LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR, BUSINESS OPERATIONS

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

This position is in the State Governmental Relations (SGR) Office, located in Sacramento, which serves as the primary university representative to state elected officials and state agencies to advocate for the university on legislative, budgetary and policy matters. The department is under the purview of the Senior Vice President of the External Relations and Communications Division.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President and Director of State Governmental Relations and the Associate Director of Legislative Affairs, this position has primary responsibility within the UC Office of State Governmental Relations for subject matter expertise, analysis, political strategy and lobbying in the areas of Business Operations. This includes labor relations and collective bargaining as well as other employee relations issues such as compensation, sexual harassment, and work conditions. Other major areas of responsibility include: research and innovation (non-medical); business and finance (such as contracts, grants and technology transfer); economic development; crime and security; energy and utilities; and real estate, capital assets and environmental regulation. The position is responsible for subject matter expertise, analysis, political strategy and lobbying in these subject matter areas and other issues, as assigned. Incumbent has direct accountability for outcomes and for protecting the University's interests in their areas of specialty. The position requires detailed knowledge of the functions, organizations, structure and procedures of UC, and the executive and legislative branches of California government. The position also requires direct and constant interaction with key personnel within the University, including the Office of the President, the ten UC campuses and their research units, representatives of the Governor's office, and the California Legislature and staff. This is a hybrid position located in Sacramento, CA.

Responsibilities

• 60% ADVOCACY: Serves as one of the University's key advocates and spokespersons in Sacramento. Develops and maintains working relationships with members of the California Legislature, legislative staff and committees, executive branch representatives, and business, labor and employment organizations, research professional organizations, public safety coalitions, and other groups on matters related to these and other topics. Presents and defends University positions to legislative and executive branches of state government and relevant associations. The incumbent monitors and provides complex analysis of legislation to determine its policy, legal, and fiscal implications for the University. Working with the Office of Legislative Analysis in the division of External Relations & Communications, as well as personnel of other divisions within the Office of the President, campus governmental relations personnel, UC faculty and other campus representatives, facilitates the analysis of legislation; identifies issues and analyzes the intent and possible effects of legislation; assesses the public policy ramifications of UC positions on legislation; and proposes UC positions and supporting arguments. Serves as the primary individual for negotiating amendments and other agreements related to legislation. The incumbent fashions final legislative positions for the University and crafts them into position letters. Incumbent required to exercise independent judgment in drafting position letters, legislative language and testimony, arranges for and prepares witnesses at hearings, and represents the University at meetings and conferences. Works with advocates for other universities including research universities, higher education associations, and advocates for other private and public entities in order to build legislative coalitions.
• 25% CONSULTATION: - Serves, on occasion, as the University's primary liaison between University decisionmakers and state lawmakers on complex policy matters that have broad impact to the University as a whole. Incumbent maintains expert level knowledge and competence on key issues and communicates directly with state lawmakers and with University officials, including the President of the University, UC Regents, Chief Counsel, and others. Afforded high level of autonomy with respect to making complex decisions under extreme time constraints.
• 10% EDUCATION: Incumbent provides information that enhances the Legislature's and Executive Branches' understanding of the University's purposes and achievements, and awareness of emerging issues affecting the University. Works closely with University officers to provide legislative and executive agencies with information that they have requested or that will improve their understanding of the University, its purposes and achievements. Works closely with the Executive branch and agencies on the development of initiatives that affect the University.
• 5% FACILITATION: Assists in the coordination of expertise within the University and arranges for UC experts to participate in a range of Sacramento-based meetings affecting the University. Provides assistance to UC visitors in Sacramento who seek meetings with the Legislature, state agencies, or association representatives. This is a highly visible position within the University and critical to the overall success of the University's external relations. Serves as one of the University's primary representatives to a number of statewide and professional organizations in areas of business, labor, government administration, research, and higher education.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience with at least three years in government relations or advocacy focused on legislative affairs and higher education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, which may, in addition to employment, include internships, fellowships, volunteer programs and other similar activities.
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of public policy as well as detailed knowledge of the organization, functions, process and procedures of the California Legislature, Executive branch, and state higher education.
• Demonstrated exceptional acumen and interpersonal skills to sustain or establish and maintain strong working relationships with key personnel within the University of California, and in the State Government, both in the Legislative and Executive Branch, who are in positions of influence on issues of importance to the University.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the University of California, the Office of the President, the campuses and subject area programs.
• Working knowledge of the procedures for decision-making with the University and key personnel within the UC system who can assist with timely analysis or information about state issues.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze state and national trends, issues and policy developments that could impact the university as well as proven success in developing and implementing strategic communications plans.
• Proven ability to be a clear, creative, and critical thinker in an environment characterized by ambiguity and crisis.
• Excellent analytical skills as demonstrated by a sensitivity to and ability to identify those issues critical to the success of a desired outcome; the ability to quickly research and collect pertinent information from related reports and knowledgeable persons, to integrate essential information, and use that information to define and validate options and alternatives; and the ability to develop recommendations and justification for the most productive course of action. This requires insightful and creative skill in reasoning and logic as well as the exercise of solid judgment with only general management direction.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills to articulate ideas and issues clearly, concisely, and persuasively and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with and work effectively in a team-oriented environment, seeking information from multiple sources and collaborating with multiple constituents to achieve an accurate and comprehensive perspective.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite and e-mail.
• Superior interpersonal communication skills required.
  

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
State Government Relations Profl 4

Job Code
000665

Salary Grade
Grade 25

Payscale:
$145,000 - $173,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is October 14, 2025. If needed, add: The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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