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. Responsibilities 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. Qualifications 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 collaboratively with diverse staff at a variety of levels both within and outside the university; demonstrated competency in working in teams. Ability to multi‑task with demanding timeframes; ability to take a high degree of responsibility and apply individual initiative. Application Period Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 11, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Equal Employment Opportunity Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Title IX Please view the Notice of Non‑Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: E‑Verify This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E‑Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS), in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e., H1‑B visas). COVID‑19 Vaccination Policy Per the CSU COVID‑19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Mandated Reporter The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Conflict of Interest The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within six months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter. Background Checks The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check, including a criminal records check, prior to assuming this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr