Policy Specialist

About the role

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an experienced Policy Specialist to support and coordinate the efforts of the Office of Federal Relations (OFR) in matters related to federal higher education policy and funding.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on legislative and policy matters of interest to the CSU
• Provides information and/or summaries about such research to Assistant Vice Chancellor, Legislative Director, and Manager, Federal Relations
• Handles confidential and sensitive matters involving labor and employment issues in the Office of Federal Relations
• Tracks legislation of interest to the CSU and contacts relevant Congressional offices
• Drafts summaries, correspondence, and memoranda on relevant matters
• Affords support for OFR events in Washington, such as annual Hill Day (meetings and briefings) and receptions
• Affords support for development and maintenance of external OFR web page, other media, and internal SharePoint web page
• Performs office-wide administrative duties, including: maintaining office databases and files; handling accounts payable; monitoring office budget; completing HR related forms, handling office correspondence; assisting with meetings, mailings, and scheduling; purchasing/maintaining/inventorying equipment and supplies; travel arrangements; answering phones and responding to inquiries
• Makes recommendations to the Assistant Vice Chancellor regarding design and/or implementation of administrative systems, office purchases, etc.
• Manages OFR’s student intern program and facilitates opportunities for CSU interns in Washington, D.C.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant administrative experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Relevant experience may include full-time or part-time employment, internships, fellowships, student leadership roles, or other comparable experiences that demonstrate applicable skills
• Understanding of federal legislative and executive functions and processes and the ability to conduct legislative research are necessary to produce useful information and analysis for use by internal and external audiences
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential to successful performance of office administrative duties
• Proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) and other related programs are required to fulfill administrative role, prepare spreadsheets and databases
• Strong proofreading and written communication skills are required for effective drafting of correspondence, memoranda, and summaries
• Ability to deal with politically sensitive issues and maintain strict confidence is required
• Facility with computer research techniques and products and network information services is important for all OFR employees
• Outstanding interpersonal skills are essential for dealing extensively with internal and external audiences to include the ability to interface with senior level executives and management staff