Assistant Director, Government Relations

About the Role The Assistant Director, Government Relations leads SEIU-UHW’s governmental advocacy program with members of the California Legislature, members of Congress, and other elected officials to influence legislation and regulation on behalf of SEIU-UHW. This role oversees all aspects of major projects and programs within the department, directs work of staff, contractors and member leaders, and reports to the Political Director while helping shape the department’s strategic plan. Based in Sacramento, CA. What You'll Do

• Oversee programs aligned with the department's goals and strategic plan.
• Develop legislative and regulatory approaches to achieve SEIU-UHW's strategic goals.
• Provide strategic advice on legislative and regulatory issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Develop budgets, allocate resources, and plan/implement program activities.
• Build and maintain advocacy coalitions of stakeholders, allies and elected officials.
• Collaborate with staff from other divisions to integrate program elements.
• Review and evaluate legislative campaigns and related program work.
• Write legislative language, support/oppose letters, comments on proposed regulations, press releases, and reports.
• Track legislation related to healthcare, labor, public finance, and related matters; report to leadership.
• Testify as expert witness before agencies and legislative committees.
• Attend events such as political fundraisers, briefings, stakeholder meetings, and committee hearings.
• Coordinate filing and qualification of ballot initiatives with the Legislative Analyst’s Office, Attorney General, and relevant stakeholders.
• Track information sources produced by the Legislative Analyst’s Office, State Auditor, the Executive Branch, public policy foundations, government departments, NGOs and think tanks.
• Provide SEIU-UHW with information about policy and political developments in healthcare, labor and public finance.
• Respond to information requests; communicate with relevant official bodies.
• Liaise with civil servants, elected officials, regulatory bodies and local government staff.
• Work with SEIU-UHW members on legislative advocacy campaigns.
• Represent SEIU-UHW at coalition tables. What We're Looking For
• Experience leading governmental advocacy programs and supervising staff and budgets.
• Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes; ability to develop strategic approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and other stakeholders.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills; experience drafting legislative language, letters, comments, and reports.
• Ability to coordinate cross-divisional work and campaigns.
• Willingness to attend events, testify, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Based in Sacramento, CA or willing to relocate to support in-person work.