Working Title:
Assistant Deputy Director of Policy & Public Affairs
Classification:
SUPERVISOR II
$7,872.00 - $9,781.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross-functional teams.
The Policy and Public Affairs Division helps bring the message about financial aid opportunities to students, families, policymakers, media, and other key stakeholders. This team is responsible for the Commission's outreach and marketing programs that promote financial aid and opportunities to receive assistance in applying for aid. The division also works with state and federal policymakers to craft legislation and budgetary actions to make financial aid more accessible and impactful for students, while also seeking to ensure that these issues are widely understood by media and external partners through strategic communications and engagement. The policy and Public Affairs Division is a dynamic team focused on helping connect students with the support that is available now and developing solutions to better serve them in the future. The State and Federal Policy unit serves as a partner to all other divisions in interpreting laws, formulating program regulations, completing legislative and federal reports and advocating for the Commission's goals and priorities.
Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Candidates are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how the candidates' education, training, experience, and/or skills qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidates' ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes and/or cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ.
Instructions: The SOQ must be typed in 12-point Arial font, and no more than two (2) pages in length; and clearly titled "Statement of Qualifications". Responses must answer/respond to, and be numbered in the same order as the following:
- Describe your leadership approach and provide examples demonstrating your ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff while managing complex or high visibility assignments..
- Explain your experience working with elected officials , their staff, and control agencies and the strategies used to educate and influence a shifting legislative or budget condition.
- Describe your experience leading or coordinating an advocacy initiative that required building and sustaining multiple stakeholders with competing priorities to be successful.
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/21/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
CA Student Aid Commission
Human Resources Office (USPS)
Attn: HR Office
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
CA Student Aid Commission
Human Resources Office (DO)
Recruitment, Personnel Services
11120 International Drive, Suite 100
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Applications received without the SOQ may be rejected. Refer to the Special Requirements section of this job posting for the SOQ instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Experience leading teams, supervising staff, or managing cross-functional projects in a policy, government, or public affairs environment.
- Strong knowledge of state and federal legislative processes, including experience reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting legislation, regulations, or policy proposals.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with federal and state agencies, elected officials, advocacy groups, and community partners.
- Experience managing complex or high-profile projects, events, or initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.
- Experience coordinating or leading workgroups, coalitions, or multi-agency collaborative efforts.
- Ability to adapt strategies in a fast-paced policy environment and respond effectively to emerging issues.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Libby Avalos
(916) 464-7998
[email protected]
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
A completed application package must include the following:
- On the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) enter the Position Number, Position Title, and Job Control Number in the "Examination(s) or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section.
- "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) and total hours worked per week for all employment history listed on the STD. 678.
- Name, address, and phone numbers of current and former employers and supervisors.
- "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) on the resume (if applicable).
- State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification held (not working titles).
- All required documents listed in the "Required Application Documents" section.
- If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your official/informal transcripts for verification. These transcripts must include your name and the name of the school. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.
- If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must also submit an evaluation of this degree to determine its US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit this website https://www.naces.org/ to find organizations that provide these services.
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification must be included in your completed Application Package to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Failure to provide the information listed above may disqualify you from consideration for this recruitment.
Resumes, Cover Letters, etc. DO NOT replace the required, completed Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678).
Personally Identifiable Information:
Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any of your documents in your application package.
Diversity Statement: Here at the CSAC, we want all of our employees to feel respected, valued, appreciated, and equipped to thrive. CSAC encourages employees to work together to fuel the creativity and innovation process necessary to serve our customers well. This commitment fosters and inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are honored as we join in common cause to make college affordable for all California students.
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
