Director of Policy and External Affairs

PROJECT POLICY ANL 4 RP (005258)

UCPath Position ID: 40939835

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1142770

Approved Date:

11/13/2026 12:48:10 PM

Date Last Edited:

11/13/2026 12:48:05 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

2/21/2024

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1180O

Organization:

LUSKIN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS        

Division Code:

1181D

Division:

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS               

Department:

118800 - LATINO POLICY & POLITICS (LPPI)

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40939835

Position Description ID

171584

UC Payroll Title:

PROJECT POLICY ANL 4 RP (005258)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RP: Research and Public Service PR

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40054603

Reports to Payroll Title:

ASSOC PROF-AY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40054603

Department Head Payroll Title:

ASSOC PROF-AY

DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent establishes procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives in a broad area of work. Only the final results of work done are typically reviewed. Incumbent typically develops procedures within the limits of established policy guidelines.

005256

PROJECT POLICY ANL 2 RP

1

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) Faculty Director, the Director of Policy provides advanced policy analysis, strategic leadership, and consultation to advance the Institute's research and policy priorities. The position evaluates emerging policy issues, translates complex research findings into actionable recommendations, and advises senior leadership and policymakers on policy strategies at the local, state, and national levels.

The Director leads complex policy initiatives from planning through implementation, coordinates cross-functional efforts involving research, communications, and external engagement, and develops strategic partnerships with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders, including the California State Legislature.

The position provides leadership and oversight of LPPI's Policy and Mobilization portfolio, guides staff and student fellows, and exercises a high degree of independent judgment in managing complex, sensitive, and high-profile policy matters.

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI) seeks a dedicated and dynamic leader to direct our policy and external relations strategies as the institute’s Policy Director. We are looking for a candidate whose work demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how policy change happens, along with working knowledge of the range of domestic policy issues affecting California and the U.S. Latino communities. The Policy Director will play a pivotal role in advancing our vision to center the needs of underserved communities in current policy debates and improve governance at the local, state, and federal level.

Policy Development & Government Relations

Designs, develops, and reviews policy recommendations, executive summaries, briefing materials, and public statements that translate research for policymakers, stakeholders, and external audiences.

Educate and support faculty and researchers in  legislative and advocacy issues such as letters of support, policy position statements, advocacy communications related to legislative proposals and coalition campaigns.

Directs and implements organizational strategies for coalition engagement, policy advocacy, systems-change initiatives in partnership with FD.

25%

Research Amplification & Policy Translation

Conducts policy landscape analyses to identify emerging priorities, legislative developments, and opportunities for research amplification and engagement.

Coordinates with UCLA LPPI's Directors of Research to identify emerging policy issues, refine policy recommendations for research publications, and elevate research findings with policymakers and stakeholders

Designs strategies for prioritizing research requests and developing engagement plans that connect faculty expertise to policy and legislative priorities.

Conducts and synthesizes policy research, compiles briefing materials, and prepares faculty, researchers, and content experts to effectively engage policymakers, media, and other external stakeholders.

25%

Strategic Partnership

Builds and maintains strategic relationships with policymakers, educational institutions, advocacy coalitions, philanthropic partners, and community stakeholders and faculty/researchers. .

Cultivates relationships that strengthen institutional capacity for research-informed, data-driven policymaking.

Identifies opportunities to strengthen UCLA LPPI's leadership, visibility, and influence in policy discussions affecting Latino communities.

Performs special projects and strategic assignments for the Faculty Director, Deputy Director, and Directors of Research, and participates in institute-wide initiatives and collaborative activities.

25%

Leadership and Organizational Policy Strategy

Directs and oversees UCLA LPPI's Policy and Mobilization team, including departmental initiatives, operational priorities, and budget.

Serves as a principal advisor on strategic policy priorities, advocacy opportunities, and institutional positioning related to emerging state, federal, and local policy issues affecting Latino communities.

Develops and manages an annual policy agenda aligned with federal and state priorities affecting Latino communities, UCLA LPPI's research agenda, and faculty expertise.

Supervises one full-time staff, student fellows, and project teams, including responsibility for hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management.

15%

Thought Leadership and External Engagement

Thought-leadership for webinars, workshops, panels, and other public-facing events that elevate UCLA LPPI's research and policy priorities and disseminate findings to diverse audiences.

Builds institutional capacity for faculty, staff, and students to participate in thought leadership activities, policy engagement, and public representation of UCLA LPPI.

Represents UCLA LPPI at conferences, public forums, and media engagements to strengthen organizational visibility, cultivate partnerships, and advance policy priorities.

Leads and coordinates partnership meetings and stakeholder convenings related to research priorities, policy initiatives, and organizational strategy.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, urban planning, higher education, or a related advanced field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required

Master's Degree

in public policy, public administration, political science, urban planning or higher education.

Preferred

8+ years

of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government relations, advocacy, community engagement, higher education, or a related field, including supervisory and strategic leadership, an

Required

Demonstrated experience designing and implementing public-facing events, policy convenings, workshops, webinars, or leadership development programs involving diverse stakeholder groups.

Preferred

Advanced knowledge of federal, California state, and municipal legislative and policymaking processes, including systems-change strategies, policy development, advocacy, implementation, and political campaign processes.

Required

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex policy issues, assess political implications and risks, identify emerging trends, and develop data-informed policy positions, strategic recommendations, and engagement strategies.

Required

Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, including the ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff and project teams while managing multiple high-level, time-sensitive initiatives and competing priorities.

Required

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government, advocacy, community, philanthropic, and institutional partners. Established networks in California government and Latino-serving organizations are highly desirable.

Required

Advanced knowledge of policy and political issues affecting Latino communities, higher education, civic engagement, and equity-focused initiatives, including federal and multi-state policy trends.

Required

Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive policy and advocacy materials, present complex information clearly, facilitate policy discussions and convenings, and effectively engage decision-makers and diverse stakeholders.

Required

Ability to serve as a principal advisor to executive leadership, providing strategic guidance and recommendations on policy developments, legislative priorities, organizational risks, and emerging issues.

Required

Demonstrated ability to organize and mobilize communities and develop strategic partnerships that advance policy advocacy, civic engagement, leadership development, and public-impact initiatives.

Required

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, cultural competency, and professionalism when working independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and managing sensitive, confidential, or politically complex matters.

Required

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, virtual collaboration platforms, research tools, and project management and communication technologies, with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.