Public Policy Advocate I or Public Policy Advocate II

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US! 

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: [email protected] . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION:

Sacramento, CA

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: 

Exempt; Regular; Full-time

SALARY RANGE: 

Public Policy Advocate I: $75,928.00 to 91,465.00

Public Policy Advocate II: 78,119.00 to 98,817.00

Important Note:  As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

• 8% Match – 401K
• Health benefits (HMO options) 
• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans. Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc 
• We offer ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December) 
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.  

INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

• Regular employees 
• Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying  
• Employed for more than 6 months
• In good standing 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by 10/28/2026 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

UNIT

External Affairs / Public Policy

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Public Policy Advocate (I or II) is part of the policy unit for Disability Rights California (DRC) and is responsible for legislative and budget advocacy activities as well as community education, engagement, and empowerment. DRC Public Policy Advocates identify, monitor, and advocate on legislative and budget activities that affect disabled Californians.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Policy Advocate essential functions: 

- Lead DRC’s policy work in at least one (for Advocate I) or two (for Advocate II) subject areas, for example: K-12 education, labor & employment, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility.

- Engage in advocacy activities at the Capitol and within the disability community on issues of importance to the disability community.

- Represent DRC through the legislative process: advocate, consult, and negotiate with legislators and their staff, committee consultants, administrative department heads, and their staff and other stakeholders involved in the legislative process including other disability rights organizations and the disability community. 

- Analyze and develop recommendations on legislative and budget proposals, independently (Advocate II) or with support (Advocate I).

- Draft position letters and amendments on bills and budget items, including DRC-sponsored legislation, independently (Advocate II) or with support (Advocate I).

- Testify as appropriate at legislative committee hearings in Sacramento.

- Act as a liaison and representative of DRC and build strong relationships with selected agencies, task forces, committees, coalitions and community-based organizations related to areas of responsibility.

- Support (for Advocate I) or lead (for Advocate II) in developing easy-to-understand materials and training California grassroots constituencies to understand and respond to state and national policy issues. 

- Support Disability Rights California’s efforts in the media on assigned issue area(s), and (for Advocate II) work with the Communications team to identify policy matters for the media.

Other Duties 

- Limited travel, as assigned.

- Perform other duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervision required for this position. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Individuals in this position must live in or around Sacramento, California. Ability to travel occasionally for activities such as out-of-town meetings, trainings, or policy activities up to 10% of the time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, the public, elected and appointed officials, people with disabilities, and governmental agencies, especially at the state and local levels.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative process and protocols and public policy issues regarding rights of and services for persons with disabilities, and other public interest areas.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation and draft related statements on behalf of the organization, independently (Advocate II) or with support (Advocate I).
• Knowledge of public policy developments and laws at the local, state, and federal levels regarding rights of and services for people with disabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other DRC staff, community organizations, agencies and the Legislature.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and explain legislation so it is easily understood by people in the Legislature and the general public, independently (Advocate II) or with support (Advocate I).

Policy Advocate II

• At least one year of experience as a legislative staffer or advocate.
• Two years of additional experience in any of the following areas: 1) legislative advocacy or legislative staffing; 2) community organizing; or 3) advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
• A BA or BS degree in a relevant field plus (Two years of additional legislative experience can be substituted for a degree). 

Policy Advocate I

• Two years of experience in any of the following areas: 1) legislative advocacy or legislative staffing; 2) community organizing; or 3) advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
• A BA or BS degree in a relevant field (Two years of additional experience as a legislative staffer or advocate can be substituted for a degree).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

(Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Bilingual: Spanish, American Sign Language, or an Asian language. 
• Life experience as a person with a disability or connection to disability.
• Experience working in a California legislative office, legislative or budget committee, or working for the state in a legislative or budget development capacity. 
• Experience working with and/or sensitivity to disabled people and/or experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.
• J.D. or post graduate degree in related fields such as political science, public administration or other subjects that provide foundation for legal analysis, lobbying and drafting of legislation for people with disabilities.
• Experience with CapitolTrack or other legislative tracking platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to draft bill language, budget trailer bill language and bill amendments.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in stakeholder meetings and build relationships with government officials/offices to influence public policy.
• Contacts with disability organizations or within disability communities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability related reasonable accommodations. Duties are generally performed in an office environment and also in the State Capitol, in legislative offices and public hearing rooms.