Government Affairs Director

Sacramento, CA, United States

** Applicants who do not follow application instructions will not be considered**

Government Affairs Director

California Disability Services Association (CDSA) is a statewide association representing more than 100 community-based organizations that support and empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. CDSA is California’s largest and most diverse voice supporting IDD service providers.

Position Title: Government Affairs Director

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Sacramento, CA

Setting: On-site

Start Date: As soon as possible

Position Summary

The Government Affairs Director will manage the organization’s public policy and advocacy efforts at the state level. This role includes developing and executing legislative and budget strategies, cultivating and maintaining relationships with policymakers, and coordinating with stakeholders to advance the organization’s public policy goals. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in government relations, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively to achieve our collective goals.

Key Responsibilities

Legislative Advocacy and Strategy

Serve as an in-house lobbyist on state legislative and budget priorities, representing the organization in interactions with policymakers

Draft policy documents such as position letters, bill and budget requests

Develop and implement legislative strategies to support our policy priorities

Schedule and conduct meetings with legislative and administrative offices

Monitor legislative activities, including tracking bills, budget requests, and committee hearings

Attend and provide testimony at legislative hearings

Collaborate and manage advocacy efforts with our contract lobbyists

Manage development of issue papers

Conduct research on legislative issues and policy developments

Analyze legislative and regulatory proposals to determine impact on members

Provide strategic recommendations based on research and policy analysis

Communication and Membership Engagement

Prepare reports on government affairs activities for the Board of Directors

Communicate with members about legislative updates and advocacy efforts

Draft and review public policy materials and communications as needed

Present to members during member update calls, committee meetings, policy briefings, and conferences

Coordinate and prepare materials for the Public Policy Committee, Legislative Subcommittee, and other member meetings

Assist with member inquiries and issues as needed

Stakeholder Engagement

Engage with state associations and coalitions to advance our policy priorities

Participate in government relations with our national associations as needed

Attend relevant conferences and meetings to represent CDSA’s interests

Develop relationships with key allies to further our priorities

Skills & Attributes

Commitment to working collaboratively in a team environment, as well as accepting and implementing feedback

Excellent written and verbal communication, including interpersonal skills such as active listening

Extensive knowledge of legislative, budget, and administrative policy processes and grassroots advocacy

Time management and organization skills to successfully coordinate multiple tasks and projects

Perseverance to work under pressure, with acuity to recognize and respond to shifting priorities

Ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers and stakeholders

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

Proven track record of successful legislative advocacy and policy development

Demonstrated computer literacy; proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite and Abstract legislative tracking software preferred

Willingness to travel as needed for conferences and meetings

Qualifications

CDSA is committed to diversity and inclusion as fundamental to disability services and all our work and will consider candidates from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. Candidates should demonstrate an appropriate combination of the experience, skills, and/or education required to succeed in this role. Preferences include significant experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field; familiarity with a nonprofit or public policy setting; and a degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field. Knowledge of issues related to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) would be valuable.

This position description outlines the primary duties and qualifications for the Government Affairs Director role. The organization reserves the right to modify or amend the responsibilities as needed to meet its goals and objectives.

Compensation

Salary range is $90,000 - 120,000, based on experience. CDSA offers health and dental insurance, paid parking in downtown Sacramento, and retirement plan contributions. We offer paid vacation and sick leave and a generous holiday schedule.

How to Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, and three references by email to [email protected]. Cover letter should include where you found the job posting. Candidates who do not follow application instructions may not be considered.

Please contact us at [email protected] or call (916) 441-5844 if you require reasonable accommodation related to your application. Interviews will be held until the position is filled.