Fast Facts

Join EdTrust as a Manager II, Government Affairs (Higher Ed) in California, where you will develop and execute state legislative strategies to advocate for educational equity and positively impact students of color and those from low-income families.

Responsibilities: Develop and implement advocacy strategies for higher education policy, manage state legislative tracking and analysis, build relationships with policymakers, and represent EdTrust-West’s interests.

Skills: Strong relationship building, communication, project management, and legislative analysis skills, alongside a commitment to educational equity.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and at least 5+ years of relevant experience in government relations and policy, with deep knowledge of California legislative procedures.

Location: California; eligible for telework up to three days a week

Compensation: $90900 - $113620 / Annually

Manager II, Government Affairs (Higher Ed)

California, Level D, Exempt

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

EdTrust seeks a Manager II, Government Affairs to join the California regional office (EdTrust-West). The Manager will join a passionate staff who are committed to closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families.

The Manager II, Government Affairs helps to develop and execute effective state legislative strategies to advance EdTrust-West’s higher education policy goals. This role manages the analysis and tracking of state legislation, the state budget, and education policy proposals with a focus on higher education, while advocating on behalf of EdTrust-West. The position is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with legislative and state agency staff and identifying policy and political trends affecting EdTrust-West’s higher education policy goals.

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

This role, available immediately, is based in Sacramento and is eligible for telework for up to three days a week. The Manager II, Government Affairs reports to the Director, Government Affairs.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The responsibilities and objectives for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support the Director in developing and implementing EdTrust-West’sbudget and legislative advocacy strategy for higher education policy
• Manage the tracking and analysis of state bills, the state budget, and policy proposals related to higher education matters to determine the impact on EdTrust-West’s scope of work and advise and respond accordingly
• Develop strategies to build and enhance a broad range of relationships with policymakers and their staff, thought leaders, and decision-makers; build and guide coalitions
• Manage the development of proposals for sponsored legislation and create internal processes for identifying bills and other proposals to analyze
• Advocate for EdTrust-West’s higher education policy positions in written and verbal forms, including drafting and writing position letters, providing testimony, and developing presentations
• Collaborate across EdTrust-West’s teams to advance our advocacy agenda, such as by developing communications strategies and tools that make complex policy information accessible and actionable for a broad array of stakeholders
• Enhance EdTrust-West’s reputation and brand with state policymakers and the public by representing EdTrust-West and our policy positions externally in meetings, coalitions, with the media, on social media, and directly with legislators and policymakers
• Support fundraising efforts, including contributing to managing grants, proposals, and reports as needed
• Serve as EdTrust-West’s content expert for assigned college access and higher education issue area(s)
• Stay current and knowledgeable on organizational research and reports, as well as the changing policy landscape in California

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, particularly as it relates to the dynamics of legislative session and policy development
• Strong relationship building and collaboration skills with a wide range of stakeholders and specifically with state legislators and policymakers
• Ability to read complex legislation and translate it for lay audiences
• Strong project management (including time management) skills and ability to prioritize
• Persuasive verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop a compelling argument with state policymakers
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to others; as well as to receive and act upon feedback from other
• Sound judgement

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a bachelor’s degree
• Substantial (at least 5+ years) relevant work experience in the fields of government relations and policy
• Deep, nuanced knowledge of California legislative rules and procedures

COMPENSATION

This position falls in Level D of our salary structure for our California office, which has a range of $90,900 – $113,620. Offers will be commensurate with candidate experience, skills, and internal equity and are rarely offered at the top of this range.

EdTrust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

At EdTrust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY 

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To Apply: Please complete the application in ADP by the deadline of Friday, August 8th, including uploading a resume and answering the short answer questions in lieu of a cover letter.