Assistant Director of Local Government Relations

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

12d•$110,000 - $118,949

About The Position

USC University Relations advances the university’s mission and its role as a civic leader and anchor institution. The Assistant Director of Local Government Relations will join the Local Government Relations team within the Civic Engagement Department and advance USC’s policy priorities with local governments. Reporting to the Vice President of Local Government Relations and Civic Engagement, this role provides policy analysis, advocacy strategy, government-relations execution, and stakeholder engagement in support of USC’s institutional priorities before the City and County of Los Angeles and other regional governmental entities. The Assistant Director works closely with the Associate Vice President for Community Partnerships and other Civic Engagement leaders to align government relations, community engagement, and institutional priorities. The role researches and evaluates local legislative and regulatory issues, monitors government matters and policies of interest, and advises leadership on strategic advocacy and public policy responses that may affect the university. It collaborates with university stakeholders, prepares leadership briefings and advocacy materials, and represents university interests in regional coalitions and government settings. The position may require work and travel on weekends, evenings, and/or holidays based on business necessity. A resume and cover letter are required. The annual base salary range is $110,000–$118,949.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
At least 5 years of experience in government relations, legislative or public affairs management, or equivalent, including demonstrated strategic advocacy experience.
Thorough understanding of City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles legislative and budgetary processes and committee operations.
Experience with or specific knowledge of public policies and regulatory issues in Los Angeles, Southern California, and statewide that could affect universities.
Strong project management, time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills, including the ability to adapt to changing demands and pressing issues.
Exemplary oral and written communication skills, including diplomacy, tact, discretion, and confidentiality when interacting with varied colleagues and communities.
Ability to compile and summarize information into succinct, understandable reports for varied audiences, including executive memoranda and communications with trade associations and community leaders.
Ability to evaluate complex problems and emerging policy issues and identify their potential implications for the university.
Effective relationship-building and collaboration skills; ability to work independently, in coalitions, and collaboratively with other USC departments.
Interpersonal skills to collaborate across departments, build consensus strategies, track issues, and implement plans.
Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others.
Ability to think strategically about influencing elected officials and other policymakers.
Ability to translate strategies into tactical plans and operationalize them into successful outcomes.
Ability to think across issue areas and develop action plans integrating communications and civic engagement strategies.
Consistent independent and sound judgment and discretion in matters of significance.
Highest level of ethics and integrity.
Personal interest in civic and community engagement and in developing people and society through cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.
Demonstrated leadership skills and experience establishing strong relationships with government officials and agencies.
Ability to lead with influence, expertise, and advocacy with key internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or professional degree.
At least 7 years of experience in government relations, legislative or public affairs management, or equivalent, including demonstrated strategic advocacy experience.
Basic understanding of state legislative processes, Congressional processes, and their respective critical committees.
Comfort with public speaking.
Familiarity with neighborhoods surrounding USC campuses.

Responsibilities

Monitor, review, research, analyze, and evaluate legislative and regulatory issues and government policies that may affect the university, and advise leadership on advocacy and public policy strategies.
Communicate new and revised legislation and regulations to university stakeholders and support coordination of institutional responses and implementation.
Collaborate with academic units, research centers, campus planning, legal counsel, finance departments, and other internal stakeholders to assess policy impacts, gather data, and build institutional consensus.
Prepare briefings, presentations, policy updates, letters of support or opposition, legislative updates, white papers, and executive memoranda for university leadership and stakeholders.
Provide analytical and administrative support to internal leadership committees and working groups.
Prepare university leaders, faculty experts, and campus representatives for land use hearings, legislative hearings, regional government task forces, and community meetings.
Develop advocacy plans and engage in advocacy activities representing the university.
Under the Vice President’s direction, represent university interests in regional coalitions and higher education advocacy associations, and liaise with City of Los Angeles and County Board of Supervisors representatives and local advocacy groups.
Help coordinate and maintain relationships between the university and local trade organizations.
Collaborate with internal federal, state, and health government relations teams and University Relations colleagues to build relationships with elected officials and their staff or committee members and promote university initiatives and programs.
Support a workplace culture in which employees are valued and can contribute in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.
Work and travel on weekends, evenings, and/or holidays when required by business necessity.