Government Relations Specialist

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Community & Government Relations advances the University of California, Irvine's mission through strategic engagement with government leaders, community organizations, and external partners. The office works to build and sustain relationships that support UC Irvine's academic, research, health, and public service priorities while enhancing the university's role as a leading public institution serving California and the nation. The Government Relations Specialist supports UC Irvine’s community and government relations activities, including stakeholder outreach, public policy research, government engagement, community partnerships, events, and office operations. Working under general supervision, the position assists senior staff in maintaining relationships with government officials, community organizations, business and civic leaders, and other external partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 2–5 years of relevant professional, internship experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, community relations, external affairs, or related fields.
Demonstrated knowledge of local, county, state, and/or federal government processes and public sector operations.
Demonstrated growing network of professional relationships and with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and civic organizations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing professional correspondence and briefing materials.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse constituencies.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment without much oversight.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with direction from senior staff
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard business applications.
Basic knowledge of the institution, its mission, vision, goals, achievements, policies, and infrastructure.
Knowledge of basic concepts and principles of building and maintaining effective relations with a variety of constituencies.
Written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including political acumen to effectively represent the institution.
Analytical and critical thinking skills.
Organizational skills include meeting deadlines; and event planning skills.
Basic knowledge of public policy and the legislative process.
Applicable computer skills.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
A minimum of 2-5 years of experience.
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

Nice To Haves

Internship, volunteer, academic, or professional experience in government, higher education, community relations, public affairs, nonprofit organizations, campaigns, civic organizations, or related settings.
Familiarity with Orange County, California, and federal political landscapes, public-sector processes, and regional policy priorities.
Awareness of community organizations and landscape across Orange County and California.
Experience conducting research and summarizing information for others.
Experience coordinating meetings, programs, events, or outreach activities.
Experience preparing correspondence, presentations, reports, or briefing materials.
Ability to work professionally in politically sensitive environments and support the university’s nonpartisan approach to government relations.
Bilingual or multilingual communication skills relevant to communities served by UC Irvine are valued.
Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools and emerging technologies for research, writing, project coordination, and administrative efficiency, with appropriate professional judgment.
Experience working in higher education, public institutions, government offices, legislative environments, or public affairs agencies.
Familiarity with UC systems, public policy issues affecting higher education, healthcare, research, or economic development.
Experience coordinating community engagement initiatives, advocacy campaigns, or public events.
Interested in government, public policy, community engagement, and public higher education.
Curious and eager to learn.
Organized, dependable, and attentive to detail.
A strong writer and communicator.
Collaborative, professional, and highly responsive.
Professional and responsive when interacting with external stakeholders.
Able to take direction and increasingly assume responsibility as experience develops.
Passionate about public higher education and community impact.
Adaptable, proactive, and solutions-oriented.

Responsibilities

Support outreach to community organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, business groups, neighborhood organizations, and other regional stakeholders.
Assist senior staff with maintaining community relationships and identifying opportunities for engagement.
Help coordinate community programs, meetings, events, and outreach activities.
Research community organizations, stakeholders, and regional issues relevant to UC Irvine.
Maintain stakeholder contact information and engagement records.
Participate in community meetings and events as assigned.
Support the office’s engagement with local, county, state, and federal elected officials, government agencies, and staff.
Track legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments relevant to UC Irvine.
Conduct research and prepare summaries of legislation, government actions, community issues, and policy developments.
Assist with advocacy activities and outreach related to institutional priorities.
Help coordinate campus visits, briefings, meetings, and events involving elected officials and government representatives.
Attend government, civic, and community meetings and provide summaries or follow-up information to senior staff.
Develop familiarity with public policy issues affecting higher education, healthcare, research, housing, economic development, and related areas.
Draft and assist with briefing materials, correspondence, presentations, meeting summaries, reports, and stakeholder communications.
Conduct background research for meetings with government and community stakeholders.
Assist with planning public-facing events, town halls, community meetings, policy forums, and official visits.
Track projects, deadlines, stakeholder engagement, and follow-up activities.
Provide project coordination for initiatives led by the Office of Community & Government Relations.
Work collaboratively with campus colleagues on outreach and engagement activities.
Support office operations, scheduling, event logistics, and stakeholder coordination.
Maintain organized records, contact databases, and engagement tracking systems.
Assist with purchasing, expense tracking, reimbursements, purchase orders, requisitions, and other administrative processes in accordance with university procedures.
Provide logistical support for meetings, events, travel, and official visits.
Perform additional duties and special assignments as needed.