Director, Government Affairs

Nevada System of Higher Education • Charleston, SC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position will be Open until Filled. For full consideration, all application related materials should be submitted by August 6, 2026. The Director of Government Affairs reports to the Executive Director of External Relations and supports the Vice President of External Relations and Campus Operations Division. This position will serve as CSN's liaison to government officials, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Board of Regents, and strategic external partners. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Government Affairs establishes and maintains relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and senior college leadership; coordinates meetings and legislative engagement opportunities; collaborates on system-wide legislative priorities; and assists in developing and implementing a comprehensive government relations strategy that advances the college's mission and strategic priorities. The Director of Government Affairs is a key member of the Government Affairs team and plays an essential role in planning and executing CSN's government relations strategy. The position advances the college's legislative priorities by coordinating advocacy efforts, supporting policy development, monitoring legislation, and facilitating communication with government agencies, elected officials, and policymakers. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining comprehensive bill tracking throughout the legislative session and preparing legislative reports, briefing materials, presentations, testimony, and other advocacy collateral. The Director is expected to reside in Carson City during the Nevada Legislative Session. In addition to external advocacy, the Director works collaboratively across the college to engage students, faculty, staff, administrators, and shared governance groups in CSN's legislative and public policy efforts. The position helps build a campus-wide culture of advocacy by educating internal stakeholders on legislative priorities, gathering feedback on policy issues affecting the college, and developing an informed network of advocates who can effectively communicate CSN's impact and priorities to policymakers and the community. Candidates considered most qualified will demonstrate the ability to think strategically, build consensus, navigate complex political and confidential environments, develop trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders, and effectively represent the interests of a comprehensive community college. Successful candidates will possess experience in government relations or lobbying, a strong understanding of the legislative process, established relationships with elected officials and the lobbying community, exceptional communication and coalition-building skills, and the ability to help advance the strategic priorities of the College of Southern Nevada. Flexible working hours are required during the legislative session and throughout the year, including evenings and weekends. Considerable in-state travel is required, including full-time presence in Carson City during the legislative session (February through June of each biennium) and any special legislative sessions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4-5 years of comparable professional experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legislative tracking tools such as NELIS.
• Ability in maintaining compliance with lobbying laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze complex policy issues and develop clear, concise recommendations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Make decisions and take actions independently for a variety of diverse situations.
• Show a high degree of creativity and initiative.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or higher in political science, public administration, communications, or a related field from an accredited college; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience working with Nevada Legislature.
• Familiarity with Nevada’s legislative process, state agencies, and government operations.
• Previous experience as a registered lobbyist during a Nevada Legislative Session in Carson City, Nevada.
• Familiarity of the Nevada legislative process and political landscape.
• Established network within Nevada's political, governmental, higher education, and advocacy communities, with the ability to build coalitions in support of legislative priorities.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and senior college leadership.
• Coordinates meetings and legislative engagement opportunities.
• Collaborates on system-wide legislative priorities.
• Assists in developing and implementing a comprehensive government relations strategy that advances the college's mission and strategic priorities.
• Advances the college's legislative priorities by coordinating advocacy efforts, supporting policy development, monitoring legislation, and facilitating communication with government agencies, elected officials, and policymakers.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive bill tracking throughout the legislative session.
• Prepares legislative reports, briefing materials, presentations, testimony, and other advocacy collateral.
• Works collaboratively across the college to engage students, faculty, staff, administrators, and shared governance groups in CSN's legislative and public policy efforts.
• Helps build a campus-wide culture of advocacy by educating internal stakeholders on legislative priorities, gathering feedback on policy issues affecting the college, and developing an informed network of advocates who can effectively communicate CSN's impact and priorities to policymakers and the community.
• Assists CSN officials in the development of strategies that advocate the mission and needs of the institution to appropriate local, state, and federal government agencies.
• Cultivates, develops, and manages positive relationships with elected officials and other external stakeholders.
• Represents CSN at the Nevada Legislature and works cooperatively with NSHE on effective relationships with government officials.
• Assists with maintaining regular communications with external stakeholders, as directed.
• Coordinates, tracks and as needed testifies on higher education legislation as directed.
• Effectively synthesizes position papers and presentations related to government relations on behalf of the college under the direction of the President and in coordination with the senior administration.
• Coordinates dignitary relationships, visits, and initiatives as needed.
• Makes recommendations for CSN’s advocacy and strong governmental relationships.
• Analyzes, synthesizes, works under pressure, meets deadlines, networks with elected and opinion leaders, and accurately reports information.

Benefits

• Grant-in-Aid: Tuition & fee assistance for employees and their families at NSHE institutions.
• Time Off: CSN provides a variety of time-off options to help employees manage their work-life balance.
• Holidays: All CSN employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.
• Benefits: CSN offers attractive and customizable health insurance plans for employees and dependents.
• Retirement Plan: Participants contribute 19.25% with 100% employer match.
• On-site Early Childhood Education Center services available
• Learning & professional development opportunities.
• Active CSN Affinity Groups that focus on campus-wide diversity initiatives to create a welcoming campus climate.

What This Job Offers

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