SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR
SUMMARY
The Office of San Diego County Chair Terra Lawson-Remer seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual to serve as Senior Policy Advisor. Working directly on the Supervisor's policy agenda in a fast-paced governing office, they will lead and oversee key policy initiatives and strategies that help shape the County's $8 billion budget to deliver results for the region's 3.3 million people. The office works on some of the most consequential issues facing San Diego County, including economic fairness, protecting due process rights, environmental sustainability, behavioral health transformation, consumer protections, and the Tijuana River pollution crisis.
We are looking for strategic, mission-driven problem solvers who can navigate complex political environments and deliver measurable public outcomes. We are particularly interested in candidates who think entrepreneurially about government and can identify opportunities others overlook.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Senior Policy Advisor will join a 12-person team focused on advancing an ambitious policy agenda centered on affordability, economic opportunity, sustainability, and effective government. In a period of growing uncertainty and federal retrenchment, the office is focused on ensuring County government remains responsive, effective, and accountable to working families across San Diego County.
Reporting to the Policy Director, the Senior Policy Advisor will develop, direct, and oversee implementation of major public policy initiatives, working closely with advocates and stakeholders, community partners, County departments, and other team members.
The portfolio spans health and human services, public health, criminal justice, and public safety. We actively seek candidates who bring deep expertise in one or more of these areas and the flexibility to grow across others.
Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Driving Transformative Policy
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Lead major policy initiatives from idea generation and strategy development through Board action, implementation, and public rollout.
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Draft legislation, briefing memos, resolutions, stakeholder mapping analysis, and strategic frameworks.
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Manage implementation in partnership with County departments after Board adoption.
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Identify political and policy risks, and build internal and external momentum to advance solutions.
- Political and Policy Strategy
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Serve as a senior advisor to Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer on policy and political strategy across your portfolio.
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Track and interpret key political and legislative developments; formulate strategic recommendations.
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Own briefing memos and strategic advice for the Supervisor on high-stakes Board items and emerging issues.
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Monitor state and national policy developments and identify opportunities or risks relevant to San Diego County.
- Stakeholder and Community Organizing
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Build and manage trusted relationships with labor partners, advocates, stakeholders, and community organizations.
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Organize coalitions and stakeholder engagement efforts to drive forward policy wins.
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Represent the Supervisor at public meetings, roundtables, and events, as needed.
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Partner with communications staff to develop persuasive public messaging around policy priorities.
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Translate technical policy into compelling narratives, developing communications and public engagement strategies that may include press events, stakeholder convenings, op-eds, and coalition campaigns.
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Help communicate how effective public policy can improve everyday life for residents across San Diego County.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
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10+ years of experience in public policy, government, advocacy, or a related field.
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Excellent strategic judgment and discretion to handle confidential and sensitive matters and navigate political dynamics.
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Experience working with high degree of autonomy, managing multiple complex projects across a team.
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Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills, translating complex ideas to the lived experience of constituents.
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Experience managing stakeholder groups and organizing policy action.
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Strong understanding of the intersection between policy, communications, and community organizing.
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Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively in team environments, and a demonstrated willingness to incorporate feedback and continuously improve
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Demonstrated ability to rapidly develop working expertise across unfamiliar policy domains.
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The role is fast-paced and requires comfort operating under tight timelines, evolving political conditions, and significant public visibility.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
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$140,000 - $155,000, based on experience.
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Hybrid office with scheduling flexibility.
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Defined benefit pension plan with additional savings options through 457 and 401 accounts.
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County-paid flexible credits that allow you to choose from a variety of benefit plans, including medical, dental and vision insurances, short term disability and critical illness programs (some costs may be out of pocket depending upon individual elections).
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County-paid life and accident insurance and long-term disability.
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Transit pass reimbursement program.
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15 days of vacation a year, 14 County-paid holidays, floating holidays, paid sick leave, and discretionary executive time off.
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Growth and personal development opportunities.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit materials through our online application portal: https://forms.gle/WSnadX7JHenhRXG68
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Resume
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Cover letter
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Writing sample: a policy brief, legislative item, memo, or similar document. If your work is confidential, please provide a redacted or anonymized version with a brief note explaining the context.
Please name all files using the following format: LastName_FirstName_DocumentType.pdf (e.g., Smith_Jane_CoverLetter.pdf).
Qualified candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. Professional references may be requested during the final stages of the selection process.
Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this job announcement may be modified or revoked and do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POLICY
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
MILITARY SKILLS TRANSLATOR
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader)
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
