Legislative Advocate (State & Federal Programs), Governmental Relations

Schedule

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of three (3) days in-office based out of our West Sacramento office and two (2) days working remotely.

Summary

We are seeking a Legislative Advocate to join our Governmental Relations team. Reporting to the Chief, Governmental Relations and Legislative Director, the Legislative Advocate will research, analyze and evaluate proposed and current state and federal legislation, regulations and policy issues relevant to California TK-12 public education. This position plays a key role in the development and implementation of the Association’s legislative strategies, representing CSBA’s positions to legislative and agency stakeholders, and serving as a liaison between the Association and state and federal policy makers. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical, communication and advocacy skills, with a passion for education policy and legislative processes, preferably experienced with California TK-12 State and Federal legislation; performs related work as required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Advises the Chief and Legislative Director on federal and state legislation, with a focus on federal legislative relations.
• Researches, analyzes and evaluates complex state and federal legislation, budget proposals, statutes and policy issues impacting public education and local educational agencies.
• Develops and presents legislative analyses to CSBA’s Legislative Committee, makes policy recommendations and implements strategies to Association leadership, staff and committees.
• Communicates the Association’s legislative positions to congressional members, state legislators, agencies and stakeholder groups.
• Drafts background papers, legislative letters, policy briefs, action alerts, and talking points for federal and state advocacy.
• Maintains key relationships with political and legislative insiders at the state and federal level.
• Contributes to strategies to achieve CSBA’s federal and state legislative agenda and priorities.
• Implements and maintains the Association’s legislative strategy with particular emphasis on federal legislative action; contributes to the development of the Association’s position on legislation, issues and policies.
• Testifies before boards and legislative committees on education-related bills and issues.
• Assists in developing and implementing the Association’s legislative strategy with emphasis on federal legislative relations, including coordination of CSBA’s Coast 2 Coast Federal Advocacy trip.
• Monitors legislative activities, regulations, and trends; advise on emerging policy issues and strategic opportunities.
• Maintains strong relationships with government officials, agencies, advocacy organizations, and education policy leaders.
• Represents CSBA on statewide and national boards, coalitions, and advisory committees.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with education leaders, policymakers, and community organizations to advance CSBA’s legislative goals.
• Serves as a liaison to Association members, staff, and the public on legislative matters.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and agenda items for the CSBA Board of Directors, Delegate Assembly, and other committees.
• Contributes to CSBA publications and legislative updates.
• Responds to inquiries from members and stakeholders regarding legislation, policy, and CSBA positions. Participates in the development and revision of legislative programs and procedures.
• Maintains records, research files, and tracking systems related to legislation and advocacy efforts.
• Supports special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher with major coursework in business administration, public administration, government, legal, or political sciences, or related field with three (3) years of experience in legislative research, analysis, and evaluation or a related field.
• Experience with California TK-12 State and Federal legislation is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative processes and regulatory agencies.
• Principles and trends in California TK-12 and postsecondary education policy.
• Research methods, data analysis, and policy evaluation techniques.
• Legal and regulatory frameworks governing public education.
• Effective advocacy and public affairs strategies.
• Business writing, report preparation, and public speaking techniques.
• Use of legislative databases, tracking tools, and office software.
• Ability to analyze and interpret legislation, regulations, and legal documents.
• Clearly articulate policy positions in writing and in oral presentations.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies that influence legislative outcomes.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines under pressure.
• Work independently with initiative, tact, and sound judgment.
• Represent the Association professionally and persuasively in public and private settings.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve individual and team goals.
• Occasional overnight travel is required throughout California and Washington D.C.
• Limited vacation availability during peak legislative periods.
• Work occasionally on evenings and weekends may be required to support advocacy efforts and Association events.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods and engage in presentations.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines, instructions, and policies.

Why Join CSBA?

• Be part of a dynamic team advocating for California’s public schools and students.
• Work on timely, high-impact legislative issues shaping education policy at the state and federal levels.
• Opportunities for internal growth and professional development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package with a hybrid work schedule.

If you are a skilled policy advocate with a passion for California public education and legislative affairs, we encourage you to apply and join our team!

About CSBA

The California School Boards Association is a nonprofit education association representing the governing boards who oversee public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies statewide, CSBA brings together school governing boards to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children. CSBA provides policy resources and training to members and represents the statewide interests of public education through legal, political, legislative, community and media advocacy.

CSBA employees are highly skilled, with a desire to excel and help strengthen school board governance and maximize student achievement. They are strategic in their trade, embrace challenges, and offer new and innovative ideas. CSBA creates a supportive, dynamic environment for its employees to grow and succeed. Our core values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, excellence, service and innovation guide the way to achieving the Association’s goals.

Benefits

At CSBA, we proudly offer competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and dependent children, insurances and California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), and more:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans: Medical through Kaiser (Platinum HMO plan) and Blue Shield (Platinum HMO, Silver PPO, and HDHP with HSA).
• Dental - Delta Dental
• Vision – VSP
• CSBA offers a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of three (3) days in-office based out of our West Sacramento office and two (2) days working remotely.
• Membership in the CalPERS retirement system:
• Classic membership tier (2% @ 55; 7% employee contribution and 11.54% employer contribution)
• PEPRA membership tier (2% @ 62; 8.25% employee contribution and 8.27% employer contribution)
• Employer-paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer-paid Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Optional supplemental 457 retirement savings available
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Medical and Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Perks at Work savings program
• Learning and Development
• Social Events: All-Staff luncheon events, Coffee & Learn
• Paid Time Off:
• Vacation: Accrues 10 days annually for hourly employees and 15 days annually for salary employees. The rate at which you accrue will increase annually with years of service.
• Floating holidays: 32 hours annually accrue date of hire.
• Separate sick leave accrual: 8 hours accrued monthly.
• Holiday: 10 CSBA recognized holidays annually
• December Office Closure: During the latter part of December each year CSBA closes its office. During this time, employees are paid for 6 days in addition to the December 25 and January 1 holiday.

CSBA’s operation hours are 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. CSBA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for eligible positions. CSBA is headquartered in West Sacramento.

Apply Today

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to meaningful work, apply today! We are excited to hear how your expertise can further our mission and advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children in public education in California.