Position Title: Director of Policy and Advocacy

Department: Governmental Relations

Job Location: 1001 K Street, 5th Floor, Sacramento

Reports To: Assistant Executive Director of Governmental Relations

Confidential Status: Confidential

Apply Now

Download Job Description

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Assistant Executive Director of Governmental Relations, the position has responsibility for representing CASBO before the legislature and state government based on subject matter expertise, analysis, political strategy and lobbying in the areas assigned. The position serves as a governmental/policy advisor to CASBO and undertakes analyses of legislative matters and policy directions of the executive and legislative branches of state government, in relation to the overall goals and objectives of CASBO as stated in the Bylaws, Strategic Plan, Legislative Platform and other governing documents of the Association.

The Director of Policy and Advocacy will assist in leading and managing several aspects of governmental relations processes including but not limited to identification of bills of interest to CASBO, internal bill analyses, management and oversight of bill tracking, member inquiries and research requests, managing legislative deadlines, oversight of online advocacy tools, development of in-person advocacy strategies by CASBO members, and other projects as needed.

In collaboration with the Assistant Executive Director of Governmental Relations and in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, Legislative Committee and Advocacy Network Committee, the Director of Policy and Advocacy will help identify and define issues that may impact CASBO and its members, coordinate necessary analysis and participate in the formulation of approaches and strategies.

The Director of Policy and Advocacy will assist in the development of legislative proposals for CASBO’s legislative program, develop and maintain contact with members and staff of the Legislature, Executive Branch, California Department of Education, California Department of Finance as well as other appropriate members and staff of advocacy organizations and agencies that are focused on K-12 budget and policy issues. The Director of Policy and Advocacy will represent CASBO’s position before the Legislature, as well as other state agencies and state boards, commissions, or task forces as appropriate. The Director of Policy and Advocacy will assess and prepare written materials and presentations relative to legislative and budget matters, including bill position correspondence, briefing documents, issue updates, and articles for CASBO publications including but not limited to California School Business, California School Business News, CASBO NewsBreak and Calls to Action.

Essential Functions

Legislative and State Budget Advocacy

  1. Serve as one of CASBO’s advocates and spokespersons in Sacramento.
  2. Develop and maintain working relationships with members of the California State Legislature, legislative staff and committees, executive branch representatives, and staff of other K-12 education associations and advocacy organizations/advocates on specific subject matters pertaining to K-12 budget and policy issues.
  3. Monitor and provide analysis of legislation and department regulations to determine its policy and fiscal implications for K-12 local education agencies, with a focus on the business operations of LEAs.
  4. Recommend positions on introduced and amended legislation to the Assistant Executive Director of Governmental Relations and CASBO Legislative Committee.
  5. Draft position letters, legislative language and testimony, and represent CASBO at hearings and various meetings and conferences.
  6. Work with advocates from other K-12 education associations, school district advocates, representatives of employee organizations and other related organizations to build legislative coalitions.
  7. Provide information that enhances the Legislative and Executive Branches’ understanding of CASBO’s purposes, and awareness of emerging issues affecting the Association.
  8. Assist in the coordination of expertise within the system and arrange for K-12 experts to participate in a range of Sacramento-based meetings affecting CASBO members.

Internal Analysis and Reports

  1. Review introduced and amended bills to identify those that would affect the activities or budgets of K-12 school districts.
  2. Apply criteria for classifying legislation that takes into consideration the extent to which legislation would affect K-12 school districts.
  3. Responsible for oversight of bill tracking system.
  4. Develop written summary reports on major policy documents and/or reports from state commissions, boards and task forces.
  5. Develop presentation materials and reports that are used when providing updates to members and as requested.
  6. Write subject matter articles for various CASBO publications.

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in fields related to government/public policy/education. At least five years of experience in a legislative, budget or advocacy experience, preferred.
  2. Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing as well as ability to analyze state and national trends, issues and political developments that could impact K-12 school districts and CASBO members.
  3. General knowledge of the organization, functions, process and procedures of the California Legislature, Executive Branch, and K-12 education agencies.
  4. General knowledge about California’s educational systems, including pre-K, K-12 and Higher Education.
  5. Knowledge of current public education issues and concerns.
  6. Ability to analyze, evaluate and respond to legislative and regulatory proposals, complex data, and other information on educational issues and legislation.
  7. Ability to create and present effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to governmental leaders, public groups, and/or board of directors in a timely manner, often on short notice.
  8. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, using diplomacy, cooperation, judgment and tact.

Certificates Required

  1. Valid California Driver’s License
  2. Registration as Lobbyist with Secretary of State
  3. Lobby Ethics Course (as required by State)

Physical Requirements

  1. Sitting for extended periods of time.
  2. Using a keyboard.
  3. Viewing computer monitor requiring close vision.
  4. Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
  5. Extended periods of time speaking in public.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a business office environment. Long distance travel, approximately 6-8 times per year may be required. Travel to local sites is periodically required. Monitoring legislative sessions and hearings after hours may be required.

Note: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job. Employees are expected to follow their supervisor’s instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

Apply Now