Legislative Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Legislative Advocate
Job no: 558519
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Chancellor's Office - Sacramento
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time
Chancellor's Office Statement
Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently 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. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding 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.
Salary
The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $80,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Work Arrangements
This position is located in Sacramento, CA.
Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Sacramento, California.
Premium 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 (PERS)
More details here: Comprehensive Benefits Package
Classification
Administrator I
Position Information
The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an Associate Legislative Advocate to have the primary responsibility for subject matter expertise, analysis, political strategy and advocacy in assigned issue areas. This position analyzes legislative matters in relation to the overall goals and objectives of the CSU and participates in the development and execution of the system's advocacy efforts. Under the direct supervision of the DSR, this position is responsible for several functions including but not limited to: direct advocacy on CSU-related legislative issues; representing CSU positions on legislation in meetings with legislators, legislative staff and in public hearings; written communications including bill position correspondence, bill fiscal estimate statements and bill summaries; working with Chancellor's Office (CO) staff and the DSR to develop bill strategies and amendments to legislation; preparing Chancellor's Office experts for witness testimony or legislative meetings; developing and maintaining working subject matter knowledge of assigned issue areas; and support for system and campus-based advocacy efforts such as state capitol events and training programs.
Under the direction of the DSR and in collaboration with the Senior Legislative Advocate, the position is also responsible for identifying, and monitoring state legislation that may affect the university and identifying broad policy issues that emerge from the legislature, state government and other external sources, which affect systemwide initiatives, programs and processes.
The ASR team assists the system in meeting its goals and objectives to serve students and California as a whole through effective advocacy and communications within the Chancellor's Office, campuses, Legislature, Governor's Office, state agencies, business and community leaders, the general public and others. To achieve overall systemwide budget and advocacy goals, this person works closely with the ASR team members and participates in strategic planning of system advocacy and state relations; assists in the development of the Board of Trustees Legislative Program; attends meetings with legislative and state agency staff; monitors and reports on legislative hearings; and prepares bill letters and assists in preparing subject matter experts for hearing testimony as needed.
APPLICANTS CALLED IN TO INTERVIEW WILL BE GIVEN A SKILLS TEST.
Responsibilities
Under the general direction of the Director of State Relations, the Associate Legislative Advocate will:
-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, as needed, 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 develop appropriate fiscal estimate statements, as appropriate.
-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 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 local, state, and federal policymakers, voters, and the public.
Qualifications
This position requires:
-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. This also includes knowledge and 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.
How To Apply
Please click "Apply Now" to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application.
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 (562) 951-4070.
Title IX
Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix
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 (DHSUSCIS)' 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).
COVID19 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 Per CANRA
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 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.
CSU Out of State Employment Policy
California State University, Office of the Chancellor, 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.
Background
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.
Learn more about working at the California State University and the impact of our mission.
Advertised: May 28 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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