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Posted Apr 6, 2026

California State Parks Foundation - Senior Manager of Government Affairs

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All Jobs  >  Senior Manager of Government Affairs California State Parks Foundation Apply Senior Manager of Government Affairs Fully Remote Type Full-time Description    Title: Senior Manager of Government Affairs Reports to: Director of Programs Location: Remote within California, with a preference for Sacramento Area (Occasional Travel Required) Compensation: $94,137 - $112,414 Post date: April 3, 2026  Mission: Protecting and preserving the state park system for the benefit of all.  Our Vision: We envision an inspiring and welcoming state park system where there is access for all, adequate and sustainable funding, and parks are protected for future generations.  JOB DESCRIPTION:   The Senior Manager of Government Affairs leads the California State Parks Foundation’s (CSPF) advocacy and government relations work under the organization’s Protect Pillar. This role is responsible for developing and executing legislative, budget, and policy strategies that advance CSPF’s mission to protect, steward, and expand access to California’s state parks.  Working closely with the Director of Programs, Executive Director, Board leadership, and external partners, the Senior Manager drives CSPF’s engagement with the California legislature, state agencies, and key stakeholders. The role ensures that CSPF’s policy priorities translate into concrete legislative wins, funding for parks, and protection of park resources.  The Senior Manager of Government Affairs oversees the strategy and implementation of CSPF’s government affairs program work, including legislative advocacy, budget advocacy, coalition engagement, grassroots mobilization, and defense of state parks from policy or development threats. The individual will oversee consultants, build the internal government affairs team, and serve as the organization’s primary representative in Sacramento policy discussions. The role is central to building CSPF’s long-term advocacy platform and strengthening its influence with policymakers and partners.   Travel will be required for this role, including travel to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. RESPONSIBILITIES:   Protect Pillar Strategy  - In collaboration with the Director of Programs, lead the development and execution of CSPF’s state policy and advocacy strategy as part of CSPF’s Protect Pillar.  - Identify legislative, regulatory, and budget opportunities that advance state park protection and investment.  - Translate research and policy insights into actionable advocacy strategies.  - Brief CSPF staff and Board on political landscape, policy opportunities, and risks.  - Develop multi-year policy strategies aligned with CSPF’s strategic plan.  Legislative and Budget Advocacy  - Build, engage, and maintain relationships with state legislators, staff, and agency leadership.  - Represent CSPF in legislative meetings, hearings, and policy discussions.  - Develop, sponsor, and advance legislative proposals and policy platforms aligned with CSPF priorities. - Provide testimony and policy analysis during legislative hearings.  - Monitor legislation and state budget affecting state parks, including advocating for increased state funding. Coalition and Stakeholder Engagement  - Lead CSPF engagement with statewide coalitions and park partners.  - Facilitate park visits and engagement opportunities with stakeholders. - Convene and coordinate partner organizations around policy campaigns.  - Work closely with conservation, recreation, and community organizations to coordinate joint advocacy strategies and participate in partner advocacy events. - Maintain relationships with California Natural Resources Agency and State Parks leadership.  Grassroots Advocacy and Public Mobilization  - Develop CSPF’s grassroots advocacy campaigns that mobilize public support for park policy priorities.  - Coordinate community engagement efforts related to legislative and policy initiatives.  - Partner with Communications staff to implement action alerts, petitions, and advocacy campaigns.  - Support the growth of and activate CSPF’s statewide advocate network.  - Create content, including advocacy blog and webinar updates for our audiences. - Be a spokesperson for media on our Government Affairs work.  Defending State Parks  - Lead campaigns to protect park lands and ensure mission-aligned park management.  - Monitor and respond to policy and develop threats affecting state park resources and public access.  - Coordinate rapid response advocacy strategies.  - Partner with local organizations and communities to address park threats.  - Educate policymakers and public about impacts of harmful proposals.  Team and Program Management  - Lead and manage CSPF’s government affairs work by developing and overseeing annual budget, work plans, and deliverables. - Support donor engagement and fundraising related to advocacy work. - Oversee government affairs consultants.   - Working with the Director of Programs, build the internal government affairs team.  - Oversee implementation of research, policy, and advocacy projects.  - Coordinate with internal teams to ensure aligned messaging and strategy.  - Ensure all organization staff engaged with advocacy and grassroots work reports time as required in compliance with the IRS and FPPC.  Requirements Required  - 5-7 years experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative advocacy.  - Strong understanding of California legislative and budget processes.  - Experience building relationships with policymakers and coalition partners.  - Strong strategic thinking and policy analysis skills.  - Excellent communication and public speaking abilities.  - Experience managing complex policy initiatives or campaigns.  - Able to travel and/or attend events across California, sometimes on weekends or evenings, as necessary.  - Able to work at a computer for long periods of time, work in and move across an office setting, communicate with colleagues and constituents, and occasionally move items up to 25 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.  - Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.  - Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.  - Prioritizes tasks effectively and accomplishes work efficiently with minimal supervision.  - Demonstrated ability to accept and apply feedback, follow leadership, and align with organizational decisions.  Preferred  - Background in environmental and equitable access policy, public lands, conservation, or natural resources.  - Experience working with nonprofit advocacy organizations.  - Familiarity with California state park system and related policy issues.  - Experience supervising staff and consultants.  - Experience with engaging donors and supporting fundraising efforts.    JUSTICE, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND DIVERSITY:  At California State Parks Foundation, our mission is protecting and preserving the California state park system, for the benefit of all. We believe that California’s state parks are essential to the health, happiness, and quality of life for all Californians. If we truly are to benefit all, we must address justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity (JEID) in our work. While the process of integrating JEID may not be easy, we are full of hope regarding our vision for a future California state park system that engages a broad audience and is welcoming and accessible to all. We commit to fostering an organizational culture that celebrates learning and growth, leans into difficult conversations and feedback, values connection to each other, and sustains staff and board members’ well-being and sense of belonging.  COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $94,137 - $112,414. BENEFITS: Employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, acupuncture/chiropractic, participation in 401k retirement plan with match after one year of service, employee life, accidental, long- and short-term disability insurance, participation in pre-tax commuter benefits and flexible spending account, health and wellness and hybrid office stipend after 6 months of employment, paid vacation, 13 paid holidays, birthday holiday, and sick time.  California State Parks Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Police Code, Article 49.   Salary Description $94,137 - $112,414 Apply View All Jobs Powered by Payroll & HR Software