External and Legislative Affairs Manager
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Apply to External and Legislative Affairs Manager at Governor’s Office of Service and Community EngagementJob details
- Location
- Los Angeles County or Sacramento or California
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Compensation
- $114,864 - $130,404/yr
- Posted
- 1 week ago
- Apply on
- calcareers.ca.gov
About this role
Job Description and Duties
Under administrative direction of the External and Legislative Affairs Deputy Director (CEA), the External and Legislative Affairs Manager (Manager II) is responsible for planning, managing, and executing complex, high-visibility projects and strategies within the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve). The Manager II provides expert-level execution and leadership across a defined portfolio of external and legislative affairs initiatives that advance statewide service, civic and community engagement priorities. The incumbent requires a high degree of independence, judgment, and political acumen in managing sensitive relationships, producing high-quality deliverables, and representing GO-Serve before diverse and high-level stakeholders. The position leads the design and implementation of strategic projects and engagement efforts that align the work of California Volunteers (CV), and the Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC). The Manager II ensures strategic alignment, operational coordination, and measurable impact across GO-Serve’s external and legislative affairs portfolio.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects with or without a reasonable accommodation. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Occasional/overnight travel up to 10% may be required.
Telework
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Department Information
The Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) elevates paid service and volunteerism in the state, and promotes youth and community engagement. GO-Serve consists of California Volunteers (CV) and the Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC).
Personal Leave Program Reduction
Special Requirements
The incumbent must be detail-oriented and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Highly organized, creative, and self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced team office environment. Demonstrated ability to act independently and as a member of a team with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact. Ability to problem-solve and use critical and creative thinking to effectively perform work. Display good interaction skills and the ability to deal professionally, congenially and in a personable manner with the public, other governmental entities, and staff at all levels. Communicate successfully in a diverse community as well as with individuals from varied backgrounds.
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: 9/15/2026Who May Apply
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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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.
- Statement of Qualifications -
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and MUST be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Résumés in lieu of the SOQ will not be considered.
Refer to the SOQ Requirement Section of this job posting for the SOQ questions.
Desirable Qualifications
- Mission-driven, highly organized, creative, and self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while being able to work under short deadlines, and deliver in a rapidly changing, fast-paced office environment.
- Experience leading or supporting external affairs, legislative affairs, public engagement, or government relations efforts within state government, a Governor’s Office, Legislature, local government, or a mission-driven nonprofit or public-sector organization.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-visibility projects involving multiple stakeholders, tight timelines, and sensitive subject matter.
- Familiarity with California’s legislative process, executive branch operations, and/or intergovernmental relations.
- Ability to represent an organization with professionalism, political acumen, and sound judgment when interacting with elected officials, senior leaders, community partners, and the public.
- Experience managing, mentoring, or leading staff, including assigning work, providing feedback, and supporting professional development.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing legislative analysis, briefings, talking points, correspondence, presentations, and stakeholder communications.
- Experience working across functional areas to align strategy, messaging, and execution.
- Experience advancing equity-focused, community-centered initiatives or programs that engage diverse communities across California.
- Ability to develop logical and effective solutions to managerial and administrative challenges, and to effectively plan and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with others, demonstrating strong communication skills and a cooperative, team-oriented attitude.
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team!
GO-SERVE employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR and CalPERS websites.
Some added benefits GO-SERVE offers include:
- 11 paid holidays
- Alternate work schedules
- Flexible work hours
- Hybrid schedule
- Nearby cafes and restaurants
- Walking distance to public transit
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
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:Alanna Dayton
(279) 228-3940
[email protected]
Additional Application Instructions
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of 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.
All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:
- "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
- Hours worked per week
- Private sector job titles
- Supervisor name and phone number
- Job duties performed
- State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).
Transcripts
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcript for verification. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. Foreign transcripts must include official verification of U.S equivalency prior to appointment by an organization found here.
Personal Identifying Information
Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.
Statement of Qualifications
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ)
MANAGER II
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. When completing the SOQ, you must title the page “Statement of Qualifications” and include your name and the Job Control number at the top of each page. You must list each question and provide your answer below each question. Responses should be no longer than two (2) pages in total length, single-spaced, and 12-point Arial font. Include all relevant experience, education, and training for the statements below.
- Share how your skills, experience, education, and training qualify you as the best candidate for this position.
- Share a specific example of leading or supporting external affairs, legislative affairs, public engagement, or government relations efforts within state government, a Governor’s Office, Legislature, local government, or a mission-driven nonprofit or public-sector organization.
- Share a specific example of managing a complex, high-visibility project involving multiple stakeholders, tight timelines, and sensitive subject matter. What was the project, who were the stakeholders, and what was the outcome?
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.