Government Affairs Director

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

Sacramento (Hybrid)

Job Announcement Information

Job Title: Government Affairs Director

Location: Sacramento. Hybrid schedule. Requires travel throughout California (vehicle and driver’s license required).

Term: Full-time, occasional evenings and weekends required

Position Status: Exempt

Pay Range: $115,000 - $130,000

Reports To: Executive Director

Organizational Summary

The mission of the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is to uphold the humanity of immigrant communities in California by transforming systems to achieve racial, social, and economic justice. CIPC is a non-partisan, non-profit statewide organization engaging in advocacy, organizing, and strategic communications to uplift immigrant communities. CIPC was founded in response to the 1996 passage of federal immigrant and welfare laws that profoundly affected immigrants. Today, CIPC advances inclusive policies that build a prosperous future for all Californians, using policy analysis, advocacy, and capacity building. 

Over the past 28 years, CIPC has led groundbreaking campaigns that have greatly expanded protections, as well as access to publicly-funded services and programs, for California’s low-income immigrant populations, including but not limited to the Safe and Responsible Driver Act, the TRUST and TRUTH Acts, CA Values Act, E-Verify Bill, the Health for All campaign, California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and One California, the largest investment in legal services protection in the country.

Position Summary

The Government Affairs Director will be responsible for leading and managing CIPC’s government relations efforts to influence public policy, advance immigrant rights, and improve the lives of immigrant communities across California. This individual will work closely with CIPC’s senior leadership, policy, communications, and movement building teams as well as community partners to advocate for key legislative, budgetary, and regulatory priorities, build relationships with lawmakers, and strategize on policy initiatives that align with CIPC’s mission.

Responsibilities

Lead Legislative and Budgetary Strategy

• Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of CIPC’s government relations strategy at the state and local levels to advance legislative, budgetary, and regulatory priorities
• Lead lobbying activities during the legislative session, including preparing legislative testimony, advocacy materials, and organizing meetings with legislators.
• Monitor, track, and analyze relevant bills, regulations, and executive orders, providing timely updates to CIPC leadership, staff, and external stakeholders on key legislative developments and their potential impact on immigrant communities.
• Monitor and analyze state and local policy developments to identify opportunities and threats to immigrant communities.
• Advocate for pro-immigrant policies and work to oppose harmful legislation that affects immigrant communities.

Legislative Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as CIPC's lead representative in meetings with elected officials, government agencies, and key stakeholders, including legislative hearings, briefings, and public forums to advance organizational priorities.
• Represent CIPC in meetings with elected officials, government agencies, and key stakeholders to advance the organization’s legislative priorities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, and agency staff. 
• Collaborate with CIPC’s communications team to craft and deliver effective messaging on key policy issues.
• Ensure that immigrant voices and lived experiences are integrated into policy advocacy efforts.
• Write policy briefs, position papers, fact sheets, and other communications materials to support advocacy efforts.
• Build and manage coalitions with advocacy groups, labor unions, and other stakeholders with a government affairs presence in Sacramento to ensure effective engagement with legislators and staff to advance CIPC’s priorities.

Supervisory and Administrative Engagement

• Supervise and mentor members of the government affairs team.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment through regular meetings, clear expectations, and open communication, while ensuring team members have the necessary resources and support for professional growth and success.
• Provide clear expectations and ensure team members have the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their roles.
• Support fundraising efforts led by the development team and manage a portfolio of sponsorships and memberships in support of organizational fundraising.
• Support the Government Affairs, development, and administrative departments tracking deliverables, lobbying hours, and programmatic activities to support fundraising and development growth.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or advocacy, with a focus on immigrant rights, social justice, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervising experience.
• Proven track record of working with elected officials, government agencies, and coalitions to drive policy change.
• Experience in lobbying and legislative strategy, ideally at the state or local level.
• Deep understanding of California’s political landscape and immigrant communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and persuasive messaging.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government officials, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Excellent organizational, strategic thinking, and project management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Passionate about immigrant rights and social justice.
• Committed to advancing policies that promote equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all Californians.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000

CIPC is a unionized workplace and is represented by Immigrant Advocates United-United Auto Workers. This position is not in the bargaining unit. 

CIPC provides a comprehensive benefits package to its employees:

• Paid medical, dental, vision insurance, and life insurance (100% of the full insurance premium for qualified employees and 75% of the premiums for their dependents)
• 3% contribution to 401K-retirement plan
• Commuter benefit or paid parking access 
• Monthly reimbursement for cell and internet usage 
• $1,500 professional development allowance 
• Generous time off policy 
  • Up to 26 paid holidays a year (includes summer and winter collective breaks)
  • Vacation: 1st year of service: 10 days, after completion of 1st year: 15 days, after completion of 4th year: 20 days) 
  • 6 personal days per year 

Application Information

The position is open immediately until filled. Please send a cover letter and resume. Please note that we will only be able to respond to short listed candidates. Those candidates will be asked to submit 3 references.

CIPC is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CIPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.  

Salary : $115,000 - $130,000