The Office of Chairwoman Nora Vargas is recruiting an experienced and outstanding professional to serve as Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs for District 1. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Vargas, and reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs will join, complement, and strengthen a team of positive, productive, and community-minded professionals committed to supporting Chairwoman Vargas’ strategic vision, mission and values of creating a healthier and stronger San Diego.
The Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs will be responsible for leading, collaborating with and developing Chairwoman Vargas’ team of policy advisors to advance her situational, annual, and strategic public policy program, as well as her fiscal/budgetary and legislative priorities for District 1 and the greater San Diego region. To this end, the Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs will create, foster, and sustain excellent communications and interdependent relationships, including with Chairwoman Vargas’ field, strategic communications, and intern teams.
Beyond the Board of Supervisors, the Chief of Intergovernmental Relations will establish, sustain and/or expand excellent relationships with County departments, local, regional, state, and federal agencies, as well as community stakeholders, advocacy organizations, and private sector entities.
In service to District 1 residents, the Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs will work to realize and/or advance policy values, objectives, and innovations with the use of data, research, best practices and consultation with field staff, subject matter advocates and experts, as well as persons and organizations with real-world, first-hand knowledge, experiences and expertise.
The Chief of Intergovernmental Relations will work for the public good in an environment that is dynamic, demanding, fast-paced and fulfilling. As the first Latina, first immigrant, first fronteriza, and first woman of color to lead as County Supervisor in the 200-year history of the County of San Diego, Chairwoman Vargas and her team are devoted to reducing barriers and ensuring our communities don’t just survive but thrive. Chairwoman’s Vargas’ mission is a San Diego that works for all.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• As leader of the policy team, the Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs will uphold a positive, professional, and productive working culture by providing clear direction and supportive guidance to develop, manage, implement the Chairwoman’s policy and legislative agenda for District 1, including but not limited to the policy areas of health care, economic development, housing, homelessness, environment, community development, binational affairs, and risk management.
• Leads quarterly and day-to-day planning, organizing, coordinating, evaluating, and optimizing of Chairwoman Vargas’ Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Team.
• As part of Chairwoman Vargas’ Executive Team, will be required to contribute strategic and data-driven policy and communications advice on a broad range of policies and community issues important to District1 and the County of San Diego at large.
• Working together with the Chairwoman’s executive team, as well as policy and field staff, will work to ensure that Chairwoman Vargas’ policy, intergovernmental, field initiatives and constituent services align with and advance her strategic values, goals and objectives.
• Together with the policy team, stay current on key local, state, federal policy and legislation and sustain strong relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders.
• Will foster policy team excellence and expertise by leading, modeling and supporting participation in trainings, workshops, conferences, professional associations and community meetings.
• In consultation and partnership with the Chief of Staff, will regularly prepare, brief and advise Chairwoman Vargas on strategic planning, policy-development and/or budgetary proposals, opportunities and risks.
• Works closely with County executives, subject matter experts, and community stakeholders to analyze and formulate proposed local, state and federal legislation, and assess/estimate the potential impacts on D1, the County of San Diego, and region.
• Creates and coordinates advocacy efforts in partnership with the Chief of Staff and Chief of External Affairs.
• Responsible for interacting with statewide organizations, as well as personally staffing, or developing staffing plans, to aide Chairwoman’s leadership on Board and committees, including SANDAG, CARB, UCC, CSAC, and others.
• Models a positive and pro-active can do spirit when performing other duties as assigned or required in service to the public.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Thorough understanding of current and emerging policy issues in County, state and national policy.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of public administration, government structures, policy-making and decision-making processes.
• Proficient understanding of budget and appropriations processes; similarly, excellent understanding of public meeting regulations, meeting protocols and procedural timelines and rules.
• Skill in legislative advocacy, innovation, negotiation, and persuasion.
• Ability to prepare a variety of written communications, including but not limited to Board Letters, executive summaries, reports, testimony, fact sheets, etc.
• Excellent communicator, including communicating effectively with all levels of management and staff, as well as external entities, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to and value for interacting with diverse communities and backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively across the enterprise.
• Skilled and committed to developing positive, solution-centered relationships.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• Political relationships, calculus, and acumen.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in political science, public policy, public administration, public affairs, community relations, public relations, or related field. Master’s Degree, or equivalent experience, valued, AND; 
Seven (7) years of experience in public policy, government affairs, public affairs, public relations, advocacy, organizing or related field. Four to five (4-5) years of experience leading and managing staff.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, a portfolio of work and/or links, as well as 3 professional references, to be considered. Send to Fernando Chavarría at Fernando.Chavarria@sdcounty.ca.gov.
The annual salary range for this position is $98,000 - $195,000. Salary will be based on experience and expertise. Additionally, compensation will include the county’s benefits for unclassified employees. Consistent with the County of San Diego’s Charter, this position is an at-will employment position.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Please click hereto view the complete job description for this position.Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this job announcement may be modified or revoked and do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENTAs part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.(Current employees may be exempt from this process.)As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference PolicyThe County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.Military Skills TranslatorDo you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all. Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.