Special Advisor for Public Policy and Community Impact

George Mason University•Arlington, VA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Special Advisor for Public Policy and Community Impact serves as a senior strategic advisor within the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC), supporting George Mason University’s engagement with policy environments, community partnerships, and external stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Access, Compliance, and Community, this role provides executive-level guidance on public policy trends, developments, and opportunities to advance the university’s mission through strategic partnerships and community-centered initiatives. The Special Advisor strengthens the university’s capacity to navigate complex policy landscapes by building relationships with stakeholders, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community coalitions. The position also supports fundraising and resource development efforts by identifying philanthropic and grant opportunities that align with OACC priorities and the university’s commitment to access, opportunity, and community impact. In alignment with the mission of OACC, the Special Advisor also provides strategic insight on public policy developments that may influence the university’s civil rights obligations, accessibility initiatives, and broader compliance environment. This includes advising leadership on emerging policy trends that intersect with institutional responsibilities related to access and community engagement. Through policy analysis, coalition-building, and strategic advising, the Special Advisor helps position George Mason University as a trusted partner and thought leader in addressing issues affecting vulnerable and underserved populations. This role enhances the university’s ability to translate policy insight into meaningful institutional strategy and community engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, political science, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
Extensive experience in state and/or federal legislative environments, including direct engagement in policymaking or elected office (typically ten or more years);
Demonstrated experience working with legislative bodies, executive branch agencies, or policy organizations to advance public policy initiatives;
Experience working with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, or public sector entities to advance community partnerships or public programs;
Experience leading or participating in regional, statewide, or national coalitions addressing public policy or community impact issues;
Experience securing or managing public or philanthropic funding that supports community-based initiatives, policy research, or program implementation;
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political and governmental systems with professionalism and discretion;
Demonstrated skills in fundraising, grant development, or philanthropic engagement. Strong track record in building and sustaining cross-sector partnerships;
Demonstrated knowledge analyzing public policy and translating complex policy issues into strategic guidance for organizational leadership;
Proven ability to provide high-level strategic advising to senior leaders and to manage relationships with external stakeholders; and
Exceptional executive communication and relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field;
Experience serving in an elected office, legislative leadership role, or senior policy advisory position at the state or federal level;
Demonstrated experience developing and managing external partnerships that support organizational initiatives, including collaboration with government agencies, foundations, or community stakeholders. Familiarity with the policy environment affecting public higher education, including issues related to workforce development, research funding, civil rights responsibilities, and community engagement; and
Demonstrated ability to manage high-profile stakeholder relationships. Familiarity with higher education governance and public research institutions.

Responsibilities

Public Policy Analysis and Strategic Advising
Advises the Vice President for Access, Compliance, and Community on opportunities to align policy developments, community partnerships, and external funding opportunities with the university’s strategic goals;
Provides insight into how emerging policy issues may intersect with the university’s civil rights responsibilities, accessibility efforts, and broader engagement with the communities Mason serves;
Monitors and analyzes policy developments that may affect higher education, civil rights responsibilities, accessibility initiatives, workforce development, and community partnerships;
Develops high-level policy analyses and strategic briefs to inform institutional decision-making;
Anticipates legislative developments and advises on institutional positioning; and
Provides strategic guidance and policy briefings to the Vice President for Access, Compliance, and Community and other university leaders to support informed institutional decision-making.
External Engagement
Develops and maintains productive relationships with stakeholders, government agencies, and public sector partners;
Represents the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community in meetings, policy discussions, and external forums as appropriate;
Collaborates with university Government and Community Relations to ensure consistent engagement with stakeholders;
Identifies opportunities to position Mason as a thought leader in statewide and national policy discussions; and
Enhances OACC’s external visibility as a leader in access, community engagement, and policy-informed strategy.
Fundraising and Resource Development
Identifies and cultivates public and philanthropic funding opportunities aligned with OACC’s strategic priorities;
Partners with University Advancement, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and Sponsored Programs to advance grant and funding initiatives;
Supports development of policy-informed funding proposals and concept briefs;
Leverages external relationships to expand philanthropic partnerships that support community-focused initiatives; and
Assists the Vice President in coordinating engagement with the OACC Advisory Board, including supporting board communications, identifying partnership opportunities, and leveraging board member expertise and networks to advance OACC’s strategic priorities and external partnerships.
Community Partnerships and Coalition Leadership
Strengthens partnerships with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, local governments, and cross-sector coalitions;
Convenes stakeholders to advance collaborative solutions addressing systemic barriers affecting marginalized communities;
Aligns Mason’s institutional priorities with community-identified needs; and
Elevate community-informed perspectives in policy discussions and university strategy.