Director of Policy and External Affairs

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI) seeks a Policy Director to lead policy strategy, research amplification, and external engagement. The role influences local, state, and federal policy affecting California’s Latino communities and underserved groups.

This senior position requires travel between Los Angeles and Sacramento, and close collaboration with faculty, philanthropy, and advocacy partners to advance UCLA LPPI’s mission.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of public policy and leadership experience with supervisory roles.
• Experience designing policy events, coalitions, and governance strategies.
• Deep knowledge of federal, CA state, and local policymaking.

Responsibilities

• Direct policy and external relations strategies for UCLA LPPI.
• Translate research into actionable policy and advocacy plans.
• Represent the Institute at legislative activities, coalitions, and media.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Legislative affairs

Project management

Strategic communication

Policy analysis

Advocacy strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Virtual collaboration tools

Job description

Department Summary

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI) seeks a dedicated and dynamic leader to direct our policy and external relations strategies as the institute’s Policy Director. We are looking for a candidate whose work demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how policy change happens, along with working knowledge of the range of domestic policy issues affecting California and the U.S. Latino communities. The Policy Director will play a pivotal role in advancing our vision to center the needs of underserved communities in current policy debates and improve governance at the local, state, and federal level.

Position Summary

Resume and Cover Letter are required for applying to this position.

Additionally, the incumbent must possess demonstrated experience developing policy recommendations and working with the California State Legislature. Reporting to the UCLA LPPI Faculty Director, the Director of Policy (DP) serves as a senior leader responsible for advancing UCLA LPPI's policy strategy, research amplification, and external engagement priorities. The DP translates UCLA LPPI's research agenda and faculty expertise into actionable policy strategies that inform decision-makers at the local, state, and national levels, and serves as a principal advisor on emerging policy issues. The DP leads UCLA LPPI's Policy and Mobilization team and works across the Institute to align research, communications, philanthropy, and policy expertise into a coordinated advocacy strategy. By identifying emerging policy priorities, translating research findings into practical policy recommendations, and building institutional capacity for advocacy and thought leadership, the DP helps ensure that UCLA LPPI's scholarship shapes real‑world policy outcomes. The DP represents the Institute at legislative convenings, policy coalitions, public forums, and media engagements, and cultivates strategic partnerships with policymakers, educational institutions, advocacy organizations, philanthropic partners, and community stakeholders; including sustained relationships within the California State policymakers. As the operational leader of UCLA LPPI's policy and mobilization portfolio, the DP directs complex policy initiatives from design through implementation, oversees staff and student fellows, and exercises sound judgment and discretion in managing sensitive and high‑visibility organizational matters. This hybrid position requires candidates to reside in the Los Angeles or Sacramento area (they will be required to travel between the two cities on a monthly basis).

Salary & Compensation

UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government relations, advocacy, community engagement, higher education, or a related field, including supervisory and strategic leadership, an (Required)
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing public-facing events, policy convenings, workshops, webinars, or leadership development programs involving diverse stakeholder groups. (Preferred)
• Advanced knowledge of federal, California state, and municipal legislative and policymaking processes, including systems‑change strategies, policy development, advocacy, implementation, and political campaign processes. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex policy issues, assess political implications and risks, identify emerging trends, and develop data‑informed policy positions, strategic recommendations, and engagement strategies. (Required)
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, including the ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff and project teams while managing multiple high‑level, time‑sensitive initiatives and competing priorities. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government, advocacy, community, philanthropic, and institutional partners. Established networks in California government and Latino‑serving organizations are highly desirable. (Required)
• Advanced knowledge of policy and political issues affecting Latino communities, higher education, civic engagement, and equity‑focused initiatives, including federal and multi‑state policy trends. (Required)
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive policy and advocacy materials, present complex information clearly, facilitate policy discussions and convenings, and effectively engage decision‑makers and diverse stakeholders. (Required)
• Ability to serve as a principal advisor to executive leadership, providing strategic guidance and recommendations on policy developments, legislative priorities, organizational risks, and emerging issues. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to organize and mobilize communities and develop strategic partnerships that advance policy advocacy, civic engagement, leadership development, and public‑impact initiatives. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, cultural competency, and professionalism when working independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and managing sensitive, confidential, or politically complex matters. (Required)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, virtual collaboration platforms, research tools, and project management and communication technologies, with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in n public policy, public administration, political science, urban planning, higher education, or a related advanced field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required)
• Master's Degree in public policy, public administration, political science, urban planning or higher education. (Preferred) Or

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.
• COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Union/Policy Covered

RP-Research and Public Service PR