Associate Vice President for Government Relations

CSU Careers • Turlock, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Full-time position under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) available on or after September 1, 2026 in the Office of the President. This position’s responsibilities are carried out independently under general direction. Provides strategic leadership for the University’s government relations and public policy functions. Serves as the chief government relations officer and principal advisor to the President and Cabinet on legislative, regulatory, and political matters affecting the University. Supports executive leadership and campus stakeholders in advancing student success, workforce development, research, and the acquisition of public resources essential to the University’s long-term vitality through effective governmental engagement. Develops and advances advocacy strategies aligned with institutional and CSU priorities; represents the University with local, state, and federal officials; and supports efforts to secure public funding and strengthen external partnerships. Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations and aligns government relations activities with University Advancement and external affairs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in related field. (Additional progressively responsible experience directly related to the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, policy advocacy, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or terminal degree from an accredited institution strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education or complex public-sector environment, preferably within the California State University system.
• Experience securing public funding or advancing legislative or policy initiatives at the local, state, or federal level.
• Experience supporting institutions serving diverse student populations, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
• Familiarity with issues affecting regional universities, including workforce development and economic mobility.
• Experience aligning government relations with advancement, communications, or external affairs functions.
• Experience representing an organization in systemwide, governmental, or external forums.
• Experience managing or coordinating complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison to local, state, and federal elected officials and government agencies.
• Represent the University in governmental, community, and systemwide forums.
• Coordinate campus visits, briefings, and events involving public officials.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with policymakers, community leaders, and external partners.
• Coordinate University participation in CSU systemwide advocacy efforts.
• Lead and coordinate advocacy visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
• Engage external stakeholders to advance workforce development and regional priorities.
• Support collaboration with internal stakeholders to align advocacy with institutional priorities.
• Coordinate and facilitate engagement between University leadership and government officials, including meetings, briefings, and communications.
• Facilitate engagement with CSU leadership, including the Chancellor’s Office and Board of Trustees.
• Represent the University at community forums, public events, and regional convenings.
• Provide strategic leadership for the University’s government relations and advocacy functions.
• Serve as principal advisor to the President and Cabinet on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters.
• Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies aligned with institutional and CSU priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on political dynamics, risk assessment, and policy implications.
• Lead institution-wide initiatives in support of governmental and public policy priorities.
• Establish frameworks to assess effectiveness of advocacy and government relations efforts.
• Provide counsel to senior leadership on emerging legislative trends, policy developments, and potential impacts to the University.
• Contribute to institutional positioning, external engagement strategy, and long-term planning efforts.
• Identify, pursue, and advance public funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Coordinate development of legislative proposals, budget requests, and policy positions.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory activity impacting the University.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable lobbying, ethics, and reporting requirements.
• Align government relations efforts with University Advancement and institutional resource strategies.
• Develop tracking and reporting tools for legislative activity and advocacy outcomes.
• Utilize data and analytics to inform advocacy strategy and decision-making.
• Support coordination of advocacy-related travel, briefings, and engagement activities.
• Prepare and coordinate development of issue briefs, funding proposals, and advocacy materials.
• Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of government relations efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• outstanding vacation, health, dental, and vision plans
• a fee waiver education program
• membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 15 paid holidays a year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive