Director of Government Affairs

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Government Affairs will serve as the lead advocate, effectively and concisely communicating needs and impacts to legislators and other policymakers. This role involves identifying organizational needs, potential state legislative or executive funding sources, and cultivating stakeholder champions. The Director will also perform a stewardship function, communicating to sponsors and allies about the timely investment and results of funding. A key responsibility is communicating with the UF/IFAS client network to facilitate needs assessment and support for statewide teaching, Extension, and research programs. The Director must be well-versed in UF/IFAS initiatives and skilled in articulating their benefits and impacts. This role requires lobbying directly for UF/IFAS projects and programs, and countering policies harmful to UF and IFAS interests. The Director must be fluent, clear, and persuasive in various communication settings, from informal conversations to formal presentations and the development of printed and digital materials in collaboration with UF/IFAS Communications. Ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal regulations for all programs and activities is essential. The Director will develop and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, and stakeholders, coordinating with colleagues to avoid duplication and ensure clarity on IFAS priorities. This role involves working directly with the Senior Vice President (SVP) and their chief of staff to arrange legislative visits and opportunities to engage stakeholders. Driving is required for this role. Coordination with the chief of staff to integrate the SVP into legislative efforts and with lobbying teams representing other agricultural organizations in Tallahassee is expected. Attendance at industry events, visits to IFAS faculty, staff, facilities, and programs statewide, necessitating overnight travel, is also part of the role. The Director will serve as an advisor to the SVP, providing direct and proactive advice, as well as responsive feedback on proposals, including potential drawbacks and negative consequences. Drafting communications, including briefings with the SVP and UF government relations, is required. Participation is expected at SVP cabinet meetings and UF/IFAS Administrative Council meetings, as well as legislative huddles with the SVP and other UF representatives. Responding to legislative inquiries and stakeholders with timely updates and identifying faculty experts for testimony is crucial. Coordination with the in-house UF government relations team in Tallahassee and the federal government relations team, including preparing CARET delegates for DC visits, is also a responsibility. The Director will supervise a Legislative Associate.

Requirements

Master’s degree in appropriate area and six years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.
Valid Driver's License is required.

Nice To Haves

A degree or experience related to government relations.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of Florida and federal legislative processes.
Experience in preparing presentations.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead advocate for communicating needs and impacts to legislators and policymakers.
Identify organizational needs and potential state legislative or executive funding sources.
Cultivate stakeholder champions for projects.
Communicate to sponsors and allies about the timely investment and results of funding.
Communicate with the UF/IFAS client network to facilitate needs assessment and support for statewide teaching, Extension, and research programs.
Lobby directly for support of UF/IFAS projects and programs.
Counter policies, proposals, and bills harmful to the interests of UF and IFAS.
Develop and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, and stakeholders.
Coordinate with colleagues to avoid duplication of efforts and confusion about IFAS priorities.
Work directly with the SVP and their chief of staff in arranging legislative visits and opportunities to interface with stakeholders and allies.
Coordinate with the chief of staff to integrate the SVP into legislative efforts.
Coordinate with lobbying teams representing other agricultural organizations in Tallahassee.
Serve as an advisor to the Senior Vice President, providing direct and proactive advice, as well as responsive feedback on proposals.
Draft communications, including briefings with the SVP and UF government relations.
Respond to legislative inquiries and major stakeholders with timely updated information.
Identify and recruit faculty experts to testify, as needed.
Coordinate and communicate with the in-house team based in the UF government relations office in Tallahassee.
Coordinate with the federal government relations team.
Prepare CARET delegates for DC visits with briefing books and Zoom/phone briefings and debriefings.
Supervise the Legislative Associate.