Director, Government Relations (Academic Affairs)

Texas A&M • Austin, TX

31d

About The Position

The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, nine state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond. The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP venter: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Job Description Summary: The Director of Government Relations works as a member of the Policy and Strategy team under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations - Policy and Strategy as the lead on academic policy. This role will serve as the lead on academic policy issues for the TAMUS government relations team.

Requirements

• Master's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of related experience in higher education and/or legislative issues.
• Experience using computer legislative research software.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and state government.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively gather, analyze, and communicate information.
• Periodic travel and work outside standard workday hours.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only.
• Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices.
• Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply.
• A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.
• All positions are security-sensitive.
• Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or degree in public policy or administration, program evaluation, quantitative/qualitative research, education measurement/research, financial affairs, academic affairs, legal research or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work as a member of the Policy and Strategy Team within TAM US Government Relations focusing on academic related legislative and policy issues affecting the A&M System and its institutions and agencies.
• Identify and monitor legislation, programs and issues related to academic policy affecting the Texas A&M System or its component institutions.
• Monitor interim legislative committee and state agency proceedings impacting the System and its institutions and agencies. Coordinate closely with other members of the System Government Relations team. Complete special duties and projects in support of the Office of Government Relations as needed.
• Work with key elected members and staff in securing passage of legislation related to academic affairs on behalf of the A&M System.
• Establish and maintain key contacts in all levels of state government, such as the Legislature, state agencies, especially the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and other institutions of higher education.
• Monitor, research, analyze and review legislation that may affect TAMUS and its institutions and agencies, and prepare/present verbal and written status updates on developments.
• Stay informed on broader academic policy news and trends at the state and national level in order to serve as a conduit in keeping institutional liaisons informed regarding the academic policy landscape.
• Be proactive in developing informative materials regarding the academic policy landscape to inform leaders and decision makers within the A&M System.
• Research various state higher education and general government policy issues. Research and prepare policy papers, reports, presentations and summary information.
• Seek input and feedback from the A&M System and its agencies and institutions for System Government Relations on the impact of state and federal policies, rules, regulations and legislation impacting the system.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive health benefits
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP venter
• additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options
• tuition assistance
• wellness programs to promote work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees