State Advocacy Director in Sacramento, California at California Environmental Voters
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Job Description
Title: State Advocacy Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salary Exempt
Wage: $135,000 - $160,000 annual salary
Department: Political
Reports To: Chief Strategy Officer
Position Location: Sacramento
Work Schedule: Four Day Work Week: Two (2) days in office, two (2) days remote. However, there may be certain circumstances, like pressing deadlines or peak business periods, where it becomes necessary for the organization to temporarily switch to a five-day work week.
This position is based in Sacramento and requires candidates to reside in the Sacramento area.
WHY THIS ROLE, WHY NOW
California's climate future is being written right now — and the decisions made in Sacramento over the next three years will shape environmental and climate justice outcomes for decades. EnviroVoters is at the center of that fight, and we need a seasoned, strategic advocate who knows how to win in the Capitol.
The State Advocacy Director will drive proactive legislation, lead regulatory implementation of landmark laws including SB 253, and ensure EnviroVoters remains Sacramento's most trusted and effective climate justice voice. You will serve on the Senior Leadership Team, partner directly with the Chief Strategy Officer, and lead a talented team of legislative and regulatory staff. If you are ready to make your mark on California's climate future at the highest level, we want to hear from you.
WHAT MAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY DISTINCTIVE
- Four-Day Work Week for most of the year — a genuine commitment to sustainable, high-performance work
- Senior Leadership Team seat — this role shapes organizational strategy, not just legislative strategy
- Direct partnership with the Chief Strategy Officer on cross-departmental priorities
- A respected, well-resourced organization with deep coalition relationships and a strong track record in Sacramento
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision and dental coverage, 401(k) with employer match, 12 days PTO, 12 holidays, a year-end office closure between Christmas and New Year, and additional benefits that support employee well-being and work-life balance.
POSITION SUMMARY
The State Advocacy Director is EnviroVoters’ chief state advocate and strategic lead for California legislative and regulatory advocacy. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, this role shapes and executes high-impact state policy strategies that advance climate justice, environmental protection, and democracy priorities in the California State Legislature.
The State Advocacy Director leads a team of legislative and regulatory staff, stewards critical relationships across the Capitol, drives coalition strategy, and ensures EnviroVoters is seen as a trusted, effective, values-driven force in Sacramento. Regular travel within California is required, including legislative visits, lobbying meetings, and staff convenings across the state.
KEY PRIORITIES
Lead State Legislative and Regulatory Strategy
- Serve as one of the organization’s registered lobbyists and primary strategic lead for the state legislative agenda
- Craft and oversee EnviroVoters’ legislative and regulatory policy priorities in collaboration with the CSO, legislative and regulatory staff, contract lobbyists, coalitions, and partners
- Lead lobbying efforts for sponsored and priority bills, including coalition coordination, target mapping, and political analysis
- Identify opportunities for proactive legislation and make strategic recommendations to leadership
- Oversee strategy and execution for regulatory implementation of SB 253 and other major environmental laws
- Guide strategy and engagement with CARB, CPUC, CEC, and other regulatory bodies
Build and Steward Relationships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with legislators, Capitol staff, administration officials, and key influencers
- Represent EnviroVoters in high-level meetings, coalition negotiations, press briefings, and external events
- Drive production of the Environmental Scorecard and manage the priority bill list
Lead and Develop the Team
- Hire, manage, and mentor legislative and regulatory staff, strengthening team capacity and leadership pipeline
- Manage the State Advocacy team budget and ensure alignment with strategic goals
- Oversee planning and execution of legislative events, lobby days, and briefings
Serve as an Organizational Leader
- Serve on the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organizational planning and culture
- Partner with the CSO in leading cross-department collaboration with Communications, Political, Organizing, and Philanthropy teams
- Support fundraising efforts and collaborate with philanthropy staff on grant writing, reporting, and donor engagement
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
We are looking for a senior California advocacy leader who combines deep Capitol relationships with strategic vision and a genuine commitment to climate justice. Specifically:
- Substantial senior-level experience in California legislative advocacy, policy, or political strategy — typically 8 or more years, though we are open to candidates whose experience reflects the depth and scope of the role
- At least 2 years of experience supervising and managing staff
- Proven track record of successful lobbying, coalition-building, and legislative campaign strategy
- Deep understanding of California politics and the state legislative process
- Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and political diplomacy skills
- Excellent public speaking, writing, and strategic communication abilities
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
- High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and commitment to progressive values
- Strong commitment to climate justice, environmental justice, and equity
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS WE WELCOME
- Direct lobbying experience in the California State Legislature
- Familiarity with CARB, CPUC, CEC, and other California regulatory bodies
- Experience working alongside communities most impacted by pollution and environmental injustice
- Experience supporting fundraising or philanthropy for policy or advocacy work
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Explore other opportunities on our Careers page at envirovoters.org/careers.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
The climate crisis is here — and Black, Indigenous, and people of color have been bearing the burden of our pollution-based economy for generations. We have the solutions to stop climate change, but we lack the political will to act at the rate and scale needed.
EnviroVoters exists to build that political will. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. Our vision is resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all.
Our core values — Equity, Courage, Integrity, Compassion, Impact, and Learning — are not aspirational language. They shape how we work, how we lead, and how we show up for one another and for the communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
EnviroVoters and EnviroVoters Ed Fund have a deep commitment to equity and fostering a culture of inclusion. EnviroVoters invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our organization.
As part of this commitment, we will ensure that people with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions, please contact envirovotersjobs@envirovoters.org
We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.