Job Description

Overview

Join to apply for the Director of Government Affairs role at Downtown San Diego Partnership .

Location: Downtown San Diego area. Tentative Start Date: October 1, 2025. FLSA: Full-time, Exempt (Salary).

Position Summary

The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for leading and executing a comprehensive government relations strategy that aligns with the Downtown San Diego Partnerships mission and strategic priorities. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of California, and other regional entities, while also overseeing media relations, external affairs, and public-facing communications in coordination with a broader Public Affairs team.

This position plays a key leadership role in shaping public policy, coordinating advocacy campaigns, ensuring alignment with regulatory and legislative priorities, and amplifying the voice of Downtown through effective policy, media and stakeholder engagement.

Essential Job Functions & Duties

• Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy 60%
  • Develop and lead advocacy strategies on key policy issues impacting Downtown San Diego, including housing, homelessness, infrastructure, transportation, and economic development.
  • Build and sustain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, city departments, and regional stakeholders at the city, county, and state levels.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on relevant legislation, ballot initiatives, and public policies.
  • Represent the organization at City Council, Board of Supervisors, and regional agency meetings, hearings, and stakeholder briefings.
  • Coordinate formal public comments, position letters, and testimony on issues of strategic importance.
• Media & Public Affairs 20%
  • Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization and manage incoming media inquiries in coordination with leadership.
  • Work in partnership with communications staff and consultants to shape messaging for public campaigns and organizational announcements.
  • Support issue-based storytelling, op-eds, and thought leadership opportunities for executives and board members.
• External Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement 10%
  • Cultivate partnerships with business leaders, community organizations, coalitions, and civic partners to advance shared priorities.
  • Lead public affairs initiatives that promote the organizations visibility and values.
  • Manage and support external coalitions, working groups, and partner-driven campaigns.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment between external engagement, programmatic goals, and communications.
• Organizational Leadership 10%
  • Work closely with the CEO, COO, and VP of Philanthropy to align advocacy efforts with organizational priorities.
  • Collaborate with team members across departments to inform programming and fundraising strategies with policy insights.
  • Supervise and support consultants and/or junior staff within the government affairs or public affairs portfolio as needed.
  • Provide strategic input on events, forums, and public engagements involving elected officials or civic leaders.
  • Note: Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications, Skills, And Abilities

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelors degree in public policy, political science, communications, urban planning, or a related field (Masters degree preferred).
  • 57 years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, or external affairs (required).
  • Strong understanding of local and state government systems, particularly in the City of San Diego (required).
• Technical & Analytical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and phone/email etiquette.
  • Proven experience managing media relations, including acting as a spokesperson and working with media.
• Communication & Collaboration:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including persuasive writing and public speaking.
  • Deep commitment to civic engagement, community building, and advancing inclusive and equitable policy outcomes.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Highly organized, proactive, and self-motivated.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and high-level relationships with stakeholders.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organizations facilities.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Criminal Background Check
• Pre-employment Drug Screening
• Motor Vehicle Report (if applicable)

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $95,000 - $110,000

• Hybrid Work Schedules - 3 days in office required, more may be required based on operational needs and government schedules
• Medical Coverage; Dental Coverage; Vision Coverage
• Parking Allotment
• Flexible time off offered for eligible employees
• 5 days of Paid Sick Time annually
• 401K Plan + Employer Match (eligible after 6 months of employment)
• Employee Assistance Program

Tentative Start Date: October 1, 2025

About the Downtown San Diego Partnership

Recognized by the San Diego Union Tribune as a 2024 Top Workplace in San Diego, the Downtown San Diego Partnership (DSDP) is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego through membership, advocacy, public services, and community investment. The organizations nearly 300 members represent a variety of sectors and are committed to nurturing a Downtown that benefits the entire San Diego region.

The Downtown San Diego Partnership Foundation (501(c)(3)) supports community initiatives and housing outreach. The Clean & Safe program provides maintenance, safety, beautification, and homeless outreach services. The organization also oversees programs with annual budgets in the tens of millions.

Our values include delivering excellent service, inclusiveness, growth, integrity in relationships, safety, and community impact.

DSDP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type.

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