County Legislative Affairs Officer

Job Specifications

Class Code:	LA8
Analyst:	JES

Date Originated:	4/26
Date Revised:

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs highly responsible and complex professional work involving research, analysis, interpretation, coordination, and advocacy related to State and Federal legislative matters impacting the County; develops, coordinates, and advances the County s legislative program and agenda; facilitates communication and collaboration between the County and local, state, and national governmental entities and professional organizations; develops and implements strategic legislative communications in partnership with the County Public Information Officer; and provides advanced administrative and policy support to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position classification responsible for managing and advancing the County s legislative and intergovernmental affairs program. This class is characterized by a high degree of independent judgment, political acumen, policy analysis, and intergovernmental coordination. The incumbent serves as the County s primary resource for monitoring, analyzing, and coordinating legislative matters at the State and Federal levels.

The incumbent operates with significant independence and discretion in a politically sensitive environment, frequently interacting with elected officials, senior County leadership, legislative staff, and external stakeholders. Work involves managing competing priorities, interpreting complex legislation, and advising executive leadership on policy and fiscal impacts to County operations.

This classification differs from the Administrative Analyst series in the County Executive Office in that it is specifically focused on legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, and strategic advocacy, including advancing the County s legislative priorities and representing the County in policy forums at the local, state and national levels.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Monitor, track, and analyze State and Federal legislation, regulatory proposals, and budget actions affecting County programs, funding, operations, and policy priorities;
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of proposed legislation; evaluate operational, fiscal, legal, and community impacts; and prepare written reports, policy briefs, correspondence, and recommendations for the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors;
• Coordinate development, refinement, and implementation of the County s annual and multi-year legislative agenda in collaboration with County departments, divisions, and executive leadership;
• Serve as liaison between the County and State and Federal legislative representatives, administrative agencies, and professional associations;
• Represent the County before legislative bodies, committees, intergovernmental working groups, and professional organizations, as directed;
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, agency representatives, and stakeholders to advance County priorities;
• Coordinate legislative positions, bill sponsorship requests, support/opposition letters, funding requests, and advocacy strategies consistent with Board direction;
• Manage, direct and work with the County s State and Federal lobbyists to execute legislative, regulatory, and public policy advocacy;
• Collaborate with the County Public Information Officer to develop and implement strategic legislative communications plans, including key messaging, public information materials, and stakeholder outreach to support legislative priorities;
• Provide highly complex administrative and policy support to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors on legislative matters, including preparing agenda materials, briefings, presentations, and background memoranda;
• Facilitate cross-departmental coordination to ensure consistent County positions and timely responses to legislative developments;
• Monitor grant opportunities and funding initiatives associated with State and Federal legislation and coordinate internal responses;
• Assist in organizing legislative visits, advocacy days, and meetings with State and Federal legislative representatives, administrative agencies, policymakers and partner organizations;
• Maintain legislative tracking systems and prepare periodic reports on legislative activity and outcomes;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Thorough knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration and governmental organization.
• Principles and practices of county government, including administration, organization, programs, and functions.
• Legislative and budgetary processes at the State and Federal levels.
• Research methods, policy analysis techniques, and program evaluation.
• Intergovernmental relations and legislative, regulatory, and public policy advocacy strategies.
• Strategic communications principles and public information practices.
• Political and organizational dynamics affecting public agencies.
• Applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing lobbying and advocacy activities by public entities.

Working knowledge of:

• Public sector budgeting and fiscal impact analysis.
• Methods and techniques of preparing reports and policy analyses related to legislation.
• Grant funding processes and administration.
• Legislative tracking systems and databases for monitoring legislative activity.

Ability to:

• Analyze complex legislative and regulatory proposals and identify operational and fiscal impacts.
• Exercise sound judgment and political sensitivity in a public governance environment.
• Develop and implement legislative strategies aligned with Board direction.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, policy analyses, and briefing materials under tight deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, senior administrators, department heads, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining alignment with executive direction.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive information appropriately.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these would be:

• Equivalent to a bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university in political science, public administration, communications, journalism, business, or related field. A master s degree in a related field is desirable.

AND

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in legislative analysis, public policy development, governmental affairs, intergovernmental relations, or public administration, preferably within a public agency or legislative body. Experience working with State and/or Federal legislative processes is highly desirable.

Bargaining Unit: 08

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 85

Worker's Comp Code: 0053