ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

State Government Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essc

State Government Relations Director

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Director of State Government Relations (California) leads Easterseals Southern California's state advocacy and government relations strategy. This role oversees legislative engagement, funding ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsState Government Relations Jobs

State Government Relations information

See salary details

$51.5K

$106.5K

$169.5K

How much do state government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for state government relations in the United States is $106,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between State Government Relations vs State Public Affairs?

AspectState Government RelationsState Public Affairs
Primary FocusBuilding relationships with state government officials and influencing legislationManaging communication and reputation with the public, media, and stakeholders
Work EnvironmentLegislative offices, government agencies, advocacy groupsPublic relations firms, corporate communication departments, government agencies
Required CredentialsTypically a background in political science, public policy, or law; experience in lobbying or government relationsBackground in communications, public relations, or media; strong writing and media skills

State Government Relations primarily focuses on influencing legislation and policy through direct engagement with state officials, while State Public Affairs emphasizes managing the organization's public image and communication strategies. Both roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within government and public engagement.

How does a State Government Relations professional typically collaborate with internal stakeholders to shape legislative strategy?

State Government Relations professionals regularly coordinate with internal teams such as legal, compliance, and public affairs to align legislative strategies with organizational goals. They gather input from business units to understand operational impacts, provide legislative updates, and facilitate cross-departmental meetings to ensure unified messaging. This collaborative approach helps anticipate challenges, enables timely responses to policy developments, and ensures that advocacy efforts are both effective and consistent with the organization's priorities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in State Government Relations, and why are they important?

To excel in State Government Relations, you need a deep understanding of public policy, legislative processes, and regulatory frameworks, often supported by a degree in political science, law, or public administration. Familiarity with government affairs software, legislative tracking tools, and professional certifications such as a Certified Public Affairs Professional (CPAP) are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities are crucial for advocating effectively and influencing policy. These skills and qualities enable professionals to navigate complex political environments, build coalitions, and achieve organizational objectives.

What are State Government Relations?

State Government Relations refers to the strategies and activities undertaken by organizations, companies, or associations to interact with state government officials and agencies. Professionals in this field work to influence state-level legislation, regulations, and public policies that affect their organization's interests. They build relationships with lawmakers, monitor legislative developments, and often advocate for or against proposed laws. The goal is to ensure that the organization's voice is heard in the policymaking process and that its interests are represented at the state level.
What cities are hiring for State Government Relations jobs? Cities with the most State Government Relations job openings:
What states have the most State Government Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for State Government Relations jobs include:
State Government Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Government Relations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 69% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,522 per year, or $51.2 per hour.
State Government Relations Director

State Government Relations Director

Essc

Irvine, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence-delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.

The Director of State Government Relations (California) leads Easterseals Southern California's state advocacy and government relations strategy. This role oversees legislative engagement, funding and appropriations requests, coalition partnerships, and policy communications to support organizational priorities. The Director serves as a key liaison to state policymakers, agencies, coalition partners, and internal leadership, driving coordinated advocacy efforts that advance ESSC's mission and services.
Starting Salary Range: $140,000k - $175,000k / yr.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Director of State Government Relations (California) is responsible for leading and executing Easterseals Southern California's state-level advocacy and government relations strategy. This role manages all California legislative engagement, appropriations and funding requests, coalition participation, and policy communications in alignment with organizational priorities. The Director serves as a key strategist and relationship manager with state policymakers, administrative agencies, coalition partners, and internal leaders, ensuring coordinated, high-impact advocacy that advances ESSC's mission and service delivery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • With alignment from VP of Government Relations, leads and executes ESSC's California state advocacy strategy, including legislative visits to Sacramento and coordinated in-district meetings.
  • Tracks, analyses, and prioritizes state legislation, budget proposals, and regulatory actions impacting ESSC services.
  • Develops legislative "asks," position statements, and briefing materials for leadership and advocates.
  • Serves as a primary liaison with state legislators, legislative staff, and relevant state agencies.
  • Identifies and advances state budget, appropriations, and funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Coordinates funding request development with leadership, program teams, and finance.
  • Monitors the Governor's Budget, May Revision, and final budget outcomes and recommend advocacy actions.
  • Builds and actively engages in strategic coalitions across disability, health, and human services sectors.
  • Represents ESSC in coalition meetings and align joint strategies and messaging.
  • Identifies opportunities for ESSC to lead or co-lead coalition initiatives.
  • Translates complex policy issues into clear communications for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Prepares leaders for legislative meetings through briefings and materials.
  • Ensures compliance with state lobbying registration and reporting requirements.
  • Represents ESSC at public hearings both locally and in Sacramento.

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

  • 7-10 years of California state government relations or advocacy experience.

EXEPECTED NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS: Individual contributor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook (email and calendar management), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for correspondence, analysis, briefing materials, and presentations.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for policymakers, coalition partners, and internal audiences.
  • Deep understanding of the California legislative and budget process.
  • Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with state legislators, legislative staff, agency officials, and coalition partners.
  • Strong strategic thinking and judgment, including the ability to prioritize among competing policy opportunities and risks.
  • Experience coordinating across internal teams (e.g., programs, finance, communications, leadership) to align advocacy strategy and funding requests.
  • Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fastpaced, deadlinedriven environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals of Southern California and/or program requirements.
  • Must have reliable transportation to attend offsite meetings and engagements.
  • Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADA:

  • Carrying/Lifting:

Occasional / 0-30 lbs.

  • Standing:

Occasional / 0-30 lbs.

  • Sitting:

Constant / Up to 8 hours per day.

  • Walking:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

  • Travel:

Regular in-state travel, including to Sacramento and local districts, required. Ability to travel independently to external meetings and events.

  • Repetitive Motion/Activity:

Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.

  • Visual Acuity:

Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.

  • Environmental Exposure:

Standard office and travel environment.

Apply