Government Relations Specialist

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine seeks a Government Relations Specialist to support community and government relations activities, including stakeholder outreach, public policy research, and government engagement. You will assist senior staff in maintaining relationships with government officials, community organizations, and civic leaders while collaborating in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes strong communication and organizational skills, with an interest in public policy and higher education, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business, or related field.
• 2-5 years of relevant professional experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local, state, and/or federal government processes and public sector operations.
• Demonstrated growing network of professional relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and civic organizations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing professional correspondence and briefing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse constituencies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment without much oversight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of public policy concepts and legislative processes.

Responsibilities

• Support outreach to government officials, community organizations, and regional stakeholders.
• Track legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments relevant to UC Irvine.
• Prepare summaries of legislation, government actions, and policy developments.
• Assist with advocacy activities and outreach related to institutional priorities.
• Coordinate campus visits, briefings, meetings, and events involving officials.
• Provide summaries or follow-up information to senior staff after meetings.
• Develop familiarity with public policy issues affecting higher education, healthcare, research, housing, and economic development.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Project management

Attention to detail

Policy knowledge

Analytical thinking

Discretion

Team collaboration

Public policy

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science/public administration/communications/public policy/business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1965,

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu. The Office of Community & Government Relations advances the University of California, Irvine's mission through strategic engagement with government leaders, community organizations, and external partners. The office works to build and sustain relationships that support UC Irvine's academic, research, health, and public service priorities while enhancing the university's role as a leading public institution serving California and the nation.

Your Role on the Team

The Government Relations Specialist supports UC Irvine’s community and government relations activities, including stakeholder outreach, public policy research, government engagement, community partnerships, events, and office operations. Working under general supervision, the position assists senior staff in maintaining relationships with government officials, community organizations, business and civic leaders, and other external partners. The successful candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, an interest in public policy and higher education, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Community Relations & Partnership Development

• Support outreach to community organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, business groups, neighborhood organizations, and other regional stakeholders.
• Assist senior staff with maintaining community relationships and identifying opportunities for engagement.
• Help coordinate community programs, meetings, events, and outreach activities.
• Research community organizations, stakeholders, and regional issues relevant to UC Irvine.
• Maintain stakeholder contact information and engagement records.
• Participate in community meetings and events as assigned.

Government Relations & External Engagement

• Support the office’s engagement with local, county, state, and federal elected officials, government agencies, and staff.
• Track legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments relevant to UC Irvine.
• Conduct research and prepare summaries of legislation, government actions, community issues, and policy developments.
• Assist with advocacy activities and outreach related to institutional priorities.
• Help coordinate campus visits, briefings, meetings, and events involving elected officials and government representatives.
• Attend government, civic, and community meetings and provide summaries or follow-up information to senior staff.
• Develop familiarity with public policy issues affecting higher education, healthcare, research, housing, economic development, and related areas.

Strategic Communications & Project Coordination

• Draft and assist with briefing materials, correspondence, presentations, meeting summaries, reports, and stakeholder communications.
• Conduct background research for meetings with government and community stakeholders.
• Assist with planning public-facing events, town halls, community meetings, policy forums, and official visits.
• Track projects, deadlines, stakeholder engagement, and follow-up activities.
• Provide project coordination for initiatives led by the Office of Community & Government Relations.
• Work collaboratively with campus colleagues on outreach and engagement activities.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Support office operations, scheduling, event logistics, and stakeholder coordination.
• Maintain organized records, contact databases, and engagement tracking systems.
• Assist with purchasing, expense tracking, reimbursements, purchase orders, requisitions, and other administrative processes in accordance with university procedures.
• Provide logistical support for meetings, events, travel, and official visits.
• Perform additional duties and special assignments as needed.

Required

What It Takes to be Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of relevant professional, internship experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, community relations, external affairs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local, county, state, and/or federal government processes and public sector operations.
• Demonstrated growing network of professional relationships and with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and civic organizations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing professional correspondence and briefing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse constituencies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment without much oversight.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with direction from senior staff
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard business applications.
• Basic knowledge of the institution, its mission, vision, goals, achievements, policies, and infrastructure.
• Knowledge of basic concepts and principles of building and maintaining effective relations with a variety of constituencies.
• Written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including political acumen to effectively represent the institution.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Organizational skills include meeting deadlines; and event planning skills.
• Basic knowledge of public policy and the legislative process.
• Applicable computer skills.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training