Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Manager, University Relations and Advocacy. The CSU Chancellor's Office is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $7,500 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The salary range for this classification is $4,135 to $12,288 per month.

Classification

Administrator I

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Manager, University Relations and Advocacy to endeavor to position the CSU as a leader in the state in higher education to both internal and external constituents including campus stakeholder groups, the Legislature and state government. This incumbent will work in coordination with the Director of Budget Advocacy to develop advocacy and communications strategies to support the objectives and mission of the CSU, and provide day-to-day management and support for ASR and the campus-based advocacy teams.

The MURA will be responsible for three primary areas: support system- and campus-based budget advocacy strategy, communications, and relationship stewardship; university relations, including oversight and management of campus legislative liaisons (LLs) activities and representation of ASR and/or CSU and its objectives to campus- based and external groups; advocacy events and trainings/professional development. Additionally, the MURA will coordinate with the Director of Budget Advocacy and Director of External Relations in the development of a cohesive design and messaging for external ASR communications, effective coordination within the Chancellor’s Office and the campuses, reporting and accountability efforts, and event management and quality control. 

This position is located in Sacramento, CA.

This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Sacramento, California.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Advocacy and State Relations, the Manager, University Relations and Advocacy will:

-Work with the AVC on legislatively sensitive campus issues. Coordinate with the Director of State Relations and ASR team on overall strategy and advocacy efforts related to legislation, as needed.

-In close coordination with Director of Budget Advocacy, support the development and execution of budget advocacy strategies, messaging and communications, including talking points, leave-behinds and other key collateral, letters, Q&A, social media, email communications, campus guidance, etc.

-In collaboration with the Director of Budget Advocacy, support the development of budget advocacy strategy and communications. Assist with development of the annual operating budget request messaging and visual communications.

-Work closely with other CO departments and divisions, including affinity groups, in order to stay informed of current and emerging issues and develop strategies as necessary and to elevate priorities with the state legislature and stakeholders.

-Manage the CSU stakeholder group (in cooperation with the Director of Budget Advocacy), consisting of leadership and staff representatives from the Academic Senate, California State Student Association, CSU Alumni Council, and unions. Manage regularly scheduled and ad-hoc meetings, steward relationships with these groups for effective advocacy partnerships, provide information and guidance on relevant university issues and the university’s chosen advocacy strategy.

-In coordination with the Director of External Relations, provide oversight of advocacy messaging to external stakeholders, such as key community foundations, chambers, and other organizations.

-Day-to-day management of the campus legislative liaisons (LLs), including serving as their primary point of contact, coordinating and running regularly scheduled and ad-hoc meetings, providing them with key information, advocacy collateral, and issue direction and guidance.

-Coordinate with and prepare campuses for legislative visits by the governor’s administration, Legislative Analyst Office, legislative members and legislative staff.

-Coordinate with campuses and legislative offices in responding to constituent requests/issues.

-Draft routine email updates on university news, priorities, advocacy efforts, bills and legislative and other updates. Develop and maintain two-way communications between campus and system staff.

-Manage advocacy events and advocacy trainings and professional development, with primary responsibility for content and oversight of logistics. This can include CSU Advocacy Day, CSU Big Splash event or alternate end of budget season engagement, Advocacy Training Conference, Legislative Liaison Summer Workshops, Legislative Campus visits, etc. Coordinate with the Manager, Operations and Administration on logistics and the Director of State Relations on content.

-Travel up to 25% of time for regional activity awareness and in-person campus meetings.

-Develop and maintain communications and messaging consistent with overall communication strategy.

-Manage ASR's social media content, including development of social media strategies and tactics for advocacy efforts, including budget advocacy and specific legislation, as requested.

Qualifications

This position requires:

-An undergraduate degree in public administration, communications, public relations or a related field and a minimum of three years progressively responsible experience preferably working within a university or higher education setting.

-Work in Sacramento, CA.

-Outstanding oral and written communication skills to ensure smooth and effective interpersonal interactions, effective presentations, and ability to present complex information and issues with brevity, clarity and accuracy.

-Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

-Ability to problem solve and interact with high level administrators, governing boards and public officials.

-Ability to provide leadership and recommendations with diplomacy and tact.

-Demonstrated ability and skill to rapidly identify and analyze complex situations and implement effective courses of action.

-Ability to make independent decisions with sound judgment.

-Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

-Ability to project and provide leadership and team spirit.

-Ability to research, prepare and present executive level documents, report and summaries.

-Commitment to high quality work product(s).

-Interest in and knowledge of advocacy approaches and strategies at the state and local level, and;

-Creative and strategic thinking skills to assist in the development and implementation of system and campus-based advocacy techniques, approaches and tools.

Preferred Qualifications

-Experience in developing and executing a social media advocacy plan.

-Experience in event and meeting planning and management.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 27, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

How To Apply

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at (562) 951-4070.

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS)' in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and Management positions (i.e., H1-B VISAS).

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Mandated Reporter Per CANRA

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

CSU Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Background

The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.