Public Policy & Government Relations Specialist

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Irvine is seeking a Government Relations Specialist to support community and government relations activities, including stakeholder outreach, policy research, government engagement, and events. You will work under supervision with senior staff to maintain relationships with officials and external partners.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and an interest in public policy and higher education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business or related field, or equivalent
• Minimum of 2–5 years of relevant professional 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 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
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business applications
• Familiarity with UC systems, public policy issues affecting higher education, healthcare, research, or economic development
• Experience coordinating community engagement initiatives or outreach activities
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are valued
• Ability to work professionally in politically sensitive environments and support nonpartisan public higher education mission

Responsibilities

• Support outreach to community organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, business groups, and neighborhood organizations
• Assist senior staff with maintaining community relationships and identifying opportunities for engagement
• 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
• 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
• Prepare summaries of legislation, government actions, community issues, and policy developments
• Assist with advocacy activities and outreach related to institutional priorities
• Coordinate campus visits, briefings, meetings, and events involving officials and representatives
• Attend government and civic meetings and provide summaries or follow-up information
• Develop familiarity with public policy issues affecting higher education, healthcare, research, housing, economic development
• Draft and assist with briefing materials, correspondence, presentations, meeting summaries and reports
• Conduct background research for meetings with government and community stakeholders
• Plan public-facing events, town halls, 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
• Collaborate with campus colleagues on outreach and engagement activities
• Assist with office operations, scheduling, event logistics, and stakeholder coordination

Skills

Public policy

Stakeholder relations

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

University of California, Irvine is seeking a Government Relations Specialist to support community and government relations activities, including stakeholder outreach, policy research, government engagement, and events. You will work under supervision with senior staff to maintain relationships with officials and external partners.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and an interest in public policy and higher education.