Policy Specialist

CSU; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 42,602 - 71,004; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Vacation plan

15 paid holidays a year

Tuition waiver education program

PERS membership

Job summary

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor seeks a Policy Specialist to support the Office of Federal Relations on federal higher education policy and funding matters, and to provide full professional administrative support.

The role conducts legislative research, drafts summaries, and coordinates events in Washington, D.C., including Hill Day and related briefings, while maintaining confidential information and interfacing with CSU campuses and executives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant administrative experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understanding of federal legislative and executive functions and processes and the ability to conduct legislative research.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) and other related programs.
• Strong proofreading and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal with politically sensitive issues and maintain strict confidence.
• Facility with computer research techniques and products and network information services.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills for dealing extensively with internal and external audiences, including ability to interface with senior level executives and management staff.
• May require travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on legislative and policy matters of interest to the CSU; provides information and/or summaries about such research to Assistant Vice Chancellor, Legislative Director, and Manager, Federal Relations.
• Handles highly confidential and sensitive matters involving labor and employment issues in the Office of Federal Relations including confidential correspondence and legislative proposals/efforts as part of legislative strategy and collective bargaining.
• Tracks legislation of interest to the CSU and contacts relevant Congressional offices to help ensure timely participation by the CSU in the legislative process.
• Drafts summaries, correspondence, and memoranda on relevant matters.
• Assists with planning and preparations for OFR events in Washington, such as annual Hill Day meetings and briefings and receptions.
• Assists with development and maintenance of external OFR web page, other media, and internal SharePoint web page.
• Performs office-wide administrative duties, including maintaining office databases and files; handling accounts payable; monitoring office budget; completing HR related forms; handling office correspondence; assisting with meetings, mailings, and scheduling; purchasing, maintaining, inventorying equipment and supplies; travel arrangements; answering phones and responding to inquiries.
• Makes recommendations to the Assistant Vice Chancellor regarding design and/or implementation of administrative systems, office purchases, etc.
• Manages OFR’s student intern program and facilitates opportunities for CSU interns in Washington, D.C. by working with CSU campuses to increase campus knowledge of such opportunities and to enhance interns' experiences while in Washington through information and events sponsored by the OFR.

Skills

Legislative research

Policy analysis

Confidential handling

Organizational skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Zoom

SharePoint

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Job Title

Policy Specialist

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $71,004 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Arrangements

This position is located in Washington, D.C.

This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Washington, D.C.

Premium Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Generous vacation plan
• 15 paid holidays a year
• Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

Classification

Confidential Administrative Support III

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Policy Specialist to be responsible for supporting and coordinating the efforts of the Office of Federal Relations (OFR) in regards to matters relating to federal higher education policy and funding, and with any other matters affecting the CSU system or its campuses. This position is also responsible for providing a full range of professional administrative support for the OFR.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on legislative and policy matters of interest to the CSU; provides information and/or summaries about such research to Assistant Vice Chancellor, Legislative Director, and Manager, Federal Relations.
• Handles highly confidential and sensitive matters involving labor and employment issues in the Office of Federal Relations including confidential correspondence and legislative proposals/efforts as part of legislative strategy and collective bargaining. Works with confidential information as it relates to legislation or executive orders.
• Tracks legislation of interest to the CSU and contacts relevant Congressional offices to help ensure timely participation by the CSU in the legislative process.
• Drafts summaries, correspondence, and memoranda on relevant matters.
• Assists with planning and preparations for OFR events in Washington, such as annual Hill Day meetings and briefings and receptions.
• Assists with development and maintenance of external OFR web page, other media, and internal SharePoint web page.
• Performs office-wide administrative duties, including maintaining office databases and files; handling accounts payable; monitoring office budget; completing HR related forms; handling office correspondence; assisting with meetings, mailings, and scheduling; purchasing, maintaining, inventorying equipment and supplies; travel arrangements; answering phones and responding to inquiries.
• Makes recommendations to the Assistant Vice Chancellor regarding design and/or implementation of administrative systems, office purchases, etc.
• Manages OFR’s student intern program and facilitates opportunities for CSU interns in Washington, D.C. by working with CSU campuses to increase campus knowledge of such opportunities and to enhance interns' experiences while in Washington through information and events sponsored by the OFR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant administrative experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant experience may include full-time or part-time employment, internships, fellowships, student leadership roles, or other comparable experiences that demonstrate applicable skills. Relevant experience in research and analysis and/or working for the Congress or federal Executive Branch is a plus.
• Understanding of federal legislative and executive functions and processes and the ability to conduct legislative research.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) and other related programs.
• Strong proofreading and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal with politically sensitive issues and maintain strict confidence.
• Facility with computer research techniques and products and network information services.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills for dealing extensively with internal and external audiences, including ability to interface with senior level executives and management staff.
• May require travel as needed.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by July 28, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at [phone].

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix.

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and Management positions (i.e., H1-B VISAS).

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

CSU Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. However, this position is based in Washington, D.C.

Background

The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.

Additional Information

Learn more about working at the California State University and the impact of our mission.