Director, Government Relations

Apply now Job no: 559153
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Long Beach
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.


Job Summary

Under the direction of Associate Vice President of University Relations, the Director of Government Relations plays a crucial role in overseeing federal, state, community, and local governmental relations for the CSU Long Beach. The incumbent is responsible for campus-based advocacy for CSU sponsored legislation and for the recruitment and training of key university support groups related to federal and state relations program and University priorities. The Director of Government Relations serves as the liaison between state and federal agencies, CSU Long Beach state and congressional delegation, congressional and state alumni, and other state elected officials' throughout California. In addition, will act as a point of contact on behalf of the AVP to interface with various internal subject matter experts and external agencies/stakeholders, when appropriate to accomplish project goals.


Key Responsibilities

  • Government Relations and Advocacy Management: Manage federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy operations.
  • Strategic Outreach and Project Planning: Serve as the campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor’s Office of Advocacy & State Relations, CSU Chancellor’s Office of Federal Relations, and other governmental consultants.
  • Advocacy and Partnership Building: Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for CSULB projects and policy initiatives among different constituencies. Serve on advisory boards and represent CSULB.

Department

University Relations


Duration of Appointment

This is a regular, at-will position.


Classification

Administrator II


Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $8,339 - $9,647 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.


Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.

To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:

  • Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
  • Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
  • Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must be able to work with a broad range of constituents through networking and/or strong oral/written communication skills.  Strong interpersonal skills to effectively act as a liaison between the university and government officials, agencies, and organizations. Ability to maintain ongoing relationships with federal, state, regional, and local elected officials serving or assigned to the campus.  Effective problem-solving skills to address policy issues affecting higher education. Ability to foster civic engagement and voter registration efforts within the campus community. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex policy environments.  Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to work with minimal supervision, exhibiting high levels of attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to bring together a diverse group of constituents for the betterment of the university.

Public relations skills to represent the university with external organizations and officials. Knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures and processes. Knowledge of lobbying regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Understanding of higher education policy issues and their implications. Social media and multimedia skills to manage government relations' online efforts. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.  Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.  Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."


Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of five years of direct experience within California(non-profit organization, legislative, state, or federal office or agency) is required.

• Master's degree preferred. Previous experience working with California local, state and federal officials, and familiarity with Long Beach and California state and federal legislative delegations is preferred. Experience in a university/higher education setting; knowledge of working within a larger system and ability to collaborate within the CSU/Chancellor's office is preferred.

• This position will be required to travel and work some evenings and weekends.


Licenses

• A valid California driver's license is required for this position to attend off-campus meetings and to transport equipment.


Application Procedures

Click “Apply Now” to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.


Physical Summary

Light work - Job involves some lifting of medium weight objects (10-20 pounds) and/or 10% - 20% of the job involves standing or walking.


Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

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 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.


Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.


Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.


Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

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Applications close: Pacific Daylight Time

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