What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Relations Chief position at San Bernardino County?
To receive priority consideration, apply by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27th, 2026
San Bernardino County seeks a passionate, dynamic, and high performing Government Relations Chief* who under general direction of the Deputy Executive Officer (DEO) in the County Office of Governmental & Legislative Affairs (GLA) provides senior-level professional, strategic, and operational leadership to support and advance the County’s government relations and external affairs priorities. The position independently manages high-impact projects; may represent the County with elected officials, legislative offices, agencies, and community partners; conducts advanced research and analysis; and supports the County’s intergovernmental advocacy strategy. The Chief reports directly to the Director of Legislative Affairs and serves as a trusted advisor to the DEO.
For more detailed information regarding job duties, refer to the Administrative Analyst III job description.
EXCELLENT BENEFITS
To review job-specific Exempt C level benefits, refer to:
Summary of Benefits for Exempt Group
Compensation Plan for Exempt Group
Compensation Plan for Exempt Group
The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential.
Essential duties may include but are not limited to:
- Assist the DEO in developing and implementing comprehensive external engagement and government affairs strategy, including stakeholder mapping, political landscape analysis, and alignment with the County’s policy goals.
- Lead or participate in complex political and administrative analyses and make recommendations on issues affecting County operations and strategic priorities.
- Coordinate with the Director of Legislative Affairs to ensure alignment across the Government Relations and Legislative Affairs divisions, supporting unified messaging and collaborative execution of shared responsibilities.
- Represent the County to federal, state, regional, and local elected officials, legislative offices, agencies, associations, and stakeholder groups, exercising discretion, professionalism, and advanced political judgment.
- Serve as a key point of contact for non-legislation-specific inquiries from legislative offices, agencies, and stakeholders; triage and route casework and one-off requests to appropriate County departments, ensuring accurate and timely responses.
- Collaborate with the DEO, Director of Legislative Affairs, and County departments on advocacy campaigns supporting Board priorities.
- Assist in managing communications with elected officials, legislative offices, and Board offices during emergencies to maintain consistent, accurate, and timely information flow.
- Lead major projects and initiatives assigned by the DEO, including multi-agency partnerships, regional initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Travel: Travel throughout the County is required. Employees will be required to make provisions for transportation and may be required to use personal vehicles (mileage reimbursement is available). At the time of hire, a valid California Class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance must be produced for the individual providing the transportation.
Background: Candidates selected for this position must pass a background investigation and medical examination including drug screening.
Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Education:Bachelor's degree in Public/Business Administration, Behavioral/Social Science, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or other relevant field.
Experience:
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, or public policy, preferably within a public agency, with the responsibilities of conducting complex research, managing projects, and specialized analysis of programs, legislation, and/or policies that impact government, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholder agencies.A Master’s degree (MPA, MPP) or Juris Doctor is desirable.
Key attributes of the ideal candidate include knowledge of:
- Federal, state, and local legislative and governmental processes
- Intergovernmental relations, political dynamics, and public sector operations
- County government structure, functions, and administrative procedures
- Principles of policy analysis, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement
- Communicating effectively through polished writing, presentations, and briefings
- Researching complex issues and prepare clear, actionable recommendations
- Adapting quickly to changing political and operational environments
There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to be explicit in your responses on the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.
All communications regarding the remainder of the selection process will be via email. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.
Additional Information and Resources: If you need technical assistance, follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) within one week of the recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.
For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process
Salary : $114,712 - $163,862