ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Government Affairs Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

Qualified candidates will have strong experience in tax policy, communications, and government affairs. Property Tax policy experience is required, and multi-state property tax experience is strongly ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment Affairs JobsGovernment Affairs Jobs in Riverside, CA

Government Affairs information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$32.3K

$110.8K

$170.1K

How much do government affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for government affairs in Riverside, CA is $110,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government affairs professional?

Government Affairs professionals are specialists who manage the relationship between an organization and government entities. They monitor legislative and regulatory developments, advocate for policies that benefit their organization, and ensure compliance with government regulations. Their responsibilities often include lobbying, building relationships with lawmakers, and communicating the organization's position on various public issues. These professionals help organizations navigate complex political environments and influence policy decisions that affect their business or mission.

What are jobs in government affairs?

Working in government affairs involves being in the employ of a large firm who has interests related to government policy. In a government affairs department, you work as part of a team to network with politicians and influence legislation for the benefit of your firm. Your responsibilities also include liaising with public officials to coordinate and plan an initiative or program that helps establish policy or law. Other duties involve managing or directing services that make your firm more visible to policymakers. As a government affairs manager, you compile data and research to target legislative priorities and policymakers effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government affairs professional?

To thrive as a Government Affairs professional, you need a solid understanding of public policy, regulatory frameworks, and legislative processes, typically supported by a degree in political science, law, or a related field. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, stakeholder management tools, and sometimes certifications like the Public Affairs Council Certificate are valuable. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills are crucial for effectively influencing policy and representing organizational interests. These competencies enable professionals to navigate complex political environments, advocate successfully, and build strong alliances that advance organizational goals.

How does a government affairs professional typically collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders?

Government Affairs professionals often serve as a bridge between their organization and governmental or regulatory bodies. They regularly collaborate with internal teams—such as legal, public relations, and executive leadership—to develop unified policy positions and strategies. Externally, they engage with policymakers, advocacy groups, and industry associations to communicate organizational interests and monitor legislative developments. Effective collaboration and communication skills are essential, as the role involves coordinating input from various departments and building relationships with key external stakeholders to advance the organization's objectives.

What is the difference between Government Affairs vs Public Relations?

AspectGovernment AffairsPublic Relations
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in political science, public policy, or related fields; often benefits from government or policy experienceUsually requires a degree in communications, marketing, or journalism; experience in media or corporate communications is common
Work EnvironmentOften involves lobbying, policy analysis, and government interactionsFocuses on media relations, brand management, and public messaging
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by corporations, associations, and government agencies to influence policyUsed by companies, nonprofits, and agencies to shape public perception

While both roles involve communication and strategic outreach, Government Affairs primarily focuses on influencing legislation and policy through government engagement, whereas Public Relations centers on managing a company's public image and media relations. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the industry.

How much do government affairs people make?

Salaries for government affairs professionals typically range from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the size of the organization. Senior roles or those in large agencies can earn higher, often exceeding $150,000 with additional benefits and bonuses.

What degree do you need for government affairs?

A career in government affairs typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, law, or a related field. Advanced positions may prefer or require a master's degree or law degree, along with strong communication and policy analysis skills.
More about Government Affairs jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Affairs jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Government Affairs jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Government Affairs jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Affairs jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Government Affairs jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Government Affairs job openings:

Government Affairs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Affairs job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,776 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Director of Government & Legislative Affairs

In-N-Out Burger

Irvine, CA • On-site

$271K - $387K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

In-N-Out Burger rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Name:
Director of Government & Legislative Affairs
Location: Irvine, CA
Work Type:
Full-time
Department:
Legal
Description & Requirements
Come join our family at In-N-Out Burgers!
We are seeking a Director of Government & Legislative Affairs currently based in our Irvine, CA office and will relocate to Franklin, Tennessee*. The Director of Government & Legislative Affairs serves as the company's senior advisor on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters impacting the business. Reporting directly to the EVP, Chief Legal & Business Officer, this high-level leader will develop and execute the In-N-Out Burgers' enterprise-wide government affairs strategy, establish and maintain key relationships with government officials and industry organizations, oversee external lobbying partners, and provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on legislative and regulatory matters.
This role will lead the company's day-to-day government affairs function and is responsible for building and evolving an enterprise Government Affairs program that supports the company's long-term strategic objectives while protecting and advancing its business interests.
The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative executive with exceptional judgment, political acumen, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex public policy issues while representing In-N-Out's values and culture.
*This position is 100% in office and is currently based in Irvine, CA, and will relocate to Franklin, Tennessee, as part of In-N-Out's planned headquarters transition
General Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute the company's enterprise-wide government and legislative affairs strategy.
  • Serve as the In-N-Out's primary advisor on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters affecting business operations.
  • Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory activity impacting the company.
  • Provide executive leadership with strategic recommendations regarding legislative developments, regulatory changes, and emerging public policy issues.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, regulatory bodies, trade associations, and key external stakeholders.
  • Represent In-N-Out before legislative committees, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, and government entities, as appropriate.
  • Lead and oversee the company's day-to-day Government Affairs function.
  • Manage the company's external lobbying firms, legislative consultants, and public policy advisors to ensure alignment with business priorities.
  • Partner closely with Legal, Operations, Human Resources, Communications, and Executive Leadership on legislative and regulatory initiatives.
  • Prepare executive briefings, legislative analyses, position papers, and strategic recommendations.
  • Develop proactive legislative strategies that advance and protect the In-N-Out's long-term interests.
  • Support executive leadership during issues involving government relations, regulatory matters, and public policy.
  • Build and mature the company's Government Affairs function, processes, and external engagement strategy as the organization continues to grow.

Work Schedule + Benefits:
  • Full-time, Salaried, Exempt
  • Pay Range is $271,000-$387,000 annualized salary, plus bonus.
  • This represents the expected pay range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we will consider your experience and other job-related factors.
  • Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
  • Excellent Benefits, to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA's, 401(k)/Profit Sharing Plan, Adoption Assistance, Education Reimbursement, Supplemental Health Plans and Pet Insurance

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Juris Doctor (JD), Master's in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, or external affairs.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing government affairs strategies within a complex organization.
  • Experience managing external lobbying firms, legislative consultants, and government affairs partners.
  • Strong understanding of state and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
  • Proven ability to advise executive leadership on sensitive public policy matters.
  • Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
  • Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment while managing highly confidential information.

ABOUT In-N-Out Burgers
In-N-Out Burgers was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California, and remains privately owned and operated. Under the direction of the Snyder family, the company has opened restaurants throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, Idaho, and Tennessee. In-N-Out's menu has remained the same since 1948, and we have maintained a simple philosophy - serve only the highest quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well trained Associates. In-N-Out offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer by choice. Should there be a need, In-N-Out will provide a reasonable accommodation to complete the interview process upon request.

What In-N-Out Burger employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply