Assistant Director of Local Government Relations

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

12d

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 joins the Local Government Relations team within University Relations’ Civic Engagement Department and advances USC’s policy priorities at local levels of government. Reporting to the Vice President of Local Government Relations and Civic Engagement, the Assistant Director provides policy analysis, advocacy strategy, government-relations execution, and stakeholder engagement in support of institutional priorities before the City and County of Los Angeles and other regional governmental entities. The role works closely with the Associate Vice President for Community Partnerships and other Civic Engagement leaders to align government relations, community engagement, and university priorities. The position researches and evaluates local legislative, regulatory, and government policy matters that may affect the university, including funding, campus operations and facilities, land use development, research, and student affairs. It communicates legislation and regulations to university stakeholders, supports institutional responses, and collaborates across academic, research, planning, legal, and finance units. The Assistant Director prepares policy materials and leadership briefings, supports committees and working groups, prepares university representatives for hearings and community meetings, and develops and carries out advocacy plans. Under the Vice President’s direction, the role represents USC in regional coalitions and advocacy associations and engages with local government officials, trade organizations, and community groups. Work and travel may be required on weekends, evenings, or holidays based on business necessity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; the posting’s minimum education is a bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of government relations, legislative or public affairs management, or equivalent experience; the posting also lists a minimum of 5 years in governmental relations and policy.
Demonstrated strategic advocacy experience.
Strong project management, time management, organizational, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to adapt to changing demands and pressing issues.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with diplomacy, tact, discretion, and confidentiality when interacting with colleagues and other communities.
Ability to compile and summarize information in concise, understandable formats for varied audiences, including executive memoranda and communications with trade associations and community leaders.
Thorough understanding of City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles legislative and budgetary processes and City and County committee operations.
Experience with or specific knowledge of public policies and regulatory issues in Los Angeles, Southern California, and statewide that could affect universities.
Ability to evaluate complex problems and emerging policy issues and identify potential implications for the university.
Effective relationship-building and collaboration skills, including the ability to work independently, as part of a coalition, and collaboratively with USC departments.
Interpersonal skills for cross-department collaboration, consensus-building, issue tracking, and plan implementation.
Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others.
Sophisticated strategic thinking to determine how best to influence 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 that integrate communications and civic engagement strategies.
Consistent exercise of independent, 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 the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or professional degree.
At least 7 years of government relations, legislative or public affairs management, or equivalent experience; the posting also lists preferred experience of 7 years.
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 affecting the university; advise the Vice President on strategic advocacy and public-policy responses.
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 stakeholders to assess policy impacts, gather information, 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 and legislative hearings, regional government task forces, and community meetings.
Prepare advocacy plans and participate in advocacy activities representing the university.
Under the Vice President’s direction, represent USC in regional coalitions and higher education advocacy associations, and liaise with City of Los Angeles, County Board of Supervisors, and local advocacy group representatives.
Help coordinate and maintain relationships between the university and local trade organizations.
Work with internal federal, state, and health government relations teams and University Relations colleagues to build relationships with elected officials and their staff and committee members in support of university initiatives and programs.
Encourage a workplace culture where 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.