Director of Government Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

FLSA: Full-time, Exempt (Salary)

Salary: $95,000 - $110,000

Tentative Start Date: October 1, 2025

Location: Downtown San Diego area

Why this job? Total Rewards Package

• 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

** In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. If you are hired at the Downtown San Diego Partnership, your final base salary (within the pay range) will be determined based on factors such as education, knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members when determining any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer generous benefits and retirement plans. **

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 Partnership’s 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 organization’s 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.

**Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all the activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.**

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, urban planning, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • 5–7 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 organization’s facilities.

Pre-employment Requirements

This position is contingent on successfully passing a:

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

Core Attributes

• Passion for Downtown and the San Diego community
• Collaborator & Community Impact focused
• Adaptable & Quick learner
• Have a go-getter proactive approach
• Detail-oriented
• Innovative thinker

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 organization’s nearly 300 members, representing a variety of business sectors including real estate, technology, banking, law, defense, insurance, communications, energy, and tourism are committed to nurturing a Downtown that benefits the entire San Diego region.

It also serves as the managing organization for several special districts and charitable foundations including the Property and Business Improvement District – otherwise known as Clean & Safe – which provides essential public services in the 275 blocks of Downtown San Diego. Through these programs, we have provided enhanced services in maintenance, safety, beautification, and homeless outreach, supported business promotion and retention, and improved the quality of life on behalf of Downtown’s neighborhoods for more than 20 years.

The Downtown San Diego Partnership Foundation (501 c3) is dedicated to enhancing the community and fostering growth in Downtown San Diego through initiatives that strengthen both economic and social well-being. Since 2010, we have built robust partnerships with community stakeholders, elected officials, and regional service providers to expand outreach and connect more individuals experiencing homelessness with housing and shelter services. In all, our Downtown San Diego Partnership Foundation provides an annual contractual budget of approximately $5 million with over 40 employees currently.

Our Clean & Safe program is committed to serving the following neighborhoods: Cortez Hill, Columbia, Marina, City Center, East Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter that make up Downtown San Diego. The 24/7 Operations consist of maintenance services along the public right of way, beautification efforts along with security and outreach services. This includes sweeping, trash removal, doggy bag dispenser refill, tree trimming, pressure washing, graffiti, gum, and sticker removal. The Clean & Safe Operations is committed to providing great customer service along with providing a cleaner and safer downtown to our stakeholders and residents.

In all, these programs provide an annual contractual budget of approximately $13 million annually.

To learn more about our work in these areas, please visit: www.downtownsandiego.org

Our Values

• Deliver excellent service: We strive to provide exceptional customer service through listening to our customers, providing efficient services, and innovative solutions resulting in value for our many stakeholders.
• Be fun and open-minded with a quirky sense of creativity: We work hard but take time to celebrate our collective achievements and realize there's always more than one perspective to consider when approaching a challenge.
• Pursue growth and learning: We invest in our people so they can continue to build skills and perspectives that enrich the work we do.
• Build honest relationships and communication: We believe honesty leads to strong relationships built on a foundation of trust.
• Nurture a safe work environment: We have a collective commitment to emphasize safety over competing goals to ensure the protection of people and our environment.
• Inclusiveness and diversity: We honor the inherent value of every individual’s unique story, experience, and perspective. We strive to amplify the voices of our staff, community, and stakeholders and to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can contribute one’s authentic self.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the Downtown San Diego Partnership, we are an organization that attracts and empowers diversity throughout our workplace and in the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the whole person and the lived experience that makes each of us unique. We strive to foster a safe environment, both internally within our organization and externally towards the communities we engage with, in which we encourage all voices to be heard and amplified as needed. We know our strengths come from championing our differences and acknowledge that each person deserves a voice and a seat at the table. Our ability to feel or be united through inclusion will result in better discussions, decisions, and outcomes that will allow us to advance the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego.

DSDP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Downtown San Diego Partnership provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.