Senior Public Policy Advocate

Job Type

Full-time

Description

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US!

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples Of Reasonable Accommodations Include

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews
  
  

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION:

Disability Rights California's offices are based in California. The individual in this position may live in California, Oregon, and Washington D.C.

Employment Status

Exempt; Regular; Full-time

Salary Range

$89,435 to $130,958 (Band 12, Steps A-J)

As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.

Excellent Benefits

• 8% Match – 401K
• Health benefits (HMO options)
• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans. Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc Virtual Care
• We offer ample vacation, Wellness / Sick time and holidays (including the last week in December)
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.
  
  

INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

• Regular employees
• Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying
• Employed for more than 6 months
• In good standing
  
  

Application Deadline

Open until filled. Applications should be received by June 19, 2026 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Who We Are

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

UNIT

Public Policy

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Senior Public Policy Advocate is part of the policy unit for Disability Rights California (DRC) and is responsible for legislative advocacy activities. The Senior Public Policy Advocate identifies, monitors, and advocates on legislative activities that affect Californians with disabilities; leads DRC’s policy work in multiple disability rights areas; and has working knowledge of all areas covered by Disability Rights California.

Job Responsibilities

Senior Public Policy Advocate essential functions:

Public Policy Advocacy – 100%

• Works closely with the public policy staff, the Legal Advocacy Unit, the Investigations Unit, and the Communications team.
  
  

Legislative Advocacy – 100%

• Lead DRC’s policy work in multiple subject areas.
• Independently identify and develop sponsored bill ideas.
• Draft and advocate on multiple priority bills and budget items, including DRC-sponsored legislation.
• Represent DRC through the legislative process: advocate, consult, and negotiate with legislators and their staff, committee consultants, administrative department heads, and their staff and other stakeholders involved in the legislative process including other disability rights organization and the disability community.
• Analyze and develop policy recommendations on policy and budget proposals with limited support from legal and advocacy staff.
• Draft position letters and amendments on complex bills and budget items.
• If local, testify as appropriate at legislative and budget committee hearings.
• If remote, coordinate testimony for legislative and budget committee hearings.
• Engage in advocacy activities at the Capitol and within the disability community on issues of importance to the disability community.
• Act as a liaison and representative of DRC and build strong relationships with selected agencies, task forces, committees, coalitions and community-based organizations related to areas of responsibility.
• Organize, train, and develop easy to understand materials on complex legislative matters for California grassroots constituencies to understand and respond to state and national issues and legislation.
• Represent Disability Rights California in the media on areas of expertise and work with the Director of Communications to identify legislative matters for the media, assist with developing press releases, and other press related materials.
  
  

Other Duties

• Limited travel, as assigned.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.
• If in Washington, DC: Represent DRC in federal policy matters, including letters, comments, coalitions, hearings, and meetings with Congressional staff.
  
  

CORE COMPETENCIES

The competencies below represent the knowledge, skills, behaviors and/or abilities required to be successful at DRC, with or without disability related reasonable accommodations.

Communication

Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clearly and concisely both in writing and orally for the media and the general public. Ability to read, analyze, and understand documents. Ability to write using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to the general public, governmental entities, public groups/officials, and boards of directors.

Critical Thinking

Able to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of problems and interpret and simplify diverse information. Is proficient at nuance and proactively seeks multiple options tailored to the specifics of each situation. Able to navigate ambiguous situations, reaching sound conclusions that balance the needs of many stakeholders.

Diversity & Inclusion

Strives to eliminate barriers to diversity and inclusion; ensures that new barriers are not built. Promotes the creation of shared mission, vision, and values, and uses those principles to guide actions.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. or advanced degree in related fields such as political science, public administration or other subjects that provide foundation for legal analysis, lobbying and drafting of legislation for people with disabilities. (A BA or BS degree in a relevant field plus two years of experience as a legislative staffer or advocate can be substituted for a J.D. or post graduate degree.)
• Three years of experience in legislative advocacy, legislative staffing, or public policy development.
• Two years of additional experience in any of the following areas: 1) legislative advocacy/legislative staffing; 2) community organizing; or 3) advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
• Experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, the public, elected and appointed officials, people with disabilities, and governmental agencies, especially at the state and local levels.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative process and protocols and public policy issues regarding rights of and services for persons with disabilities, and other public interest areas.
• Experience reviewing, analyzing and lobbying with local, state, and/or federal budget process.
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze complex legislation and draft related statements on behalf of the organization.
• Knowledge of public policy developments and laws at the local, state, and federal levels regarding rights of and services for people with disabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other DRC staff, community organizations, agencies and the Legislature.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and explain legislation so it is easily understood by people in the Legislature and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in stakeholder meetings and build relationships with government officials/offices to influence public policy.
  
  

Licenses / Certificates

• Must be a registered lobbyist or become registered within 60 days of employment.
• Must attend Lobbyist Ethics Course.
  
  

Desirable Qualifications

• Bilingual: Spanish, American Sign Language or an Asian language.
• Life experience as a person with a disability or connection to disability.
• Demonstrated ability to draft sponsored bill language, budget trailer bill language and bill amendments.
• Experience as staff working with board of directors and/or similar task forces and committees.
• Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities and/or experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.
• Experience with CapitolTrack or other legislative tracking platform.
• Experience representing an organization, office or agency in the media.
• Contacts with disability organizations or within disability communities.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability related reasonable accommodations. Duties will be performed remotely. Duties require regular communications over online platforms. Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, training, and community events.

Salary Description

$89,435 to $130,958