State and Local Government Affairs Staff

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

JPL's Office of Legislative & Government Affairs Office oversees all aspects of government engagement at every level (local, state, federal and international). It’s a small office that covers a large external community. As a State and Local Government Affairs Staff, your main job will be to engage and educate local/state officials and community leaders to build up JPL’s brand. The job is about sharing our vision for space exploration, creating enthusiasm for our missions and support for our projects.

Responsibilities

• Build positive and long-lasting relationships with local and state elected officials and their staff.
• Stay actively engaged with local community leaders, LA county elected officials and state legislators of interest.
• Support official visits from federal, state and local elected officials to the center
• Draft letters, memos, legislative correspondence.
• Work to identify emerging policy and how it may affect lab and make long-term strategic plans for advocacy and funding implementation.
• Develop networks— a ”community of practice”-- with colleagues across JPL and with external organizations to support JPL’s endeavors.
• Provide support on all aspects of government affairs as needed by management.
• Read and analyze pending legislation and JPL program/project materials.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience or a Master's degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience.
• Must know the political landscape of the local region well and must have worked with California state legislature and have situational awareness of CA congressional delegation.
• Understand practices of local/state/federal government and the differences between them—such as the differences between personal offices, District offices/committee staff/ personal staff, etc.
• Understand the principles and practices of intergovernmental and community relations.

Desired Skills And Experience

• Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, like the ability to multi-task
• Special event planning experience
• Ability to navigate a complicated and diverse political environment inside JPL and outside the lab.
• Strong problem solving skills
• Must be a fan of space exploration, committed to climate solutions and a champion of science

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.