Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.
The Director of State Government Relations (California) leads Easterseals Southern California’s state advocacy and government relations strategy. This role oversees legislative engagement, funding and appropriations requests, coalition partnerships, and policy communications to support organizational priorities. The Director serves as a key liaison to state policymakers, agencies, coalition partners, and internal leadership, driving coordinated advocacy efforts that advance ESSC’s mission and services.
Starting Salary Range: $133,000k - $167,000k / yr.
Overview Of Position
The Director of State Government Relations (California) is responsible for leading and executing Easterseals Southern California’s state-level advocacy and government relations strategy. This role manages all California legislative engagement, appropriations and funding requests, coalition participation, and policy communications in alignment with organizational priorities. The Director serves as a key strategist and relationship manager with state policymakers, administrative agencies, coalition partners, and internal leaders, ensuring coordinated, high‑impact advocacy that advances ESSC’s mission and service delivery.
Essential Functions
- With alignment from VP of Government Relations, lead and execute ESSC’s California state advocacy strategy, including legislative visits to Sacramento and coordinated in‑district meetings.
- Track, analyze, and prioritize state legislation, budget proposals, and regulatory actions impacting ESSC services.
- Develop legislative 'asks', position statements, and briefing materials for leadership and advocates.
- Serve as a primary liaison with state legislators, legislative staff, and relevant state agencies.
- Identify and advance state budget, appropriations, and funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
- Coordinate funding request development with leadership, program teams, and finance.
- Monitor the Governor’s Budget, May Revision, and final budget outcomes and recommend advocacy actions.
- Build and actively engage in strategic coalitions across disability, health, and human services sectors.
- Represent ESSC in coalition meetings and align joint strategies and messaging.
- Identify opportunities for ESSC to lead or co‑lead coalition initiatives.
- Translate complex policy issues into clear communications for internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare leaders for legislative meetings through briefings and materials.
- Ensure compliance with state lobbying registration and reporting requirements.
- Represent ESSC at public hearings both locally and in Sacramento.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Experience
- 7–10 years of California state government relations or advocacy experience.
Direct Reports
- Individual contributor
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for correspondence, analysis, briefing materials, and presentations.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for policymakers, coalition partners, and internal audiences.
- Deep understanding of the California legislative and budget process.
- Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with state legislators, legislative staff, agency officials, and coalition partners.
- Strong strategic thinking and judgment, including the ability to prioritize among competing policy opportunities and risks.
- Experience coordinating across internal teams (e.g., programs, finance, communications, leadership) to align advocacy strategy and funding requests.
- Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
- Must have reliable transportation to attend offsite meetings and engagements.
- Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.
Physical Requirements (In Accordance With ADA)
- Carrying/Lifting – Occasional / 0‑30 lbs.
- Standing – Occasional / 0‑30 lbs.
- Sitting – Constant / Up to 8 hours per day.
- Walking – Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.
- Travel – Regular in‑state travel, including to Sacramento and local districts, required. Ability to travel independently to external meetings and events.
- Repetitive Motion/Activity – Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.
- Visual Acuity – Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.
- Environmental Exposure – Standard office and travel environment.