Senior Director/Director for State Government Relations, VCU

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director/Senior Director provides comprehensive state government relations services for VCU and partners with government relations colleagues at VCU Health System on advocacy efforts. The individual also provides policy analysis and guidance to the President, Vice President for Government Relations and senior leadership on a wide array of higher education issues and priorities. This position is the primary interface for state level policymakers on behalf of VCU under the direction of the Vice President for Government Relations and the Vice President for External Affairs and Health Policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience)
Extensive knowledge of state government policy and process
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with state legislators, senior government administrators, and key stakeholders
Strong organizational skills with a high degree of discretion and professionalism
Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and public relations skills
Strong analytical skills to interpret complex legislation, regulations, and budget documents
Ability to research, analyze, and produce executive-level communications on higher education policy
Experience developing and implementing policy recommendations with broad institutional impact
Knowledge of Virginia higher education systems and operations
Ability to communicate, influence, and negotiate with policymakers and opinion leaders to advance institutional priorities
Ability to produce clear executive summaries and advocacy materials
Ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance with university and government regulations
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and with a relatively high level of autonomy in a rapidly changing, politically diverse environment
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Seven to nine years of experience in state government or policy roles
Comprehensive knowledge of the Virginia higher education landscape

Responsibilities

Establish and support strategic legislative priorities and budget advocacy efforts
Align government relations strategy with institutional priorities, including academic, research and health system goals
Attend and represent VCU at legislative, regulatory, and budget meetings in Richmond and across the Commonwealth
Track and monitor legislation, including rapid response to emerging policy issues
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education throughout the year and advise leadership accordingly
Advocate effectively for institutional interests on key higher education policy issues
Proactively coordinate strategic engagement with executive and legislative stakeholders
Prepare leadership for external engagement, including briefing materials and talking points
Establish internal relationships and collaborate with subject matter experts at VCU to evaluate legislative impact and policy implications
Engage with external partners and coalitions, such as higher education associations or regional advocacy groups
Deliver public presentations across campus and in the broader community
Collaborate with other institutions of higher education and various associations to align shared goals and enhance advocacy efforts
Support implementation of higher education policy initiatives
Contribute to long-term strategic planning related to the institution’s government relations strategy
Perform additional duties aligned with the mission of the VCU Office of Governmental Relations