Job Posting: Assistant Director, Legislative and Governmental Affairs

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

JC-485009
-
Assistant Director, Legislative and Governmental Affairs
ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR/GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

$127,500.00 - $142,008.00 per Year
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/16/2025

Job Description and Duties

Now Hiring: Assistant Director, Legislative and Governmental Affairs

Join the leadership team of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) - the nation's premier state-level emergency management and homeland security agency, charged with protecting the people of California from all threats and hazards. The Cal OES employs over 1,700 dedicated individuals who achieve the agency's mission through service to all. It is a dynamic, high energy work environment, where a team-oriented approach to complex problem solving is encouraged and skills and leadership development of its employees is a priority.

About the Program

The Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs advances public safety and emergency preparedness by collaborating with stakeholders to develop and manage Cal OES’s legislative, public safety policy, tribal affairs, international affairs, and executive programs.

Your Opportunity

The Assistant Director, Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs oversees development and integration of policies, planning efforts, and programs that coordinate Cal OES’s prevention, protection, response, and recovery missions. This leader crafts strategies and guidelines that address national, state, and local issues relevant to Cal OES. The Assistant Director supports the Deputy Director in developing public safety and emergency preparedness policies and leads the analysis of laws, regulations, legislative proposals, and internal procedures. Oversees analysis of laws, regulations, legislative proposals, policies, and procedures.

Key Duties

  • Advise the Deputy Director on public safety and emergency management policy issues.
  • Identify, develop, and implement the department’s legislative objectives; prepare draft legislation in coordination with the Deputy Director, present testimony, and assist in legislative advocacy.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure effective and consistent legislative development and alignment with state Administration policy.
  • Prepare and coordinate testimony, briefings, policy statements, information packages, and responses on legislative and congressional matters.
  • Direct a team responsible for policy analysis, program initiatives, and operational improvements advancing strategic goals.
  • Guide recovery and response operations in collaboration with Cal OES regions, state agencies, locals, federal partners, NGOs, and Tribal Nations.
  • Foster open communication with Tribal Nations, ensuring cultural awareness and inclusive participation in agency initiatives.

If you have deep legislative experience and are dedicated to safeguarding California’s communities, consider joining Cal OES as Assistant Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs.

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

Working Conditions

  • Telework - This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule which includes up to one day of remote work per week. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need.
  • Conflict of Interest - This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

    Minimum Requirements

    This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

    Additional Documents

    Position Details

    Job Code #:
    JC-485009
    Position #(s):
    163-130-5314-905
    Working Title:
    Assistant Director, Legislative and Governmental Affairs
    Classification:
    ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR/GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
    $127,500.00 - $142,008.00
    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:
    Exempt Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

    Department Information

    The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
    (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

    Cal OES is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment.
    Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.

    In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.


    Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov

    Special Requirements

    Interested candidates must submit the online Governor’s Appointment Application via the Office of the Governor’s website to be considered for this position. Please note: The Office of the Governor manages all recruitments for exempt positions.

    For questions about the appointments process, contact Rochelle Schmidt at Rochelle.Schmidt@gov.ca.gov or call (916) 445-4541.

    Before submitting your application, ensure all documents are free of confidential information (such as social security numbers or dates of birth). Your application package should include a resume and the completed Governor’s Office online application.

    Please disregard the “Who May Apply” and "How to Apply" sections, as they are not applicable to this position. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. A recommendation will be made to the Governor’s Office for appointment to this Exempt position.

    Submit your application here: Assistant Deputy Director, Legislation & Governmental Affairs, CalOES - Mather, California, United States - 19841 - Governor's Office of California

    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: 8/16/2025

    Who May Apply

    This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs. Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Exempt Position by the State of California.

    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:

    California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
    Recruitment
    Attn: Human Resources
    3650 Schriever Ave
    Mather, CA 95655

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

    California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
    Human Resources
    Attn: Heather Sakrani
    10370 Peter A McCuen Boulevard
    Mather, CA 95655
    HR Window - Second Floor. This excludes holidays and weekends.
    08:00 AM - 05:00 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 required and must be included.
    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:

    • Established, trusted relationships with the California Legislature and demonstrated experience navigating legislative processes on high-priority government matters
    • Exceptional interpersonal and diplomatic skills; trusted collaborator with elected officials and diverse stakeholders
    • Politically astute and able to address sensitive, high-profile issues with tact and professionalism
    • Demonstrated record of integrity and ethical leadership
    • Proactive, action-oriented, and collaborative team player
    • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; confident public speaker
    • Adaptable; thrives in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment
    • Strong organizational skills with strategic oversight
    • Leadership experience in policy development and management of diverse teams
    • Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, civil service procedures, and emergency management functions

    Benefits

    Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
    • Free Parking
    • On-site Gym and Locker room
    • Electric Carport
    • Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
    • 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
    • Flexible Schedules
    • Generous paid time off
    • Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
    • Investment in careers development
    • Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station
    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 position or application process.

      Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov
      Human Resources Contact:
      Heather Sakrani
      (916) 328-7904
      Heather.Sakrani@CalOES.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:
      EEO Officer
      (916) 845-8527
      EEO@CalOES.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.

      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