Policy Advisor (Legislative Assistant II)

The County of San Diego Office of Vice-Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe seeks a Policy Advisor to advance the Supervisor’s policy priorities to help transform the County’s $8.6 billion budget and better serve the region’s 3.3 million citizens.

We are looking for passionate visionaries and creative problem-solvers to join our dynamic team, which works to create human-centered policy solutions driven by equity to make lasting impact in our communities.

Job Description:

The Policy Advisor will join a team focused on driving a progressive policy agenda that centers justice, opportunity, sustainability, and a moral economy across San Diego County. They will develop and manage implementation of cutting-edge public policies, working closely with advocates and stakeholders, community partners, County departments, and other team members.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Analysis and Advice 
  • Brief the Supervisor on policy landscape and on items coming before the County Board of Supervisors.
  • Research and analyze key policy issues, formulating recommendations for action.
  • Stay connected with national, state, and local efforts within policy areas.
  • Advise the Supervisor on political and policy developments and formulating policy strategies.
• Managing Stakeholder Relationships
  • Manage relationships with key stakeholders in policy areas, gathering input, identifying flags, and building support for policy initiatives.
  • Represent the Supervisor at stakeholder meetings and events.
• Advancing Policy Initiatives
  • Manage strategies to advance policies, engaging with stakeholder groups to identify risks and build support. 
  • Draft formal legislation, resolutions, and memos.
  • Monitor policy implementation by County departments after Board adoption.
• Communications 
  • Work with the Communications team to translate complex policies into talking points, press releases, emails, and easily accessible communications.

Qualifications:

• Experience managing public policy initiatives and working in government preferred but not necessary.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects, coordinating across a team, and prioritizing assignments. 
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills. 
• Experience managing stakeholder groups and organizing policy action preferred but not necessary. 
• Strong strategic judgment and discretion to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Strong understanding of the intersection between policy, communications, and community engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team environment, and embrace a growth mindset.
• Flexible thinkers, with a proven ability to quickly develop expertise in new areas.

Salary and Benefits:

• $100,000-$115,000 annually, based on experience.
• Defined benefit pension plan, with additional savings options through 457 and 401 accounts.
• County-paid flexible credits that allow you to choose from a variety of benefit plans, including medical, dental and vision insurances, short term disability and critical illness programs.
• County-paid life and accident insurance and long-term disability.
• Transit pass reimbursement program.
• 15 days of vacation a year, 14 County-paid holidays, floating holidays, paid sick leave, and discretionary executive time off. 

Click here for full salary range and job description for Legislative Assistant II

To Apply:

Interested applicants must attach a resume, cover letter, 2 writing samples, as well as 2-3 professional references, to be considered. Please send to Monica.MontgomerySteppe@sdcounty.ca.gov with Policy Advisor in the subject line. 

Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this job announcement may be modified or revoked and do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Conditions of Employment:

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy:

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information. 

Military Skills Translator:

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. 

Strategic Plan: 

Diversity & Inclusion:

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.