Job Posting: Legislative Affairs Specialist

Office of Data and Innovation

JC-483221
-
Legislative Affairs Specialist
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER II (SUPERVISORY)

$7,643.00 - $9,496.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 7/22/2025

Job Description and Duties

As the Legislative Affairs Specialist, you will coordinate and support the department's legislative affairs, represent ODI at the Legislature, and act as the ODI liaison for legislative inquiries and communications on behalf of the Head of Legislative and External Affairs. You’ll advocate for ODI's priorities by building relationships, providing briefings, representing ODI, responding to inquiries, and coordinating engagement opportunities with elected officials and stakeholders.

 

What you’ll do

  • Conduct ODI’s legislative research, impact assessments, and develop ODI’s official positions on proposed or pending legislation, including emerging issues in service delivery, technology, and government efficiency.
  • Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and external partners at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Support ODI’s civic engagement efforts, including community outreach, coalition-building, and public information sharing.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of public-facing events, legislative briefings, and stakeholder convenings.


The salary ranges listed do not include the 3% General Salary Increase effective July 1, 2025

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week. This is subject to change based on operational needs.

Need help understanding the hiring process or have questions about ODI? We'd love to talk to you! Before applying, read through our civil service application guide, or contact us at odi-talent-team@innovation.ca.gov. Please include the position title in the subject line.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in your own words, providing specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate your capabilities. The SOQ should not exceed two pages, single spaced, and Arial 12-point font size.  Include each question and the years of experience followed by its corresponding answer. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered a response to the SOQ. Applications submitted without an SOQ will be excluded from consideration.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-483221
Position #(s):
418-100-4801-001
Working Title:
Legislative Affairs Specialist
Classification:
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER II (SUPERVISORY)
$7,643.00 - $9,496.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Office of Data and Innovation helps deliver better services to the people of California through technology and design. In close partnership with our colleagues in other state departments, we reimagine and deliver more equitable and effective programs and products. We listen to Californians who use a program now or may do so tomorrow and hear about what they need. We build tools and products, create and enhance digital services, conduct research, identify data solutions and offer training. We are a cross-discipline staff with blended backgrounds in design, engineering, product, operations, data, research, policy and strategy. If you can imagine joining this growing, and inclusive team, please apply!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ODI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion help us deliver better government services to Californians. Fostering diversity inspires better ideas and more innovative thinking. Feeling included nurtures a shared sense of community. This drives us to take collective action on challenging problems. Prioritizing equity ensures we build solutions for people whose needs are often overlooked. We acknowledge our history and present of implicit and structural injustice, bias, and discrimination. We see, hear, and accept each other and the lived experiences we bring to our work. We support each other in learning and developing so we can help all Californians thrive. We understand this work is never done. That’s why we commit to constant improvement.
Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

 

  1. Please describe how your education, training, and experience makes you qualified for this position.

 

  1. Please provide examples of your experience working with legislators and their staff, advocates, and executive level government officials outside your organization on politically sensitive issues. Include the number of years, in what role, and for what employer.

 

  1. Describe your experience analyzing public policy and legislation, including drafting, reviewing, and advising on bills. Highlight your experience negotiating amendments, responding to inquiries, and guiding executive leadership on legislative strategy.

 

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

 

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 7/22/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Office of Data and Innovation
CalHR
Attn: Classification & Hiring
1515 S Street
North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Office of Data and Innovation
CalHR
Classification & Hiring
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Other - If you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications of the classification, please include your unofficial transcripts. If you are not using education, please bypass this requirement. 
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


We encourage you to apply regardless of whether you think you meet 100% of the desirable qualifications.

  • 4+ years of experience in legislative affairs.
  • Experience working in a legislative office, analyzing bills, and researching legislative history.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills for building and maintaining productive relationships with legislative staff, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced, political environment.
  • Strong communication and storytelling skills, including the ability to distill complex issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences, including executive leadership to the general public.
  • In-depth understanding of legislative processes at all levels with a demonstrated ability to analyze complex legislation and policy proposals, assess their potential impact, and develop strategic recommendations aligned with ODI priorities.
  • Proficient in political analysis, legislative tracking, policy issues, and relevant software.
  • Experience managing multiple legislative or policy initiatives simultaneously, with a strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Lisa El Sao
(916) 909-2819
lisa.elsao@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
ODI Talent Team
(916) 398-5858
odi-talent-team@innovation.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
RA Coordinators
(916) 322-6997
RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additonal Application Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

  • Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
  • U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

Examination Information

Take the online Staff Services Manager II to become list eligible for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job