State Capitol Legislative Director: Policy & Coalition Leader

Democracy Fund; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust healthcare plan

Generous Paid Time Off

12 paid holidays per year

401k with employer match

Professional development funds

Job summary

Common Cause is seeking a Legislative Director to set the vision and manage the legislative portfolio for California. You will lead policy development, build relationships at the State Capitol, and advance our democracy agenda from the Sacramento region.

You will oversee lobbying campaigns, coalition strategy, and external communications, while collaborating with the State Director and partners to ensure impactful advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Track record of impactful lobbying and knowledge of the California legislative process.
• Existing relationships with state-level decision-makers preferred.
• Knowledge of Civil Rights & Civil Liberties or Anti-Corruption & Accountability; interest in AI/democracy issues.
• Experience leading advocacy campaigns and coalitions.
• Willingness to travel in-state 3–4 times per year; able to work in Sacramento in person.
• Nonpartisan policy role; not currently holding elected office or party leadership.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for California policy agenda.
• Manage all aspects of the California legislative process.
• Represent the organization in meetings with elected leaders and stakeholders.
• Lead coalitions of civil rights, tech/AI, and civic orgs across the state.
• Coordinate lobbying campaigns, grassroots outreach, and media engagement.
• Write op-eds, policy memos, and testimony; speak to the press.

Skills

Lobbying

California legislature

Coalition building

Stakeholder engagement

Press engagement

Tools

Microsoft Office

Slack

Zoom

Job description

Common Cause is seeking a Legislative Director to set the vision and manage the legislative portfolio for California. You will lead policy development, build relationships at the State Capitol, and advance our democracy agenda from the Sacramento region.

You will oversee lobbying campaigns, coalition strategy, and external communications, while collaborating with the State Director and partners to ensure impactful advocacy and stakeholder engagement.