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LOCATION:

This is a full-time role that can be located anywhere in California. Travel to Sacramento will be necessary to engage with the State Legislature and the FPPC. The person in this role is expected to be fully remote but may choose to be fully or partially based in our Downtown Los Angeles office.

 

POSITION AVAILABLE:

Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability Program Manager

 

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director, CA

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

California Common Cause is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization fighting for a better, healthier, and more inclusive California democracy. We work toward state and local governments that are responsive to and reflective of the communities they are meant to serve.

To build a representative and participatory democracy, California must have governments at all levels that are worthy of the time, trust, and energy of voters and residents. We seek a Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability Program Manager who will lead California Common Cause’s work to hold power accountable and to build honest, open, and trustworthy governments.

The Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability Program Manager’s work will include policy, research, and enforcement efforts around issues of government ethics, lobbying reform, conflicts of interest, behested payments, government transparency, open records laws, and other similar issues. The Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability Program Manager will use a variety of tools in their work, including research and data analysis, policy analysis and development, and legislative and administrative advocacy. The Program Manager will follow legislation and regulations in their area of focus and engage with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) directly; work with the State Legislature will be directed through California Common Cause’s Legislative Director and Legal & Policy Director. The Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability Program Manager will also handle incoming media requests in their area of focus.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:               

  • Policy research and data analysis: Help identify underexposed and emerging issues in government ethics, conflicts of interest, campaign finance, and lobbying by examining campaign financing reports, lobbying reports, and other disclosures. Write reports and briefs where necessary.
  • Policy development: Through collaboration with other experts and stakeholders, and through examination of ethics, accountability, and transparency laws used in other states and nations, identify and develop a legislative agenda for California Common Cause in this area.
  • Administrative advocacy: Track the work of the Fair Political Practices Commission closely and develop contacts at the agency; do advocacy on FPPC agenda items and regulations where necessary and engage partners to do the same.
  • Legislative advocacy: Provide subject area expertise to California Common Cause’s Legislative Director and Legal & Policy Director as they draft and advocate for legislation on ethics, accountability, and transparency issues.
  • Media interviews: Act as California Common Cause’s subject matter expert on ethics, accountability, and transparency issues when responding to media inquiries. Proactively engage California’s political press corps to raise coverage of these issues.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:                 

  • Three or more years of legal and/or policy experience in government ethics and accountability.
    • This may include work with laws/regulations governing ethics, lobbying, conflicts of interest, behested payments, government transparency, public records, and other similar issues. Experience on all or even most of these issues is not required.
    • Law degree or other relevant advanced degree preferred but not required.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce written policy analysis and/or reports.
  • Demonstrated ability to initiate and self-manage projects.
  • Commitment to the public interest and Common Cause’s mission.
  • Excellent analytical and critical analysis skills, and exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong writing abilities.
  • High standard of professionalism and personal ethics.
  • Ability to work independently in a deadline-driven environment with competing priorities.
  • Flexible, self-starter, multi-tasker with the ability to thrive in a remote office environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency, including the ability to work effectively with those belonging to groups of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, language, ability, age and socioeconomic status.

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

 

EQUITY & INCLUSION:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Common Cause is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the organization and believes strongly in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce.

 

SALARY RANGE:

$74,000-84,000, depending on experience/qualifications.

 

TO APPLY:

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include “Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability Program Manager (CA)” in the subject line. No phone calls please. Covid-19 vaccines are required, except where prohibited by law.  Reasonable accommodations will be provided when required by law.

 

ABOUT COMMON CAUSE:

Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has more than 1.2 million members and supporters living in every Congressional district in the United States, and offices in 30 states around the country. More information can be found at: www.commoncause.org.

Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.

 

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