Director, Government Relations

CSU Careers • Long Beach, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives. As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer. Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth. Job Summary Under the direction of Associate Vice President of University Relations, the Director of Government Relations plays a crucial role in overseeing federal, state, community, and local governmental relations for the CSU Long Beach. The incumbent is responsible for campus-based advocacy for CSU sponsored legislation and for the recruitment and training of key university support groups related to federal and state relations program and University priorities. The Director of Government Relations serves as the liaison between state and federal agencies, CSU Long Beach state and congressional delegation, congressional and state alumni, and other state elected officials' throughout California. In addition, will act as a point of contact on behalf of the AVP to interface with various internal subject matter experts and external agencies/stakeholders, when appropriate to accomplish project goals.

Requirements

• Must be able to work with a broad range of constituents through networking and/or strong oral/written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively act as a liaison between the university and government officials, agencies, and organizations.
• Ability to maintain ongoing relationships with federal, state, regional, and local elected officials serving or assigned to the campus.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address policy issues affecting higher education.
• Ability to foster civic engagement and voter registration efforts within the campus community.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex policy environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, exhibiting high levels of attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to bring together a diverse group of constituents for the betterment of the university.
• Public relations skills to represent the university with external organizations and officials.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures and processes.
• Knowledge of lobbying regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
• Understanding of higher education policy issues and their implications.
• Social media and multimedia skills to manage government relations' online efforts.
• Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
• Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
• Bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of five years of direct experience within California (non-profit organization, legislative, state, or federal office or agency) is required.
• A valid California driver's license is required for this position to attend off-campus meetings and to transport equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Previous experience working with California local, state and federal officials, and familiarity with Long Beach and California state and federal legislative delegations is preferred.
• Experience in a university/higher education setting; knowledge of working within a larger system and ability to collaborate within the CSU/Chancellor's office is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy operations.
• Serve as the campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor’s Office of Advocacy & State Relations, CSU Chancellor’s Office of Federal Relations, and other governmental consultants.
• Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for CSULB projects and policy initiatives among different constituencies.
• Serve on advisory boards and represent CSULB.

Benefits

• Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service)
• 14 paid holidays
• 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual
• A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director