Associate Director

Position Summary:

The Government and Community Relations (GCR) Associate Director will expand and strengthen the UC ANR Government and Community Relations team. This position will increase capacity to build and maintain excellent working relationships with key internal and external partners and with elected officials in local, state, and federal governments.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department is the Government & Community Relations. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $84,100/year to $119,400/year

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 05/08/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

80%

Government Relations

• Under the supervision of the Government and Community Relations Director, develop, plan, and implement government and community relations strategies that advance UC ANR's mission.
• Develop, nurture, and maintain effective relationships with government officials and their staff in the policy making process.
• Works closely with UC ANR units, in particular Strategic Communication, Development Services, contracts and Grants and other administrative and program units across UC ANR.
• Under the supervision of the Government and Community Relations Director, works closely with UC Office of the President Government Relations offices in Oakland, Sacramento, and DC.
• Build/maintain excellent working relationships with key internal and external partners, typically at the highest level, including arranging meetings, events, tours/site visits or other opportunities to showcase UC ANR and serving as a strong advocate for institutional goals and objectives.
• Work closely with senior administration and other relevant contacts to develop and implement effective strategic plans that promote, advocate for and highlight achievements, activities and programs of UC ANR.
• Communicate UC ANR's mission, strategic and tactical plans, and technical capabilities and needs to federal, state and tribal officials, staff, and other visitors.
• Assist in the preparation of supporting testimony for committee hearings, as necessary.
• Closely monitor developments within federal, state, local, and tribal governments that may affect UC ANR programs and interests, and communicate developments and analysis to UC ANR leadership.
• Develop UC ANR outreach materials designed for government audiences.
• Interpret and advise UC ANR staff on policies regarding interactions with federal, state, local, or tribal officials, and with official visitors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws, regulations, and/or rules, standards and guidelines.

20%

Community Relations

• Develop and manage relationships with key community stakeholders, including businesses, civic groups, and academic institutions.
• Plan, develop and implement programs to promote community awareness of UC ANR.
• Ensure UC ANR representation and membership with local/regional boards and committees.
• Counsel and coordinate with UC ANR management and staff on effective and appropriate employee engagement with community organizations.
• Incorporate UC ANR, where appropriate, in community events, fairs, and other events.
• Quickly and appropriately identify, address, and mitigate unforeseen and/or rapidly unfolding events that may negatively impact relationships between UC ANR and various constituencies, keeping senior management appropriately advised and notified.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• 3+ years working in Congress, the state legislature, or for the County Board of Supervisors.
• Advanced knowledge of UC ANR, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements, issues of concern, and infrastructure.
• Advanced knowledge of local, state, congressional, and executive branch policies and programs and knowledge of the policy environment that shapes the opportunities for agriculture, natural resources, nutrition education, economic, and youth development programs.
• Advanced knowledge of higher education, preferably in California or with other land-grant institution.
• Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituencies.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
• Advanced knowledge and experience relating to California county government, state legislature, congressional processes, and policies and programs.
• Demonstrated experience as a government and/or community relations professional.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, anticipatory, proactive, and work well on teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated passion and/or knowledge of agriculture and/or natural resources.
• Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, staff and external individuals and groups, both orally and written.
• Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to navigate sensitive or complex political issues.
• Ability to work with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of members of the community.
• An understanding of UC ANR's primary programs and mission areas.
• Experience working with senior executives and senior staff.
• Advanced degree in agriculture and/or natural resources, public policy, or related field.