Job Description

California Faculty Association
(affiliated with AAUP and SEIU)

Director of Government Relations

Based in Sacramento, CA

CFA is affiliated with: SEIU, AAUP, and AFL-CIO

CFA is a union of 29,000 faculty members, librarians, counselors and coaches of the California State University (CSU) system. On the 23 CSU campuses, CFA members work hard to teach our students the critical thinking skills, the technical know-how, and the cultural insights they need to be thoughtful, productive, and artistic participants in our society.

CFA is one of the largest higher education labor unions in the U.S. and is a national leader in its advocacy for anti-racism and social justice. As the exclusive collective bargaining representative, CFA negotiates a contract with the CSU administration that promotes academic freedom, upholds faculty rights, delivers financial protection for the faculty, and promotes faculty participation in the governance of the CSU. 

CFA is seeking candidates with a strong knowledge and background in racial and social justice work. Candidates who have relevant experience (formally or informally) and can translate that into the range of job responsibilities listed below are strongly encouraged to apply.

CFA is proud to be a member-run union and believes in employing hard-working and creative staff whose talents complement those of our elected leadership. For more information about the CFA, visit our website at . 

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR
CFA’s Director of Government Relations is a management level position with overall responsibility for formulating and implementing CFA’s Legislative program. Lobbying and extensive legislative experience with demonstrated ability to manage a strategic legislative operation within a union/progressive organization setting, as well as supervision of these functions, is required. 

CFA’s Director of Government Relations must have substantial “hands on” experience in building a legislative program around organizational goals, and must be able to develop and present a vision for a strategic program. The Director must be able to manage a program that enhances CFA’s power, fosters internal organizing and chapter development, and encourages members to develop strong relationships with elected officials. The Director must also develop and maintain productive working relationships with affiliates, partners in labor, and allied community organizations.

Qualified candidates must possess excellent writing, verbal and analytical skills, and be able to work well as a member of a team operating under a member governance structure. Extensive working knowledge of California politics, budget and the legislative process is essential. The Director of Government Relations reports directly to the Executive Director.

Essential Job Duties:

• Capacity to train and support legislative staff, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, and resolving team conflict
• Coordinates the legislative team to advance CFA-sponsored bills in alignment with CFA priorities
• Works to formulate Labor’s position on legislative issues and make recommendations
• Convenes and manages the union’s contract lobbyists
• Engage member leaders in the legislative agenda of the union by co-staffing the PAC/LEG committee with the Political and Strategic Campaign Director to vet candidates for endorsements and help determine the legislative priorities of the union
• Develops materials for leaders and Board members to craft strategic priorities
• Develops strategies for achievement of legislative priorities
• Develops oral and written communication about CFA-sponsored legislation
• Coordinates the legislative team to advance CFA-sponsored bills
• Prepares written fact sheets, letters of support and opposition, and other communications on legislative and administrative issues
• Builds and maintains relationships with union leaders, policymakers, allies, and staff
• Builds and participates in coalition to advance workers’ rights, as well as the rights of those represented by coalition members
• Prepare and present written and oral testimony before legislative and administrative bodies
• Develop and foster relationships with legislative and administrative bodies that reflect the values and direction of the overall vision of the Political Strategy & Government Relations department (e.g. Calpers, Board of Trustees)
• Research and analyze legislative proposals introduced by unions, allies, opponents, and legislators 
• Respond to affiliated unions needs for support to advance their issues
• Engage in outreach, where appropriate, to organizations outside of the labor movement but with a similar focus on victories for historically disadvantaged communities
• Represent CFA at various meeting and events
• Participate in and organize various CFA-sponsored meetings and trainings
• Work with CFA’s Political Strategy team to staff political and electoral campaigns as needed
• Effectively collaborate with the Director of Political Strategy 
• Work cross-functionally to develop and implement CFA legislative goals
• Other duties as assigned 

The ideal candidate for our team will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A strong commitment to advancing racial and social justice transformation in the union movement
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines;
• Possess excellent writing, verbal and analytical skill 
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and empowering working people to build power
• Ability to work long and irregular hours and travel occasionally
• Ability to work in high pressure environment
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically with CFA officers, members, interns and staff;
• Demonstrated ability to infuse anti-racism and social justice work into the everyday work of CFA;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Extensive knowledge of California politics, budget and legislative process
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Report as required 
• Other duties as assigned 

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license, an automobile for business use, and proof of minimum insurance coverage.

Salary/Benefits: CFA offers a fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision, SEIU defined benefit pension plan, 401(k) with employer match and generous paid leave. Salary range is $160,000 – $180,000 commensurate with experience. 

To Apply:
Send cover letter and résumé with references in PDF format to: [email protected] .

The deadline to apply for this position is July 15, 2025 .

Women, People of Color/Native People, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

CFA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected]

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .

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