Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is a progressive leader serving San Diego County, home to over 3.3 million people with an $8 billion annual budget. After decisively winning re-election for a second term in San Diego’s swing district, she is now seeking a mission-driven and experienced Special or Legal Advisor to join her in defending the values of fairness, opportunity, democracy, public health and safety, and the rule of law, especially as the region faces potential challenges from a second Trump Administration.

Representing six coastal cities and surrounding unincorporated areas, Supervisor Lawson-Remer has delivered meaningful results for her constituents, including:

• Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services.

• Holding corporate landlords accountable for driving up housing costs.

• Addressing environmental crises like the Tijuana River sewage contamination and safeguarding our coastline.

• Significantly improving labor protections, working conditions, and wages for tens of thousands of working families, and cracking-down on wage theft.

• Establishing the nation’s first ever Immigrant Legal Defense Program in a border county. 

• Pioneering “alternatives to incarceration” to advance community safety through services to reduce recidivism.

• Strengthening gun safety laws and using red flag laws to protect public safety.

• Combatting homelessness through shelters, tiny homes, and safe camping sites.

• Protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to legal, safe abortions.

In her next term, she will continue this critical work and focus on safeguarding San Diego County from potential threats under a second Trump presidency.

Terra is an economist, attorney, community organizer, and educator.  Before running for elected office, Terra worked as a senior advisor in the Obama Administration; as a professor of public policy in San Diego and New York; as an economist and attorney for the World Bank and global advocacy organizations including Amnesty International, Avaaz, and Namati; and as a political strategist for the labor movement and the Open Society Institute. She got her start in community organizing as a direct action coordinator and as the founder of a national student organization fighting against inequality and for a more just and sustainable future.  

Join Terra in this critical fight for San Diego’s future. For more, visit www.SupervisorTerraLawson-Remer.com.

Job Title: Special Advisor or Legal Advisor

Summary: Seeking a Special Advisor with significant political and/or legal experience to help drive the Supervisor’s agenda. This is a senior role reporting directly to the elected Supervisor and Chief of Staff.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Proven experience in crafting and implementing complex and effective policies.
• Deep and proven expertise in one or more of the following areas: labor law and policy; fiscal law and policy (federal, CA state, or CA local); revenue and ballot measures; environmental, environmental justice, or climate law and policy; CA municipal law as it relates specifically to counties; criminal justice; economic policy; health law and policy; immigration law and policy; affirmative litigation (plaintiff-side tort class and mass actions); law and social change; housing, homelessness, and land use law and policy; social safety net programs.

• Proven ability to work effectively with stakeholders and build and manage complicated coalitions to advance impactful policy agendas. 

• Expertise in evaluating and making recommendations regarding legislation and policy proposals to understand their impact, practical implications, and alignment with current regulations.
• Proven ability to take on increasing responsibilities with confidence, identify long-term opportunities, and align efforts with the elected Supervisor’s vision. Balances immediate priorities with strategic goals to actively shape team direction and impact.
• Track record of achieving measurable outcomes by seeing projects through from start to finish, identifying obstacles, and developing proactive solutions that drive momentum and impact across policy and operations.
• Team-oriented and adept at fostering partnerships internally and externally. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multifaceted projects and achieve desired outcomes.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a proven capacity for quickly building expertise in new areas.
• Experience with government and community-based organizations, with a focus on equity, sustainability, and/or social justice.
• Expertise in interpreting legal statutes, regulations, and case law to inform policy decisions. Skilled in identifying legal risks and advising on strategies to mitigate potential liabilities.
• Extensive experience with public sector law, skilled in advising on the legal implications of government actions and policy decisions.

 

Strong assets, though not strict requirements:

• Juris Doctor degree (California Bar membership not required)

• MPP/MPA/PhD in public policy

• 15+ years of legal and policy experience

Salary and Benefits:

• $130,000-$170,000 annually based on experience

• Defined benefit pension plan with additional savings options through 457 and 401 accounts

• County-paid flexible credits that allow you to choose from a variety of benefit plans, including medical, dental and vision insurances, short term disability and critical illness programs (some costs may be out of pocket depending upon individual elections).

• County-paid life and accident insurance and long-term disability.

• Transit pass reimbursement program 

• 15 days of vacation a year, 14 County-paid holidays, floating holidays, paid sick leave, and discretionary executive time off

• Growth and personal development opportunities.

 

To Apply:

 

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Meghan.Elledge@sdcounty.ca.gov. Will review on a rolling basis until the position is filled.   

Please click here to view the complete job description for this position.  

Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this job announcement may be modified or revoked and do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
 
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

Condition Of Employment:
 
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. (Current employees may be exempt from this process.)  

 

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
 
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
 
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! 

 

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.    

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

 

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority. 

About Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is a progressive leader serving San Diego County, home to over 3.3 million people with an $8 billion annual budget. After decisively winning re-election for a second term in San Diego’s purple district, she is now seeking a dedicated Director of Communications & Public Relations to join her in defending the values of fairness, opportunity, democracy, and the rule of law, especially as the region faces potential challenges from a second Trump Administration.

Representing six coastal cities and surrounding unincorporated areas, Supervisor Lawson-Remer has delivered meaningful results for her constituents, including:

• Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services.
• Holding corporate landlords accountable for driving up housing costs.
• Addressing environmental crises like the Tijuana River sewage contamination and safeguarding our coastline.
• Significantly improving labor protections, working conditions, and wages for tens of thousands of working families, and cracking-down on wage theft.
• Establishing the nation’s first ever Immigrant Legal Defense Program in a border county. 
• Pioneering “alternatives to incarceration” to advance community safety through services to reduce recidivism.
• Strengthening gun safety laws and using red flag laws to protect public safety.
• Combatting homelessness through shelters, tiny homes, and safe camping sites.
• Protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to legal, safe abortions.

In her next term, she will continue this critical work and safeguard San Diego County from any potential threats under a second Trump presidency.

Terra is an economist, attorney, community organizer, and educator.  Before running for elected office, Terra worked as a senior advisor in the Obama Administration; as a professor of public policy in San Diego and New York; as an economist and attorney for the World Bank and global advocacy organizations including Amnesty International, Avaaz, and Namati; and as a political strategist for the labor movement and the Open Society Institute. She got her start in community organizing as a direct-action coordinator and founder of a national student organization fighting against inequality and for a more just and sustainable future.  

Join Terra in this critical fight for San Diego’s future. For more, visit www.SupervisorTerraLawson-Remer.com.

Position Objectives

1. Uplift the Supervisors’ work in the community, in the Third District, and in San Diego County.
2. Uplift the Supervisors’ policy work and leadership with regional, statewide, and national partners and stakeholders.
3. Generate earned media attention for the Supervisors’ initiatives. 
4. Lead planning and execution of events planned by the office, and secure opportunities for external event appearances.   
5. Manage a robust digital media program, including paid advocacy.
6. Lead and inspire the communications and community engagement teams.   

Roles & Responsibilities 

Communications 
Craft and execute strategic communication plans to enhance the reputation of and visibility of Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer and the office. 
Manage media relations, including but not limited to proactively working with reporters, and responding to media requests. 
Draft press releases, speeches, social media content, emails, digital, website content and other communications materials.
Manage the communications team, including coordinating their work schedules, providing leadership and direction for assignments.  

Staff Support and Mentoring
Support and mentor junior staff members, help foster their growth and professional development, including mentoring on communications for policy team members, communications team members, constituent services team members, community engagement team members, and other senior leadership staff.

Marketing
Maximize public awareness of the Supervisor through a single clear voice that establishes brand identity.
Set priorities and strategies for communications, marketing, and events planning; collaborate with the team on implementation, and ensure deadlines are met with quality, consistency, and accuracy. 
Serve as a project manager and collaborate with the team members to create, refine, implement and direct local and national marketing campaigns to elevate the profile of the Supervisor as a leader on climate change and environment, fair labor practices, affordable healthcare, and more. 
Oversee both internal and external messaging for critical school communication and is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive and dynamic communications, marketing, and public relations strategy. 
Lead the editorial development, design, production, and distribution of print, digital, and social media content, events (i.e. annual report, viewbook, print material, advertisements, design, programs, etc.)

Community Engagement Amplification
Work closely with our community engagement team to amplify their efforts. This will involve assisting community representatives with talking points and communicating strategies, enabling them to effectively engage with external stakeholders and community partners.
Collaborate with the community engagement team to develop comprehensive strategies that maximize community outreach, foster meaningful partnerships, and identify innovative approaches to engage with District 3 residents.

Supporting Chief of Staff
Work closely with the Chief of Staff to assist in various tasks, including crisis management, strategic planning and navigating complex challenges that may arise.

Candidate Skills / Abilities / Qualities 

• Leading your own team
• Strategic planning and execution
• Collaborating with different areas/departments of a larger team
• Hands on experience working with television, radio, print, online, digital news outlets
• Ability to handle high pressure situations
• Event, conference, symposium planning and execution 
• Writing materials for media, community, and policy leaders
• Organized individuals with extensive experience
• A self-starter capable of operating independently
• Hands on experience providing guidance to executive level individuals
• An interest in making San Diego County a better place for people to live and work
• Values that align with those of Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer   
• Knowledge and experience working with digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, Linkedin, Threads, TikTok, Constant Contact, websites, etc.)
• Strategic planning for placement of digital advertising 
• Managing external contractors and vendors (PR firms, printers, etc.) 
• Hands on experience and interest working in political environments  

Experience Required

• Ten years or more of experience working in communications, public relations or media
• Five years or more leading teams
• Three to five years or more working with executive level principals
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university 

Salary $145,00-185,000 

To Apply

Send your resume, a cover letter, and examples of your work to Chief of Staff Meghan Elledge at Meghan.Elledge@sdcounty.ca.gov. Be sure to put “Director of Communications & Public Relations” in the email subject.    

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please click here to view the complete job description for this position.  

Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this job announcement may be modified or revoked and do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
 
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

Condition of Employment
 
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. (Current employees may be exempt from this process.)  

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
 
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
 
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! 

 

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.    

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

 

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is a progressive leader serving San Diego County, home to over 3.3 million people with an $8 billion annual budget. After decisively winning re-election for a second term in San Diego’s purple district, she is now seeking a dedicated Senior Policy Advisor to join her in defending the values of fairness, opportunity, democracy, and the rule of law. Local governments are now the vital defenders of community rights, standing up against federal overreach from a second Trump Administration and initiatives like Project 2025 that threaten local autonomy and democratic safeguards.

Representing six coastal cities and surrounding unincorporated areas, Supervisor Lawson-Remer has delivered meaningful results for her constituents, including:

• Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services.
• Holding corporate landlords accountable for driving up housing costs.
• Addressing environmental crises like the Tijuana River sewage contamination and safeguarding our coastline.
• Significantly improving labor protections, working conditions, and wages for tens of thousands of working families, and cracking-down on wage theft.
• Establishing the nation’s first ever Immigrant Legal Defense Program in a border county. 
• Pioneering “alternatives to incarceration” to advance community safety through services to reduce recidivism.
• Strengthening gun safety laws and using red flag laws to protect public safety.
• Combatting homelessness through shelters, tiny homes, and safe camping sites.
• Protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to legal, safe abortions.

In her next term, she will continue this critical work and safeguard San Diego County from any potential threats under a second Trump presidency.

Terra is an economist, attorney, community organizer, and educator. Before running for elected office, Terra worked as a senior advisor in the Obama Administration; as a professor of public policy in San Diego and New York; as an economist and attorney for the World Bank and global advocacy organizations including Amnesty International, Avaaz, and Namati; and as a political strategist for the labor movement and the Open Society Institute. She got her start in community organizing as a direct-action coordinator and founder of a national student organization fighting against inequality and for a more just and sustainable future.  

Join Terra in this critical fight for San Diego’s future. For more, visit www.SupervisorTerraLawson-Remer.com.

Job Title: Senior Policy Advisor 
 
Summary: Seeking a Senior Policy Advisor with significant political experience to help drive the Supervisor’s policy agenda. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies that promote a transformative, progressive agenda in San Diego County. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding and demonstrated track record of advancing policies in one of the following areas: environment and climate, health, fiscal and budget, legal or labor policy.
 
Significant expertise in one or multiple of the following areas is essential:

• Environment and Climate Policy: Environmental Justice, Land Use, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Renewable Energy, Environmental Justice, Ecosystem Restoration, State and Federal Policies. 
• Health Policy: Healthcare Access, Health Equity, Public Health Services, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Behavioral Health Services, and related areas. 
• Fiscal Policy: Budgeting, Financial Management, Economic Analysis, and related fields. 
• Public Safety Policy: Criminal Justice, and Alternatives to Incarceration 
• Legal: Deep understanding of public interest law, both at the state and federal levels. 
• Labor Policy: Worker’s Rights, Labor Unions, Labor Contracts, Labor Advocacy, and related labor policy areas. 

Are you ready to make a substantial impact and contribute to the betterment of our community? Join us to advance a progressive agenda at the forefront of policy and movement builders. 
 
We are looking for experienced visionaries, creative and dogged problem-solvers, and great team players.

Skills and Experience Required:

• 10+ years of policy, legal, finance, and/or operations experience in the listed topics above.
• Excellent judgment regarding strategic policy priorities, taking into consideration the political and communication landscape.
• Intuitive understanding of the intersection between policy, communications, and community organizing
• A strong history of successfully driving and owning complex projects independently.
• Nimble and quick thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset, constantly looking for opportunities to uplift key policy areas. 
• Ability to quickly build expertise in new issue areas.
• Significant experience organizing diverse stakeholders to drive a policy agenda, convening groups, and navigating political and relational complexities.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple simultaneous projects over short and long-time horizons.
• Excellent writer and researcher, with the ability to connect complex ideas with the lives of real people, and convey complicated concepts cogently and compellingly
• Experience working with government and community-based organizations, with a focus on equity and social justice. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Providing ongoing policy briefs on diverse, complex, and often unanticipated issues that come before the Board of Supervisors for a vote.
• Producing deep-dive policy and operational research and analysis on priority initiatives.
• Consulting with community partners to gather input and build support for the Supervisors’ policy agenda.
• Drafting formal policy proposals for consideration and vote by the Board.
• Meeting with County staff to gather policy input and monitor and supervise policy implementation.
• Managing cross-functional teams that include communications specialists and community organizers.
• Translating complex policy ideas into talking points, emails, briefs, and other publicly accessible communications.

Salary and Benefits:

• $115,000 - $155,000, based on experience.
• Defined benefit pension plan with additional savings options through 457 and 401 accounts
• County-paid flexible credits that allow you to choose from a variety of benefit plans, including medical, dental and vision insurances, short term disability and critical illness programs (some costs may be out of pocket depending upon individual elections).
• County-paid life and accident insurance and long-term disability.
• Transit pass reimbursement program 
• 15 days of vacation a year, 14 County-paid holidays, floating holidays, paid sick leave, and discretionary executive time off. 
• Growth and personal development opportunities.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jeffrey.Yuen@sdcounty.ca.gov using the subject line “Senior Policy Advisor Application: Full Name” Please name your files as in this example: Name_Surname_Resume.pdf.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled.  

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please click here to view the complete job description for this position.  

Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this job announcement may be modified or revoked and do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
 
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

Condition of Employment:
 
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. (Current employees may be exempt from this process.)  

 

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
 
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
 
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! 

 

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.    

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

 

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.