Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs

Job description

The California Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association , founded in 1987, is part of a national volunteer movement supporting the needs and well-being of children and youth in the dependency and juvenile justice systems of the Superior Court. Today, CASA is one of the largest volunteer opportunities in the country, with more than 900 individual CASA programs nationwide in 49 states; California CASA is one of the most successful, with a diverse staff of 14, and a 20-member Board of Directors who represent all areas of the state. Our mission, vision, and values are articulated here . For further information about our programs and impact, see our FY Impact Report . CA CASA’s network serves 53 of the state’s 58 counties, providing transformative advocacy and support for children and youth in CA’s dependency and juvenile justice systems. There are some 60,000 children and youth in the systems, and of these, 7,600 CASA volunteers serve nearly 11,000 children, but CA CASA is committed to increasing the number served and ensuring program practices that support the unique needs of each child. Our ambitious long-term strategic goal is that one day, every CA child who needs a CASA volunteer will have one. In 2022, the CA Legislature awarded a three-year appropriation of $60,000,000 to CA CASA, with 80% of funding going to the 44 local CASA programs that comprise the state’s network; 20% supported shared services coordinated by CA CASA. In 2026, a one-year appropriation of $20,000,000 was awarded. CA CASA is now engaged in a major effort to secure more permanent State funding; this new position of Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs was established in 2026 in order to support that effort.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The full-time Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs (DPLA) reports to the Chief Program Officer (CPO), but also works in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other senior staff to advance CA CASA’s legislative, public policy, and government relations priorities. DPLA leads statewide advocacy, policy development, government relations, research initiatives, and systems-change efforts and collaborates with local CASA programs, contract lobbyists, legislators, judicial leaders, state agencies, philanthropic partners, and allied organizations. The DPLA strengthens statewide partnerships, supports Board policy leadership, and elevates the voices of local CASA programs, CASA volunteers, and youth to inform and influence public policy. The DPLA works across departments to align CA CASA’s program expertise, statewide network, research, communications, philanthropic connections, and public policy priorities into a coordinated advocacy strategy that strengthens systems serving children and youth. By translating field experience, data, and emerging policy issues into actionable legislative strategies, the DPLA helps CA CASA influence public policy and secure public investment that will improve outcomes for the most vulnerable children and families throughout CA. As the operational leader of CA CASA’s legislative and public policy infrastructure, the DPLA ensures advocacy, research, and statewide engagement efforts are strategic, coordinated, and responsive while supporting the CEO, who serves as CA CASA’s primary legislative advocate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Organizational Strategy

Reporting to the CPO, the DPLA is a strategic advisor to the CEO on legislative, public policy, and government affairs matters affecting CA CASA, its statewide network, and children and youth in the court’s dependency and juvenile justice systems. The DPLA supports the CEO in identifying long-term public policy opportunities that advance the mission, strengthen the statewide network, and improve outcomes for children and youth.

Leads and actively manages day-to-day government affairs functions, i.e. legislative bill tracking, advocacy logistics, legislative and policy records, and operational coordination. Partners with the CEO and CPO to develop and implement CA CASA’s annual legislative agenda, public policy priorities, and state budget advocacy strategy.

Develops and maintains the annual legislative advocacy calendar, ensuring timely coordination of budget advocacy, bill tracking, committee meetings, legislative deadlines, advocacy campaigns, reports, and stakeholder communications.

Under the direction of the CPO, advises the CEO and Board of Directors (BOD) on emerging legislative, regulatory, and public policy issues and recommends strategic responses. Collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure policy priorities that support CA CASA’s Strategic Plan, organizational goals, and statewide initiatives. Works across departments to integrate legislative advocacy, research, communications, philanthropy, and program expertise into a unified organizational strategy.

Represents the CEO and CA CASA in statewide meetings, workgroups, and strategic partnerships as assigned.

Legislative Affairs and Government Relations

Coordinates advocacy efforts to secure ongoing state appropriations, public investments, and policy initiatives. Monitors implementation of newly enacted legislation and identifies opportunities for legislative or administrative improvements. Tracks state legislation, budget proposals, regulations, and administrative actions affecting children, youth, and CASA programs.

In partnership with the CEO and CPO, contract lobbyists, and key stakeholders, coordinates CA CASA’s annual state budget request and legislative funding strategy, legislative positions, bill sponsorships, coalition sign-on letters, support and opposition positions, and legislative tracking processes. Prepares legislative testimony, budget proposals, coalition letters, briefing materials, and advocacy campaigns supporting CA CASA’s policy priorities.

Supports the CEO in advancing legislative and budget advocacy with the Governor’s Office, Legislature, Judicial Council, CA Department of Social Services (CDSS), Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and other agencies.

Prepares legislative briefings, talking points, background materials, policy analyses, testimony, and advocacy materials for the CEO and BOD.

Serves as primary staff liaison to contract lobbying firm in Sacramento, ensuring coordinated strategy and timely follow-up.

Legislative Advocacy and Policy Committee of the Board of Directors

Is the primary staff liaison to the Board Committee; partners with the CEO, CPO, and Committee Chair to develop annual Committee workplans aligned with the CA CASA Strategic Plan. Coordinates Committee meetings, agendas, materials, presentations, written minutes/records, and follow-up actions. Facilitates development and annual review of Legislative Platforms, Policy Agendas, and Board-approved policy position statements.

Ensures effective communication regarding legislative priorities and advocacy activities between the Board and staff and local CASA programs’ Legislative Advocacy Teams (LATs).

Prepares policy recommendations; issues briefs, legislative analyses, and background materials for committee review; as appropriate, coordinates Committee review of proposed legislation, budget priorities, and public policy positions prior to Board action. Provides regular progress reports to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team.

Data

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Worksite address

sacramento, CA, 95828, US

Who can apply

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