Djibril Diop
Seattle,WA
Summary
Djibril is an accomplished executive recognized for advancing political and legislative initiatives through organizational leadership, strategic counsel, and coalition building. Over the course of his career, he has guided campaigns at every level — from school board to gubernatorial and congressional races — achieving a strong record of success by integrating public opinion research, data-driven insights, and equity-focused leadership.
Respected for building bipartisan and diverse coalitions, Djibril has partnered with interest groups, public officials, and government agencies to advance key priorities while providing trusted counsel to executive boards. Each year, he actively lobbies for multiple pieces of legislation, consistently delivering measurable policy change and strengthening organizational outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Government Relations
Washington Education Association
07.2020 - Current
- Served as Chief Lobbyist, spearheading all legislative and political efforts for the organization.
- Directed the government affairs department, managing a team of 8 FTEs and leading day-to-day operations.
- Served on the senior management team, reporting directly to the President, Board of Directors, and Executive Director.
- Designed and delivered political training programs for association members and leaders to strengthen advocacy capacity.
- Partnered with organizational leadership and the board to guide and implement operational and strategic priorities.
- Led sophisticated political election programs, including multiple independent expenditure campaigns, achieving a 90% success rate.
- Oversaw departmental resources and assets, ensuring compliance with legal reporting standards and government regulations.
- Maximized team performance by establishing clear goals, monitoring progress, and mentoring staff for professional growth.
- Executed successful strategies to expand membership engagement during electoral and lobbying campaigns.
- Collaborated with other departments to launch integrated organizing campaigns, including PAC fundraising initiatives.
- Represented the organization as a WEA Bargaining Team member, contributing to labor negotiations and strategy.
- Established departmental performance benchmarks and provided actionable feedback to improve underperforming areas.
Director, Government Relations
California Faculty Association
04.2014 - 07.2020
- Served as Chief Lobbyist, spearheading all legislative and political advocacy for the largest higher education faculty association in the U.S.
- Direct report to the President and Board of Directors, providing strategic counsel and advancing the association’s policy agenda.
- Managed a team of 4 FTEs (political and legislative staff) and oversaw a lobbying firm contract with 2 assigned lobbyists.
- Directed sophisticated political election programs, including multiple independent expenditure campaigns, with measurable success in advancing endorsed candidates and initiatives.
- Executed strategies that expanded membership engagement and strengthened grassroots advocacy during electoral and lobbying campaigns.
- Established a statewide faculty appointment system to ensure representation on state boards and commissions.
- Oversaw staff assignments to drive operational excellence, professional mentorship, and retention.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize impact of the association’s government relations program.
- Leveraged data and analytics to shape campaign strategy, track outcomes, and improve member engagement.
- Cultivated strong relationships with legislators, state agencies, and community partners to build bipartisan coalitions.
- Organized and led multiple high-profile statewide events, including California Governor Newsom’s Higher Education Tour.
Chief of Staff
California State Senate
11.2011 - 04.2014
- Served as the Senator’s chief political and legislative strategist, managing a legislative portfolio of 20+ bills per session while supporting the Senator’s service on five key committees: Judiciary, Agriculture, Public Safety, Appropriations, and Economic Development.
- Directed a professional team of 20, fostering accountability, mentorship, and operational excellence.
- Provided counsel during high-profile public relations and communications crises to protect and strengthen the Senator’s reputation.
- Built strong political partnerships and coalitions to advance the Senator’s legislative and community agenda.
- Oversaw public engagement through events, press conferences, and direct constituent outreach, ensuring visibility and trust.
Senior Consultant
California State Senate, Senate Majority Leader
10.2010 - 11.2011
- Managed a legislative portfolio covering utilities, economic development, judiciary, and education issues.
- Evaluated constituent and interest group requests, developing actionable strategies and policy responses.
- Drafted speeches, policy analyses, and mass communications for stakeholders and constituents, ensuring clarity and alignment with legislative priorities.
- Identified and advanced key legislative issues through collaboration with stakeholders, advocacy groups, and committee staff.
- Served as principal consultant on 10 pieces of legislation over tenure, guiding policy development and legislative outcomes.
Principal Consultant
California State Senate
01.2007 - 10.2010
- Select Committee on Sustainable Development & Economic Progress: Prepared hearings and briefings on land use, traffic congestion, and Brownfield redevelopment issues.
- Select Committee on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs: Organized legislative hearings addressing key issues impacting API communities.
- Conducted policy research, compiled data, and delivered professional presentations with findings and actionable recommendations.
Legislative Aide
California State Senate
12.2004 - 01.2007
- Advised the Senator on education, energy, and international trade policy issues, providing strategic counsel and legislative analysis.
- Managed communications, including press relations, constituent outreach, speechwriting, press releases, website content, and public speaking engagements.
- Served as Legislative Floor Manager, staffing approximately five bills per year through the legislative process.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Intercultural Communication
California State University
12.2004
Skills
- Membership organization management
- Effective public speaker
- Cross-functional team management
- Strategic partnerships
- Legislative advocacy
- Collaborative team development
- Board advisory experience
- Electoral campaign management
Accomplishments
- Managed WEA negotiations with the Governor of the State of Washington leading to a COVID safe reopening strategy for schools.
- Led PAC efforts to elect the most diverse legislature in the history of Washington State.
- Achieved the passage of landmark Capital gain tax legislation in Washington State. Generating over $500 Millions per year for education program.
- Legislation passed for full and equal collective bargaining rights for community and technical college faculty in Washington State.
- Led a coalition of U.S. automakers that successfully secured passage of California Senate Bill 286 (2013), granting HOV lane access to low-emission vehicles.
- Championed passage of California Senate Bill 861, the first state-level “conflict minerals” legislation, making California the pioneer in global corporate responsibility standards.
- Organized and led California State Senate delegations to the European Union to investigate and evaluate copyright laws.
- Led efforts to develop and advance California’s first Homeowner Bill of Rights, establishing landmark protections for homeowners.
- Nominated to Washington Governor Ferguson’s Transition Team, serving as Chair of the Education Committee.
Languages
French
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Wolof
Full Professional
Hobbies
Avid hiker and fisherman, African art lover, BBQ competitor, body surfing and taking the kids to a ball game.
Timeline
Director, Government Relations
Washington Education Association
07.2020 - Current
Director, Government Relations
California Faculty Association
04.2014 - 07.2020
Chief of Staff
California State Senate
11.2011 - 04.2014
Senior Consultant
California State Senate, Senate Majority Leader
10.2010 - 11.2011
Principal Consultant
California State Senate
01.2007 - 10.2010
Legislative Aide
California State Senate
12.2004 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Intercultural Communication
California State University
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