University Government Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff, the Associate Director of Government Relations serves as the University's primary staff liaison for state and federal governmental relations and advocacy activities. The position develops and maintains productive relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and higher education partners to advance University priorities and support strategic engagement efforts.

The Associate Director monitors legislative, regulatory, and budget developments affecting the University; coordinates institutional advocacy activities and events; and provides analysis, briefing materials, and strategic support to the President, Chief of Staff, and other campus leaders.

Working collaboratively with campus leadership, the California State University Chancellor's Office, and external stakeholders, the Associate Director supports efforts to advance public funding priorities, legislative initiatives, and policy objectives that further the University's mission and strategic goals.

The position works closely with the California State University Chancellor's Office Offices of Advocacy and State Relations and Federal Relations to support systemwide advocacy initiatives, communicate campus priorities, and coordinate legislative and funding efforts that advance the interests of both Chico State and the CSU system.

The Associate Director serves as a resource to campus leadership on governmental affairs, legislative processes, public policy developments, and advocacy opportunities and assists in strengthening the University's visibility, reputation, and relationships among governmental and public-sector stakeholders.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, political science, public policy, communications, higher education administration, business administration, or a related field.

AND

Three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in government relations, governmental affairs, public policy, public administration, higher education administration, community relations, advocacy, legislative affairs, or a related field.

*Experience working with elected officials, government agencies, legislative bodies, or public-sector organizations is required.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

• Advanced degree in public administration, political science, communications, or a related and relevant field of study.
• 5+ years of direct professional work experience with state or federal legislative processes, appropriations, governmental funding, or advocacy initiatives.
• Experience working in public higher education, preferably within the California State University system.
• Experience preparing executive briefing materials, legislative analyses, or policy recommendations for senior leadership.
• Demonstrated experience taking a lead role in large-scale organizational change initiatives with strategic impacts.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm 

Anticipated Hiring Range:  Anticipated up to $85,000 per year.  Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).  For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for the safety and security of Level 1 data, sometimes also referred to as Level 1 protected data. This is confidential information that is in most cases protected by statutes, regulations, or other legal mandates.

The person holding this position is considered a "Limited 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.

This position is a Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) designated managerial position and comes under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) of the California State University.  Individuals appointed to management positions serve at the pleasure of the President or designee.  They are excluded from the collective bargaining process, are not subject to probationary service, and do not receive tenure or permanent status.  This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

A valid California Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment in this position, as well as successful completion and continued compliance with CSU Defensive Driving Course.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

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

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 08/12/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)